"You Can Always Edit Something Bad, You Can't Edit Something Blank"

I don't want you to get the wrong idea, I am not some huge Jodi Picoult fan, but the following quote is from an interview with the author on The Guardian's website. I found this excerpt on the blog, Ask Allison, and thought that it was an important reminder to us all as writers, especially on days (or weeks) when the work isn't coming and the chorus of excuses such as, "I am so busy at my job," or "My boyfriend/child/dog really needs me to do fill-in-the-blank," or "With a day like today, how can I feel inspired?" start jumping around in your brain like some Mexican jumping beans.

Picoult says, “Writing is total grunt work. A lot of people think it's all about sitting and waiting for the muse. I don't buy that. It's a job. There are days when I really want to write, days when I don't. Every day I sit down and write. You can always edit something bad. You can't edit something blank. That has always been my mantra.”

So, keep that in mind. And, take note that Ms. Picoult was also applying for jobs at Home Depot stores early in her career, because she was convinced she wasn't going to make it. Now, she has published numerous titles all of which are a popular staple at many bookstores.