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Craft of Writing

Arthur R. Barnes

The Rocky Balboa Factor

Rocky is one of the best boxing movies of all times. I must admit I enjoyed every single one of the movies. I can hear the fans chanting, “Rocky, Rocky, Rocky!” Can’t you? Rocky is always the underdog in the fight of his life.
 
The writer’s life is best contrasted with the fictional character Rocky Balboa.
 
Every writer who is or desires to be successful at the craft must possess the Rocky Balboa factor.
 
As your eyes are glued upon every word, you will see in vivid detail what I mean for yourself. So, relax and enjoy.
 
When first starting out as a writer, I possessed natural skills and writing ability. I believed in my heart I was a good writer.
 
Rocky Balboa believes he is a good boxer. That is until Mickey shows up at his house telling him differently. Mickey becomes his reality check. Rejection letters became my Mickey. Have you met your Mickey yet?
 
Has he come across your doorstep confronting you with the truth yet? Mickey shows Rocky a side of himself that changes Rocky for the better. Rocky complains about not owning a locker at the gym. Mickey’s sharp words pierce Rocky's soul. Not until his visit does Rocky realize he must become a better fighter to remain in the boxing profession.
 
Conditioning of a Writer
All writers find themselves in the Rocky Balboa predicament at a point in their lives. The predicament grabs you by the collar, slams you against the wall, and growls, "What are you going to do about it?"
 
Rocky Balboa could remain an unknown boxer settling for small bouts, small pay, and small vision. The Rocky Balboa factor says to the writer, "I am not settling." A writer must train hard at the craft, exercising the writing muscle.
 
I look at writing exercises as push-ups. Here is a quick exercise that I enjoy doing. It will create 52 character names. Take a sheet of paper, numbering it 1-52. Now think of 26 male names from A-Z, followed by 26 women's names the same way.
 
You now have 52 possible names for characters.
 
I told you the exercise would be fast. In fact, you just accomplished a lot in a very short time.
 
Let us move on to doing some sit-ups. Go to the top of your list and write a brief descriptive sentence about each person. See how cool writing can be.
 
I like doing five-minute regimens of free writing on various topics. I keep the television set on, listening for a particular word that peaks my interest, then I run with it.
 
I see Rocky pounding upon frozen slabs of meat drawing media attention. All of a sudden, Apollo’s trainer sees how serious Rocky is about the fight. He attempts to get Apollo’s attention to see how hard Rocky is training for their fight.
 
Writers should write as well as submit their writing to various magazines, e-zines, newspapers, etc. You cannot expect anyone to take you seriously until you begin to write seriously and submit seriously.
 
Rocky trained hard under Mickey’s direction. Mickey made Rocky push himself to train harder and work longer upon perfecting his craft. This training help prepare him for his fight against Apollo Creed. Throughout the movie Rocky hinted that he wanted to go the distance. 
 
The Main Event
Writers, rejection letters can’t stop you. Boos should never silence you. You have to fight and have fight in your heart. There are shots you have to take as a writer that will hurt your pride, make you hesitant to submit your work, buckle, and make you want to throw in the towel. Writing is about heart, blood, sweat, tears, and fight. You are a writer as well as a fighter.
 
The Rocky Balboa factor gives a writer the heart of a champion. A champion trains hard and is prepared to go the distance. We are champions who trade blows with the best of them.
 
Writers, write when your fan base is zero. Write when problems arise in your life. Write when you feel like sleeping. Write when you don’t feel like it. Keep on writing when editors tell you they cannot use your piece. Keep on writing, keep fighting and swinging. Sure enough, you will get a good shot in. Before you know it, fans will roar your name.
 
Rocky Balboa was nobody before his bout with Apollo. Afterwards he became a somebody. He fought so well that Apollo whispered to Rocky, “Ain’t gonna be no rematch.” Rocky lost the fight but won our hearts.

Rocky also won the biggest war—against himself—to be the best boxer he could be.
 
By now, you hear that champion music playing in surround sound. Start training hard now. Punch frozen meat, go the distance, fight triumphantly, and write on.
 
Soon you shall receive recognition and the world will be chanting your name. You too will win the hearts of fans the way champions of the pen have done before you. Champions of the pen like Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen, J.K. Rowlings, Stephen King, John Sandford, Dean Koontz, and Maya Angelou.
 
You are destined to become a heavyweight champion of the pen because you exercise the Rocky Balboa factor. Remember, champion, eye of the tiger, this is your round. Now go out there, fight to win, and take it to them, champ.
 

About the Author
Arthur R. Barnes is Director of Advertising and Circulation for Judaism Journal and Subscriptions Manager of Congress Monthly Magazine.  He is the proud father of two teenagers, Arthur and Amanda. Currently Mr. Barnes lives in Brooklyn, New York with his son, Arthur.  In his spare time he is a freelance writer, copywriter, and a publicist.