You already know the first rule of fight club.
But do you know the first rule of Gateless Writing? No. Most people don’t what that even is.
The first rule is: Do not disclaim your work.
It’s one of the hardest things you’ll ever do: Say something WITHOUT qualifying, defending, explaining away, or basically telling everyone why they should NOT like or listen to what you have to say.
Disclaiming is not just a waste of time (no one cares), but it sends a message: I DON’T KNOW IF YOU SHOULD BELIEVE IN WHAT I’M ABOUT TO SAY, CUZ I’M NOT SURE I BELIEVE IT MYSELF.
When you write in a Gateless Writing workshop, and you share your work, defensive prologues are not permitted.
Something happens when you stop disclaiming, when you just present your work, your idea, your words: They stand.
If you want your work to go somewhere, to gain respect, you can’t kick it in the nuts first.
And when you stop disclaiming, people respond differently.
Don’t believe me? Come find out.