7. Inputs = Output
Pancho Villa Push Out
My wife (Cassie), and her family, LOVE Mexican food. Cassie worked at a Mexican food restaurant, her brother currently works at that same Mexican food restaurant. Every time we go to visit family, we eat out at the Mexican restaurant at least once, but usually more.
While I like Mexican food, i’m more along the normal side of liking Mexican food. I thoroughly enjoy eating tacos, burritos, chimi’s, the whole shebang. I just also like other food more.
During one of the many trips to their favorite Mexican Restaurant, I learned of something called the Pancho Villa Push out. It’s from a Dry Bar Comedy routine by Steve Soelberg. Definitely worth the watch, but in case you don’t have time I’ll summarize it for you.
Pancho Villa Push out: Verb
Definition: When you eat a burrito and get constipated, you eat a second bigger burrito to push it out.
What goes in Comes Out
In the universe there are fundamental laws. Things that are absolutely true and no one disagrees. Such as, matter cannot be created or destroyed, there is an equal and opposite reaction, and if you apply ideas from this blog you’ll become a better writer.
I could go on but I think you get the picture. The fundamental law from Steve Soelberg’s skit is, what goes in must come out, and this law is 100% applicable to writing.
“You should write because you love the shape of stories and sentences and the creation of different words on pages. Writing comes from reading, and reading is the finest teacher of how to write.” -Annie Prouix
Because so many quotes echo my thoughts so succinctly, here’s another one.
“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” - Jim Rohn
Although in this context, the quote should probably be adjusted to.
“You are the average of the five books/authors you spend the most time with.” - David Wylie
If I asked you today, why are you writing? or, What influenced you to be a writer? I would safely bet that you could point to a couple of authors or books you’ve read that have had a profound influence on you. A story that you’ve read several times, if not dozens.
There are no ideas that are not truly new (there might be a few exceptions. They come about through adaptations, small changes, or improvements on already existing ideas. Writing uses the same principles. Whichever genre you are interested in writing you’ll find tropes, cliches, and archetypes. This is great, especially for newer writers, or those who are branching out, because it gives you a place to start.
If you’re stuck, read a book
I’ve met some authors who are trying to write a Young Adult Fiction story, but all they are reading is Adult Fiction and visa versa. Don’t try fitting a square genre (hole) into a round genre (hole).
Find authors, books, and fellow writers, that have written what you’re wanting to write. If you’re setting takes place at a school, find some books that take place at a school, i.e. Harry Potter. Study those authors and books, see what they do well and what they struggle with. Then adapt and fit those elements into your story.
Let me know in the comments if you need some book recommendations for the style of book you’re reading.
Whenever you’re constipated and stuck on your book, remember the Pancho Villa Pushout. Go grab a book similar to what you’re writing and consume it. I guarantee it’ll push those ideas right out.
I know this post, and humor isn’t for everyone, but if you have a writer friend, or really anyone, that you think might get a good laugh out of it, please consider sharing it with them.
Quote
“I am part of everything I have read.” -Theodore Roosevelt
More Words
My Current Project Burritos: The Fire Within, The Song of the Lioness, Harry Potter
Short Story: “Hurry up,” his friend whispered forcefully… Over the wall
Delicious Mexican Restaurants: Casa Manana, Maria Bonito Mexican Grill, El Gallo Giro.
Random Link: National Burrito Day is today! Who has deals?