Saturday, May 23, 2009

How Writing is a Long Apprenticeship

'Teaching yourself to write is simply a matter of practice, generating words and words and words until you figure out how they really fit together. I don't believe the ability to write is a gift. I believe that anyone can write if they are willing to put in the work, and I believe those who have tried to write but have failed have failed only in their ability to sit down long enough and produce enough apprentice words.'
--from a recent entry on Michael Ruhlman's blog. We invite you to read the entire post, and also to dip into at least one of his many fine books. You can review an earlier mention of Mike here.

4 Comments:

At 8:38 PM, Anonymous Ken Kesegich said...

In "House: A Memoir," he has a similarly fine description about how being a writer starts with putting in the hard work.

 
At 9:50 AM, Blogger John Ettorre said...

Yes, when it comes to writing, there's far too much focus on inspiration and too little on perspiration. He makes the point better than most.

 
At 4:56 PM, Anonymous Jason Peterson said...

I have renewed hope, thanks John.

 
At 4:59 PM, Blogger John Ettorre said...

Good to see your name here, Jason. Keep at it, amigo. It's worth it.

 

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