I follow the blog of a writer named JM Tohline. He posts every Friday, and always has something interesting to say. I found his last post really quite funny, and I thought you might like it too. So, if you are up for a laugh, or if you feel like taking the advice of a drunk guy (which is the second part of the post - on highs and lows), then I recommend checking out this post. Maybe you'd even like to follow him.
In ten days I will be fifteen years of age, and I want to buy myself a birthday present. It's a tradition I started last year - and I also bought myself something for Christmas as well. What do I buy on these occasions? Books. Books on writing. So for the lat few weeks I've been avidly searching Amazon.com. I could swear I've read the first five pages (the preview) of almost forty books now.
So as I was thinking of what to write for today's blog post, I was reminded of a particular conversation I had with one of my mates at the start of this year (this was just after receiving my Christmas books). She and I don't see each other very much, but we used to text each other heaps - before my phone was stolen.
The conversation ran a little like this:
Her: What are you up to today?
Me: Well I have a writing book to read.
Her: What? Why do you have a writing book?
Me: I have six.
Her: But why? You're already a good writer!
Her confusion intrigued me. Because to me the answer is obvious: I don't want to be a good writer, I want to be an amazing writer. And that's what I told her.
There is a debate in the industry over whether writers are born or made. Another slight variation is whether it can be taught. And I won't lie, I have been good at writing (for my age) since I was quite young, and I've always loved it.
However, talent alone is not nearly enough to get by on. I buy books on writing because I want to learn, and I want to get better at and master my craft. And there is so much that I've already learned. If I had never researched writing, then I would be so far behind where I am now. Learning is important.
Don't miss out on catalysts for success. It's there, everything is available to you - you just have to look for it.
So keep learning.
Keep growing.
Keep writing.
* * * * *
In ten days I will be fifteen years of age, and I want to buy myself a birthday present. It's a tradition I started last year - and I also bought myself something for Christmas as well. What do I buy on these occasions? Books. Books on writing. So for the lat few weeks I've been avidly searching Amazon.com. I could swear I've read the first five pages (the preview) of almost forty books now.
So as I was thinking of what to write for today's blog post, I was reminded of a particular conversation I had with one of my mates at the start of this year (this was just after receiving my Christmas books). She and I don't see each other very much, but we used to text each other heaps - before my phone was stolen.
The conversation ran a little like this:
Her: What are you up to today?
Me: Well I have a writing book to read.
Her: What? Why do you have a writing book?
Me: I have six.
Her: But why? You're already a good writer!
Her confusion intrigued me. Because to me the answer is obvious: I don't want to be a good writer, I want to be an amazing writer. And that's what I told her.
There is a debate in the industry over whether writers are born or made. Another slight variation is whether it can be taught. And I won't lie, I have been good at writing (for my age) since I was quite young, and I've always loved it.
However, talent alone is not nearly enough to get by on. I buy books on writing because I want to learn, and I want to get better at and master my craft. And there is so much that I've already learned. If I had never researched writing, then I would be so far behind where I am now. Learning is important.
Don't miss out on catalysts for success. It's there, everything is available to you - you just have to look for it.
So keep learning.
Keep growing.
Keep writing.
I couldn't agree more! Just because someone has a talent for something doesn't mean they're automatically perfect at it. Just like singers should take voice lessons, writers should continue to study and growing in their craft. Even bestselling authors should do this.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love books on the writing craft. I have six also but am hoping to buy more soon!