I stumbled across this bit of writing advice last year and it's one that I loved immediately and it's also one piece of advice from the many I've read that's stayed with me.
So I thought I'd pass it on...
One of the few things I know about writing is this: spend it all, shoot it, play it, lose it, all, right away, every time. Do not hoard what seems good for a later place in the book, or for another book; give it, give it all, give it now. ...Something more will arise for later, something better. These things fill from behind, from beneath, like well water. Similarly the impulse to keep to yourself what you have learned is not only shameful, it is destructive. Anything you do not give freely and abundantly becomes lost to you. You open your safe and find ashes.
-- Annie Dillard from The Writing Life
4 comments:
That's sage advice. I think that way, after a close encounter with death I didn't exactly have an epiphany, but I decided to do what I wanted to do and live the life I wanted as far as possible. Not to the detriment of anyone else's feelings, but life is just too short. I didn't want to NOT wake up one day and regret anything!!!
There is always something good to come, even when you think what has been is the best.
There is always something good to come, even when you think what has been is the best.
2paw, I love this. It's so true and yet so easy to forget. I think I should frame it.
I love this advice, Barb.
And the lines from also from 2Paw -- thank you both for a timely reminder.
Food for thought.
Heavy, heavy, indeed - but so true. Copied it as a reminder.
Thanks 2paw
and Barbara for the advice on writing, which actually applies to all walks of life.
Post a Comment