Thanks to Tricia Goyer for two excellent quotes that challenge our thinking about the writing life:
“Writing is like religion. Every man who feels the call must work out his own salvation. I might add that while many are called, few are chosen.”
“Many beginners think that if they can acquire style, the fight is won; but style without ideas is as useless as an edge tool without material to carve. On the other hand many men who have ideas think they can write acceptably without serving an apprenticeship. They must learn how to use the tools of their trade. ~ Horace Lorimer, Adventures in Interviewing
June 28, 2006 - 3:12 pm
2 Responses to “Writing As Apprenticeship”
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on June 28, 2006 - 5:58 pm
I really like the first one. Thanks for sharing, Victoria.
on June 28, 2006 - 8:53 pm
Vicki, yes - and using the tools of the trade doesn’t happen overnight, any more than a person turns into a master carpenter or painter in a short time. Practice, practice, practice. And learn from every mistake. Keep moving on and don’t regret the learning experiences.
It’s the same with driving. Once I get lost, I never forget my way to a certain place ever again.