"Stop here for a few breaths and think about this, because it is the key to making art and very possibly the key to finding any semblance of happiness in life.
"Every time I have set out to translate the book (or story, or hopelessly long essay) that exists in such brilliant detail on the big screen of my limbic system onto a piece of paper (which, let's face it, was once a towering tree crowned with leaves and a home to birds), I grieve for my own lack of talent and intelligence. Every. Single. Time.
"Were I smarter, more gifted, I could pin down a closer facsimile of the wonders I see. I believe that, more than anything else, this grief of constantly having to face down our own inadequacies is what keeps people from being writers.
"Forgiveness, therefore, is key. I can't write the book I want to write, but I can and will write the book I am capable of writing. Again and again throughout the course of my life I will forgive myself."
I absolutely love that quote and remind myself often of Patchett's words. Excellent advice for a beginning writer, and every writer.
Michele Weber Hurwitz is the author of four middle grade novels, from Penguin Random House and Simon & Schuster. Her fifth novel publishes in May 2020. Find her online at micheleweberhurwitz.com.
This is a very-favorite quote of mine, as well. I love the combination of practicality and optimism she brings to the advice she gives. Awesome!
ReplyDeleteThis is lovely.
ReplyDeleteI love this: "I can't write the book I want to write, but I can and will write the book I am capable of writing." Thanks so much for sharing Ann Patchett's beautiful words.
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