so very true. i hate it when people use the fact that they suck as the reason why they don't engage in writing, visual arts, or music. that kind of discouraged mentality not only speaks volumes about that person's will, but it shows their ignorance in thinking that such talents just come naturally to the rest of us. the years of dedication through constant failure are completely unknown to them because they gave up at the first sign of difficulty. it takes a fellow artist who's struggled through the same obstacles to truly appreciate your work. artists don't have more innate talent than the average person, they just have more dedication.
So true. And it makes me feel better, here in my fourth year as a blogger, eighth year as a writer wannabe-author. I'm RIGHT to keep working at it. Thanks, Ira. (And thanks, BG.)
There's raw talent and then there's hard work at honing your talent(s). Then there's the idea that in order to create something worthy it must be picked up by a "legit" production company and/or book publisher, etc, which is of course a bunch of hogwash. and even further it must have the same effect on people that see it or hear it, etc...more poppy cock!
When someone says I can't write, meaning they haven't any talent, I say, oh poppycock! Here's a pen and some paper now get to creating! Society is to blame for this reaction because talent always seems to be connected to making great money, etc, but if one looks around at what this supposed talent is producing one begins to realize that they could produce the same using a monkey and a ball of string! So I say go for it, work hard, hone it, change it, edit it, repaint it, etc because you never know when your muse or what have you will deliver your own personal masterpiece. It may not please everyone or be picked up by some commercial entity, but somewhere someone or any number of someone(s) will be moved by it, changed by it, inspired to new heights because of it, but if you give up then they will never have that chance and you will have lost out on a wonderful opportunity to influence lives in your own positive/transcendent/personal/distinctive way.
This is very helpful. There are some things I write that I can hear crickets insulting and I had not really heard this. It's heartening. And then, in the end, we do it for ourselves and that's always there.
I loved this video.
ReplyDeleteHe's so right - it's about the work, not about you. Just keep doing it until you create something you like.
Regards,
Tengrain
Ira Glass rocks, and this segment is one of his best. (As does BG!) Thanks!
ReplyDeleteso very true. i hate it when people use the fact that they suck as the reason why they don't engage in writing, visual arts, or music. that kind of discouraged mentality not only speaks volumes about that person's will, but it shows their ignorance in thinking that such talents just come naturally to the rest of us. the years of dedication through constant failure are completely unknown to them because they gave up at the first sign of difficulty. it takes a fellow artist who's struggled through the same obstacles to truly appreciate your work. artists don't have more innate talent than the average person, they just have more dedication.
ReplyDeletei want my thing to have that special thing i want it to have too....
ReplyDeleteSo true. And it makes me feel better, here in my fourth year as a blogger, eighth year as a writer wannabe-author. I'm RIGHT to keep working at it. Thanks, Ira. (And thanks, BG.)
ReplyDeleteSo right! As my guitar teacher put it, you have to go out there and suck until you don't suck anymore. Words to live by.
ReplyDeleteStill sucking after all these years.
There's raw talent and then there's hard work at honing your talent(s). Then there's the idea that in order to create something worthy it must be picked up by a "legit" production company and/or book publisher, etc, which is of course a bunch of hogwash. and even further it must have the same effect on people that see it or hear it, etc...more poppy cock!
ReplyDeleteWhen someone says I can't write, meaning they haven't any talent, I say, oh poppycock! Here's a pen and some paper now get to creating! Society is to blame for this reaction because talent always seems to be connected to making great money, etc, but if one looks around at what this supposed talent is producing one begins to realize that they could produce the same using a monkey and a ball of string! So I say go for it, work hard, hone it, change it, edit it, repaint it, etc because you never know when your muse or what have you will deliver your own personal masterpiece. It may not please everyone or be picked up by some commercial entity, but somewhere someone or any number of someone(s) will be moved by it, changed by it, inspired to new heights because of it, but if you give up then they will never have that chance and you will have lost out on a wonderful opportunity to influence lives in your own positive/transcendent/personal/distinctive way.
Wow- amazing. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteAt a point in my life, wondering where to go, this helps. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThis is very helpful. There are some things I write that I can hear crickets insulting and I had not really heard this. It's heartening. And then, in the end, we do it for ourselves and that's always there.
ReplyDeleteThis is something I know but to hear someone else explain it so sincerely, for some reason makes it sink in.
ReplyDeleteThanks.
Motivational speakers are fun at parties because they're always making sure everyone is having a good time.
ReplyDelete