Garrison Keillor to me: Get over it, already

[pegkerr]

I have sort of a hard time not taking this personally. Garrison Keillor says that writers who gripe that Writing is Hard (and you all know that I've bitched plenty about being blocked in this journal before) should just get a grip and knock it off. Writing is hard. Get over it.

Writers, Quit Whining. Spare us the self-involved moaning over the agonies of your art. Writing is no harder than anything else, and the complainers should can it.

Ouch.

Thoughts?

Comments

[sleigh.livejournal.com]

I would strongly suggest that writing ca be taught and learned. So can painting. So can playing a musical instrument. The majority of people can learn how to do those things also -- but it takes effort and drive and dedication and passion... and that's what most people lack.

[kiwiria.livejournal.com]

The tools can be taught, the imagination and creativity cannot. I can play the piano - I cannot compose a new melody. I can write words (obviously, since I'm doing so now ;) ) - I cannot think up a new plot.

I think we agree, but we're just using different words for it :)

[sleigh.livejournal.com]

Actually, I think that creativity and imagination can be enhanced through practice and exercises...

But yes, to some extent we're probably in agreement. If you want my whole take on the issue, it's here: http://www.farrellworlds.com/formula.html