Thursday, January 16, 2014

#47 / JAN 16 2014: IN THE EARLY DAYS OF WRITING ON A COMPUTER, I DID A GREAT DEAL MORE THAN BLEED. I DAMN NEARLY BLED OUT. HEMINGWAY GOT OFF LIGHTLY. HE DIDN’T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT DOS & WINDOWS (AND SHOOTING BILL GATES) JUST ABOUT WRITING!

There is a short but marvelous selection of quotes on writing on a decidedly original blog www.preciousgemblog.wordpress.com put together by GEMMA GATEN. She is a freelance writer who works for UK Best Essays. I have a feeling we’ll we hearing more about her—and from her.

She wrote a guest blog for www.bookbaby.com featuring Einstein qu0tes which got my attention. Here are a couple of extracts.

“Paper is to write things down that we need to remember. Our brains are used to think.”

The genius already said it: use the tools (pen and paper) to write down your notes, ideas, phrases, etc. Then your brain can get back to creating.

“The important thing is not to stop questioning… Never lose a holy curiosity.”

Most intellectuals are curious people. Curiosity leads to discovery. Just look at the curious character of Einstein. If he didn’t ask questions and actively search for answers there would be no theory of general relativity. Writers should always be curious. Without curiosity, you might not recognize a great idea that’s standing right in front of you.

“Imagination is more important than knowledge.”

Einstein believed that an active imagination was the key to solving any problem. Writers are most fueled by the writing process when their imaginations are fully engaged. The reason why imagination is more important than knowledge is because it’s limitless. It can move you beyond observed reality and allows you to create new worlds. Use your imagination to create brilliant written works. Use your imagination to engage people. Use your imagination to become a better writer.

You know there is more to the above quote and comment than you might think. But I need to go for a walk so I’ll explore that theme on another occasion.

Let me conclude with a Mark Twain quote that says most of what you need to know about the writing life:

“Good friends, good books, and a sleepy conscience: this is the ideal life.” ― Mark Twain

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