The Writing Life
When we start a new play, I’m always filled with dread and excitement. – Lana Lesley
To attempt something new always produces a sense of dread and excitement. What if I fail? What if I can’t do it? What of the work to come? The hours spent learning a new craft or honing an existing one?
Writers tend to keep details about their upcoming work close to their vests, which isn’t surprising. Their ideas may not yet be fully formed. They may have been told to remain quiet about the “particulars” by their publisher or publicist. Even so, they should talk about their upcoming projects. [Read more…] about How to be a Better Writer: Talk about Your Projects
I’ve had the opportunity to converse with a couple of people about whether people or projects are more important. I’ve chatted with Kaarina Dillabough who says people are more important. I’ve had several interesting conversations with CJ Chilvers (Subscribe to his e-letter. It’s filled with wonderful words and links to interesting articles.). He, too, says that people are more important. He goes a step further than Kaarina or I have; he counters books like Turning Pro and films such as Jiro Dreams of Sushi. Both the film and the book are about pursuing one’s passion. Both the film and the book neglect the cost associated with pursuing one’s passion first and foremost: the people. Jiro’s family didn’t even recognize him; Pressfield’s became alienated from him.
[Read more…] about Passion, People, Projects, and the Pursuit of Excellence