Jennifer Egan on Writing

[jjdebenedictis]

Hi all,

This might be an old article (I didn't find a posting date for it), but I found it an interesting read, and I particularly liked the advice the author gives at the end on how to be a writer. For me, the best bit was this:

You can only write regularly if you’re willing to write badly. You can’t write regularly and well. One should accept bad writing as a way of priming the pump, a warm-up exercise that allows you to write well.
-- Jennifer Egan

Anyhoot, read the whole article here, if you so desire:

Jennifer Egan on Writing, the Trap of Approval, and the Most Important Discipline for Aspiring Writers

 

[folkchick]

I greatly admire Jennifer Egan. It's so very true that writing, when good, is like feeding from an outside source, and when bad, paints your entire world dark. I'm sure many people don't feel the same way, but it sure resonates with me.

 

[blacbird]

I'm very willing to write badly. In fact, I'm quite good at it.

caw

 

[Liosse de Velishaf]

You might be good. But I am a master.