Persistence

Although every writer dreams of getting it right on the first pass, very few succeed. Writing is craft and, like all craft, proceeds by stages: conception, material selection, rough shaping, detailed shaping, sanding and finishing. (That’s for writing nonfiction, which feels like woodworking to me. Writing fiction is more like throwing clay, and writing poetry more like watchmaking.)
– Richard Rhodes, from “Beware of that Voice in Your Head” in the Dec 10th, 2011, Wall Street Journal.

I sent this quote to myself in December and left it sitting in my email box until today, which is of course a very silly thing to do but then how easy I forget the motivating instances in life for the defeating and debilitating. The nature of doing any creative work, whether painting, sculpting or thinking is that when it doesn't happen just as planned the obvious problem is oneself and the stubborn resistance of the creative mind to produce on demand. Irritating insolence of the imagination!

I share this today because yesterday I was reminded by one of the writers that I most respect how important hard work always is, which includes working even when nothing seems to be moving. Though breaks are certainly necessary, returning to the work even when daunted is as well.

The fact is that if you have dedicated your life to your creative work then you are already succeeding at it. Though our culture values celebrity, success in the creative world is simply being able to practice your craft day in, and day out, supporting yourself on its occasionally meager, sometimes stupendous, and generally salvageable pay. And the only way to attain that type of independence is to work, work, work at it. That other jobs may sometimes be required, or even be an inspiration, is also a part of that work. The key is not to let the other job dominate to the exclusion of the time and effort necessary to cultivate your craft.

Seems obvious. But it bears repeating.