|
Hi, folks. The other day I sat down for a chat with F. Scott Fitzgerald, author of The Great Gatsby, This Side of Paradise, and others.
Greg - Tell us something about your writing life.
F. Scott - Writing is the only thing that, when I do it, I don't feel I should be doing something else.
Greg - Not even eating chocolate?
F. Scott - Good point.
Greg - Thanks. Can you give us some advice in three words or less?
F. Scott - What do you thing I am, a picture book writer?
Greg - Please? I have chocolate.
F. Scott - Action is character.
Greg - Is that another way of saying "show, don't tell?"
F. Scott - It is. Also, whether or not you write well, write bravely.
Greg - Keep going...you're on a roll.
F. Scott - Actually, this is a lawn chair. But here goes...writing is a form of therapy; sometimes I wonder how all those, who do not write, compose, or paint can manage to escape the madness, the melancholia, the panic fear, which is inherent in a human condition.
Greg - I knew you had a dark side. Let's stay upbeat here, buddy. This is a kid's lit blog.
F. Scott - What's a blog?
Greg - It's an internet thing.
F. Scott - What's an internet?
Greg - I'll tell you letter. Let's get back to writing. Do you think writers are born or made?
F. Scott - Talent is helpful in writing, but guts are absolutely necessary.
Greg - Any thoughts on revision?
F. Scott - Vitality shows in not only the ability to persist but the ability to start over.
Greg - Dang!
F. Scott - Also, cut out all these exclamation points. An exclamation point is like laughing at your own joke.
Greg - Good advice. How about a last word or two?
F. Scott - Remember, I'm no picture book writer.
Greg - Okay, use as many words as you like.
F. Scott - An author ought to write for the youth of his own generation, the critics of the next, and the schoolmaster of ever afterwards.
 |
Subscribe to this comment's feed