Wednesday, February 04, 2015

The War of Art


I haven't blogged for a while. Indeed I haven't written anything for a while. Yes, I've been on one of those long voyages through the dark. (Is it getting harder the older I get or does it just feel that way?) I'd be lying if I said I wasn't set back by People of the Great Journey's lack of success in the world. A blow to my self-belief, confidence and love of writing. But this wonderful book by Steven Pressfield, which a younger writer sent to me recently, admonishes me for that reaction. At the very least, Pressfield points out, failure in art still puts you in the arena as opposed to the sidelines, stands or parking lot! Giving up is quite simply unprofessional and a surrender to that insidious evil Resistance. So it's time to get back on the horse. Get back to work. Here's a relevant quote from Goethe found in the book: Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, magic, and power in it. Begin it now.

1 comment:

Sean Duggan said...

I know it's not entirely germane to this post, but I couldn't find a better place to post this. I recently reread The Druid's Tune. I had read it as a child, as a book checked out from the local library, and it was a blast rereading it again. You did an excellent job of expanding the legend via the experiences of Rosemary and Jimmy, and I really liked that you found a way to balanced the glory and the horror of the battle. Thank you for being a part of my childhood.

Were there every any followups to the book? I could have sworn I remembered a sequel (specifically, I have vague memories of Rosemary returning with an ivory comb and having to have it boiled to remove the lice), although I might be confusing the fact that they got to travel back into the land of mythical history twice.