Success only flourishes in perseverance -- ceaseless, restless perseverance.
--Baron Manfred Von Richtofen

Friday, May 15, 2009

My Favorite Book on Writing

Arthur is given an assignment to write a story to share with his class. Excited, he goes home and writes the story of how he got his dog, Pal. He wants everyone to like the story, so he goes out and starts getting feedback. By the time he's finished taking everybody's advice, he's got a country western song and tap dance about a purple striped elephant on an alien planet that leaves his class speechless. Finally, his classmate asks the quintessential question, "Did that really happen?" Arthur says, "Sort of," and tells the story of how he got his dog, and everyone loves it.

I think every writer should buy this book and read it over and over again. We have to tell our own stories, stories we love, stories that are important to us. Yes, feedback and critiquing and revising are all important, but just remember that it's YOUR story first and foremost. If you don't love it, no one else will.

5 comments:

Linz said...

That is a great book and teaches a very important lesson on trying to please everyone! Great post!

Unknown said...

That is so great! Good advice. :)

tiffany said...

i need to read this book it sounds amazing thanks for the post

Larry and Cindy said...

That is good advise for any aspect in life, you have to go with your own idea in anything or you won't be pleased with the results!!! You have to please yourself in your project, weather it be sewing, decorating, writing, or any other endeavor!!! Of course other people's ideas can be something you like and have not thought of so other opinions are helpful but ultimately it is your choice!!! "AND THAT'S THE TRUTH" (rasberry's) Edith Ann. Love Ya, MOM

Suzette Saxton said...

I remember when you read this to our writing group. Great story!