Keep the Faith, Hemingwaywantabes
Posted by Mark Shaw on January 31, 2010
Am reading the revised edition of Moveable Feast released late last year that includes much of text cut from the book published after Hemingway’s death. Once again, I am amazed at the writing skill of the master. One great quote of his applies to every writer who has trouble continuing the writer process. It is:
“Do not worry. You have always written before and you will write now. All you have to do is to write one true sentence, and then go on from there.”
Okay, then, when you hit a wall, think of “one true sentence,” one great thought, and continue on. Most of all, never give up. The writing process is a lengthy one, filled with hills and valleys, but determination will pull you through.
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theothergardener said
Moveable Feast is still a great read, especially for the insight into writers that are even today mangled by critics: Joyce drinking bourbon and complaining about how all winning prizes ever gets you as a writer is the envy and disdain of your fellow writers; Gertrude Stein and Alice Toklas having a blow-up. This is better than gossip, it rounds out what Hemingway feels are bad portraits from the critical literature, pasty, lifeless substitutes for the real bloody thing. Still working on that sentence.
TOG
Mark Shaw said
Exactly. Well-explained.
chrisfiore5 said
hello Mark,
good to hear of another Hemingway enthusiast!
hope all is well.
peace.
Mark Shaw said
Thank you for the note. Yes, am enjoying Moveable Feast right now. One of the master’s best.