The Courage to Fail


An acquaintance allowed me to post his thought on why some folks won’t write.

“Through the years I have noticed a curious phenomenon. People who are experts in literature, who know grammar, who can discuss the intricacies of plotting, characterization, setting, pacing, etc., people who seem to have all the equipment necessary to succeed at writing, rarely try it. Although these people sometimes have PhDs in English and literature, they seem quite content watching hacks like me turn out numerous successful novels. I’m not complaining, you understand, but I have a theory about why this is so. These folks would be satisfied with nothing less than writing a masterpiece, and since they know that is highly unlikely, they write nothing. They are afraid they will fail. On the other hand, I have no ambitions about masterpieces–I just want to write fun books that entertain people and make a living doing it. I want to write the kind of books that I like to read. So I write and the experts read.”

So, dear reader, develop the courage to fail. But remember, the only real failure is one who doesn’t try. So sit down and begin writing that story that’s been on your mind. You will be glad you did. And you will surprise yourself to find that you can …

Write Creatively.

Tip #2

Mr. Michener understood that first drafts are never to be published. He thought, as I do, that it’s easier to correct something already written than it is to write it correctly the first time.

Tip #2. “I have never thought of myself as a good writer. Anyone who wants reassurance of that should read one of my first drafts. I’m not a very good writer, but I’m one of the world’s great rewriters.”

So, get your first draft written, and don’t be concern about making it perfect as you write. It’s the rewriting – sometimes rewriting several times – that makes it good. You might need an editor, as Michener did, and P&L has an excellent editor you can call on.

So, set up your plan, start writing, and …

Write Creatively.