Thursday, October 4, 2012

All You Really Need

Writing, 2012

Learn to write anywhere, at any time, in any conditions,
With anything, starting from nowhere.
All you really need is your head, the one indispensable
requirement.

-excerpt from Verlyn Klinkenborg's Several short sentences about writing

36 comments:

  1. Wow, what I needed today was that quote. Exactly that quote. Thank you.

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    1. You should see the preceding page, Liz. http://books.google.com/books?id=d3frO1dHgswC&pg=PA79&lpg=PA79&dq=think+of+all+the+requirements+writers+imagine+for+themselves+klinkenborg&source=bl&ots=cPt4mErlQu&sig=2ogxR8XyqpM0zhva8PTgIxxjR1U&hl=en&sa=X&ei=oj9uUMmRHu6VjAKY_4HwBw&ved=0CCIQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=think%20of%20all%20the%20requirements%20writers%20imagine%20for%20themselves%20klinkenborg&f=false

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  2. it's the nike (just do it) philosophy... oh, so hard to stick with

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  3. Well, something to write it down with helps. I am forever losing the writing in my head for lack of a writing utensil at that given moment (like middle of the forest or by a secluded lake).

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    1. He wrote something you might find comforting, Kate. "...your mind never relinquishes what really matters."

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    2. i love this! i struggle with being able to dig in and write, there seems always be a distraction or inspiration strikes as it's time to head out the door and making quick notes or dictating into my phone i feel like i'm missing something...moan, moan, moan. this quote is reassuring.

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    3. I too find it reassuring. Now let's hope it is true.

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  4. At you I always find it is interesting inspiration, which I am reliable in the 100% as for.

    wisely written.

    of nice weekend!

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  5. What a beautiful quote. And I find it reassuring to think that the important ideas aren't forgotten. I always have ideas right before I fall asleep!

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    1. I have those before sleep ideas as well, Rusty. I do hope they revisit us.

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  6. I've been out here quietly appreciating everything you post when it comes to my email inbox. This was so particularly right for me today that I wanted to pop in and say thanks. Thanks.

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  7. As someone who only writes for fun or out of a pressing need to tell a tale I feel an imposter even commenting on this.

    But comment I will. Wonderful.

    xo Jane

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    1. You have told some very engaging tales, Jane. I'm glad you felt that pressing need.

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  8. how very true. sometimes...perhaps often...starting in the middle, or at any point, is often the best way to commence. often the hardest part is to start to put the words or thoughts down...but once you have you can create structure....

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    1. I suppose it's like many other things. The getting going, wherever it may be, is often the toughest part.

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  9. So true- so well put-I always write best when I think I have absolutely nothing to write about- xx

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  10. Oh, I love these words... Wonderful!

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  12. lots of ideas and words pops up every now and then and it is impossible to remember all. this is a comforting quote. thanks.

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  13. Yes, so true. And so important to remember, whatever your medium.

    I also bend this approach to the art of the cat nap too. To be able to nap during the day regardless of work stress or deadline or worry... this is a handy skill. To be able to relax at drop of a hat. But, I fear I've ambled off path here.

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    1. Hello, Gracia. To be able to relax at the drop of a hat is a handy skill. I need some improvement in this area. My husband is so much better at it than I am.

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  14. 'starting from nowhere'... that's worked for me today - thank you!

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  15. I'm glad you're enjoying his book. I found the suggestion to write one sentence per line quite useful when I was finishing an essay. It made me focus on that one sentence to the exclusion of the paragraph that contained it.

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    1. I checked it out from the library, read it, and bought it. Time to read it again.

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