You don't start out writing good stuff. You start out writing crap and thinking it's good stuff, and then gradually you get better at it. That's why I say one of the most valuable traits is persistence.
Interpretation
Success in writing requires patience and persistence, as initial efforts may feel better than they truly are.
This quote by Octavia Butler emphasizes the importance of persistence in the writing process. It suggests that most individuals do not immediately excel at writing; instead, they often produce subpar work while believing it's of good quality. Over time, with dedication and continuous practice, one can improve their skills significantly. This reflects a broader truth about personal and professional growth, needing both patience and perseverance to achieve success.
In practice
In a writing workshop when discussing the process of developing one's style.
What I'm working on now - I'm back to fantasy, although considering that it's me, I'm turning it into a kind of science fantasy. It's a vampire story - but my vampires are biological vampires. They didn't become vampires because someone bit them; they were born that way.
Slavery was a long slow process of dulling.
Here I was into astronomy, and here into anthropology, and there I go into geology. It was much more fun to be able to research and write about whatever I wanted to.
There is no end To what a living world Will demand of you.
Better to stay alive," I said. "At least while there's a chance to get free." I thought of the sleeping pills in my bag and wondered just how great a hypocrite I was. It was so easy to advise other people to live with their pain.
Third, for people who aren't doing it already, take classes - they're worthwhile. Workshops or classes - a workshop is where you do actually get feedback on your work, not just something where you go and sit for a day.
Always fall in with what you're asked to accept. Take what is given, and make it over your way. My aim in life has always been to hold my own with whatever's going. Not against: with.
To agree without understanding is inane. To disagree without understanding is impudent.
I have not placed reading before praying because I regard it more important, but because, in order to pray aright, we must understand what we are praying for.
How many things have to happen to you before something occurs to you?
Speaking personally, you can have my gun, but you'll take my book when you pry my cold, dead fingers off of the binding.
Beware of him that is slow to anger; for when it is long coming, it is the stronger when it comes, and the longer kept. Abused patience turns to fury.
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