Not just another column about writing

[ksmith]

Barry Longyear's "Editor on the Shoulder."

It was the difference between focusing on outcomes and focusing on the activity at hand; between doing something because of what it might get me and doing something for its own sake; between writing to please others and writing to please myself. It was a glorious experience. When I am smart, this is now how I do all my writing. When I am not so smart, I begin edging into thoughts of fame, fortune, and gathering the approval of others at the expense of approving of myself.

Comments

[affinity8.livejournal.com]

That's a great quote! And a great column. Thanks for the link.

"Infinity Hold" is one of my favorite books. I lost my copy awhile ago and have to go get another one.

[kristine-smith.livejournal.com]

I ran into Longyear and his wife a few times in Windycon green rooms. Nice people. You wish he never had to go through what he went through, but you don't get to choose.

[galeni.livejournal.com]

He dropped off the face of publishing for a while -- do you know what happened and is he happy now? Just judging by the writing he certainly deserved happiness.

[kristine-smith.livejournal.com]

I don't know--I know I didn't see him at Windycon for a few years.