Jul 08 2008
At the Podium: Will Smith
“I view myself as slightly above average in talent. Where I excel is ridiculous, sickening work ethic. While the other guy’s sleeping, I’m working. While the other guy’s eating, I’m working. While the other guy’s making love, I mean, I’m making love, too, but I’m working really hard at it!”
That was Will Smith’s response to the question, “Why do you think you have been so successful.”
I don’t consider myself a natural born writer. A storyteller, perhaps. But a storyteller relies on skills and props that a writer cannot use. A storyteller is able to gauge the response of her audience in real-time and adapt her technique as needed. She’s able to use facial expressions and body language to convey her tale. Those are luxaries a writer doesn’t have.
Like Will Smith, I work hard. I take care in crafting the characters and a plot. In the end, readers will assume I’m a natural at it.
I don’t know that I’m either. My husband is definitely a natural born story-teller. I think I’m an average writer with a big imagination. I work hard, very hard at the craft, and struggle for each success and breakthrough. The hope that someday it will be enough is what keeps me going.
I hope I’m a little of both. I love telling stories and I agree that being able to adjust to the audience helps a lot. With my wip I’m keeping a close eye on pacing, since that’s the closest I can do with the written word.
Hmmmm. Interesting. Very interesting. Don’t know where I fit.
I don’t know where I fit, either. But I think with enough hard work, you become better and better, so while you might not be a natural, you become skilled enough that it no longer matters.
I think I’m a little natural, but there’s a lot I have to work on also. I don’t think you can be born the perfect writer.
Hard work has held many buildings on a solid foundation. Can one without the other really lay claim to success? I heard Smith say that. He is a humble man. I have NO doubt that Linda is a hard worker. Interesting post. Having written award winning original oratory, I seem to always see my audience as I write…and sadly, I am a slacker. Writing, acting, speaking, always been just a hobby. I do, however, greatly appreciate talent, skill, and plain old sweat.
I would have to say a little of both is needed. Most of all you need to enjoy writing, otherwise why bother.
Steve