Scribblers in the Arena.
Aloha, my good Scribblers.
Sometimes, a little nugget of wisdom is all I need to navigate the wilderness of scribe life. I have some go-to’s on my nightstand. So, when you’re feeling alone and overwhelmed by the scribbling task at hand, consider cracking open one of the following from these patriarchal peers:
Rudyard Kipling's “If” is a survival kit for screenwriters. It's about perseverance, self-discipline, and adaptability - key ingredients for powering through those intricate plots and character dilemmas. This poem is about staying true to our vision, turning failures into stepping stones, and keeping our integrity, no matter what. It’s a tribute to the resilience that is fundamental to scribbling success.
Neil Gaiman's commencement speech, “Make Good Art,” is a creative call to arms. He's all about pushing through challenges with innovation and originality. For scribblers, it's a rallying cry against self-doubt and resistance. It's about embracing our unique voices and powering through obstacles. Gaiman's words remind us that our creations reveal our truth.
Teddy Roosevelt's “Man in the Arena” speech is a salute to all the brave souls who dare to face the challenges of life head-on. He was talking about manly men with guns and boxing gloves, but the message resonates with writers facing criticism and rejection. It’s about taking risks, accepting feedback constructively, and staying on target. The speech celebrates the growth and learning that come from leaping into the creative colosseum.
Jocko Willink's “Good” is a straightforward yet impactful manifesto about turning adversity into opportunity. For scribblers, it's about owning our stories, learning from setbacks, and pushing the outside of the creative envelope. "Good" reminds us that every experience, whether a win or a loss, is a chance to hone our craft and evolve.
These words aren't just Hallmark jibber-jabber; they're guiding lights through the dark territory of scribblings, ups, and downs. Use these quotes like lighthouses on stormy seas; let them guide you back to your storytelling passion. So the next time a junior executive says, “We have some notes,” your response will be, “Good.”
