Comments on My Own Worst Enemy

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I have the same bad habit of deleting my work as soon as it rubs me the wrong way.  In fact, I threw away a notebook that I jotted things in through all of my high school years, and now I sorely regret doing that.  I read this quote, and I think you will derive the same sense of wonder from it that I did.  Maybe it will stop your literary murderous rampage and renew your confidence in your own work. 

 "There is a vitality, a life force, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all Time, this expression is unique.  And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and be lost.  The world will not have it.  It is not your business to determine: how good it is; nor how valuable it is; nor how it compares with other expressions.  It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open.  You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work.  You have to keep open and aware directly to the urges that motivate you.  Keep the channel open...no artist is pleased...there is no satisfaction whatever at any time.  There is only a queer, divine dissatisfaction; a blessed unrest that keeps us marching and makes us more alive than the others."  -Martha Graham


posted by calia14 on December 11, 2009 at 5:54 PM | link to this | reply

I wish you all the luck in the world with your writing endeavors. It is a basic human need; that of expression. Delete away, but the thoughts will return, even stronger, it seems. I've done my share of deleting as well...!

posted by Darson on December 10, 2009 at 11:22 AM | link to this | reply

Hello.
Good-bye. Gotta run!

posted by WindTapper on December 9, 2009 at 6:25 AM | link to this | reply

I hope to read your novel someday. That would be cool if you'd posts some poems!

posted by mariposa75 on December 8, 2009 at 10:14 PM | link to this | reply

I wish you would stop deleting! I also would love to read some of your poetry, too! sam

posted by sam444 on December 4, 2009 at 2:31 PM | link to this | reply

Good for you FSI ~ you know I am reminded often that of the elder bards, past poets - writers, of how it took years sometimes to complete or revise initial thoughts, ideas et al...so I think it good you perfect and I hope we soon read of your aspiration coming to light by : FSI  Write on ~ Elyse

posted by elysianfields on December 4, 2009 at 9:00 AM | link to this | reply