Lewis had a remarkable memory for what he read of others, but sometimes his memory of his own writings failed him. Though he had a large library, he did not keep all of his own books there! Walter Hooper adds, “Often, when I quoted lines from his own poems he would ask who the author was. He was a very great scholar, but no expert in the field of C.S. Lewis.”
(As quoted in Seeing Beauty and Saying Beautifully, by John Piper)
Scot McKnight introduced me to the brilliant essayist, Joseph Epstein. Here is a wonderful piece which offers much wisdom on what he is seeking to do as a writer:
In our family, The Carol Burnett Show, was always “must see.”
Yesterday, I read a wonderful piece on Burnett’s fondness for writing (and receiving) real letters:
Celebrated author, Maya Angelou, died last week.
Here is a powerful lesson one of her student’s learned from her:
http://margaretfeinberg.com/maya-angelou-class-wake-forest/#more-26253
HT: Jesus Creed/Scot McKnight
Go ahead!
There are many opportunities, especially if you are okay with not getting paid for awhile.
Participate in the blogs you like. Remember to keep your comments short. Many violate this rule.
Start your own blog. If I can, anyone can!
Review books. It is a good way to build a great library.
Do good job. Work at it.
Write because you must. Your gut is driving you.
Quantity is your friend. As Stephen King says (On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft), read and write a lot! But stay away from King’s swearing!
The man in the picture above is Professor Carl Trueman. Carl teaches at Westminster Seminary. He is an insightful, brilliant, and funny writer. And courageous. He is about the only leader of consequence to write candidly about the ongoing saga of Mark Driscoll. Carl has graciously featured my own writing on the subject for which I am grateful.
I asked Carl to write a piece about the virtual silence of leaders on the Driscoll controversies and he speedily fulfilled my request:
http://www.firstthings.com/web-exclusives/2014/03/mark-driscolls-problems-and-ours
There are not many similarities between Edwards and me, but one is there. Edwards would go out on horseback to think. While he was gone, he would jot notes on whatever paper he could find. These would then be attached inside his jacket.
I have no horse, but I do use a lot of paper. And I use will use about anything when thoughts come to mind: paper napkins, gas receipts, etc.
Above is an example from a couple of days ago. A gas receipt and a card from the gym were brought into service!
In these days with all the new media it is both easier and harder to gain a hearing. I liken it to having four wide receivers (and they get to play based just on desire, no talent is needed). Some are talented, but those lacking talent also get to play. All are on a football field trying to gain separation from fifty (!) defensive backs. Not easy even for the talented!
