Man Up
10th June 2016 | for Creatives | Colum McCann, creating isn't easy, writing, the creative life |
"Quite frankly, I'm tired of writers complaining how tough it all is. Man up. It's a wonderful and privileged way to live your life. Embracing difficulty is just part of it all."
Similar for Creatives
Writing Is a Lifestyle
"Writing, for me, isn't a job; it's a lifestyle. So I treat it like that. I'm not always at the office, but I'm never done."
Have as Many Experiences as Possible
"I'm a big fan of telling young writers to take all the detours they possibly can, both in life and in writing. Those detours are going to lead you to where you need to be. If someone says, 'How would you like to spend two years working in the Czech Republic for the state department?,' you should do that. You can always get back to your novel. You need to have as many experiences as possible."
Writing in a New Genre
"I enjoy the challenge. Writing in a new genre is like dating someone new. It's exciting. It's fun. It's uncomfortable. It forces you to try new things, tests your limits, teaches you how to overcome obstacles, and is an opportunity for growth."
It's a Jungle Out There
"Protect your voice and your vision. Protect it—and if going on the Internet and reading Internet reviews is bad for you, don't do it. It's awfully rough right now. It's a jungle out there. Do what gets you to write, and not what blocks you."