Friday, November 05, 2004

On Writing

“The aim of an artist is not to solve a problem irrefutably, but to make people love life in all its countless, inexhaustible manifestations. If I were told that I could write a novel whereby I might irrefutably establish what seemed to me the correct point of view on all social problems, I would not even devote two hours to such a novel; but if I were to be told that what I should write would be read in twenty years’ time by those by who are now children and that they would laugh and cry over it, and love life, I would devote all my own life and all my energies to it.”--Leo Tolstoy

This quote echoes how I feel about writing today. Almost. I don't know that I will devote my heart to another book again. It hurts too bad when I have to kill it. :) Have a nice day.


2 comments:

Paula said...

Wow. What a quote. I love it, Mary. It stirs the soul.

Isn't it hard? I mean pouring your heart out on paper and weeping over the words and working so hard to make it publishable that you begin to lose your heart and passion for the work--the you read a piece of it for the first time in a while and you weep all over again and remember why you went through the agony to write it.

I'm not sure what you feel you're killing--the book, your heart, or both. . . Sending a prayer your way.

Thanks for your encouraging words about the suit. I needed that!

Maryee said...

Good quote! I've felt that way often.

Blessings to you!

Maryee