In chronological order, three quotes from writers of note which I've recently come across:
"The artist should never try to be popular. Rather the public should be more artistic."
- Oscar Wilde
"Don't give people what they want, give them what they need. What they want is for Sam and Diane to get together. Don't give it to them."
- Joss Whedon
"Creating something is not a democracy. The people have no say. The artist does. It doesn't matter what the people witter on about; they and their response come after. They're not there for the creation."
- Russell T Davies
Is the underlying theme there, I wonder, the mandate from my betters I need to become even more of a puffed-up self-confident fool? Let's hope not, or I'll become even more unbearable.
Still, something to think about there, perhaps...
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2 comments:
I don't think that they are advocating arrogance, merely the confidence to write the story you want to, rather than what you think will please others. But I suspect you knew that, little tinker !
BTW I had to type in 'fuskings' to leave this comment. What a splendid word, it should be added to the dictionary forthwith.
My verification word is 'Bustau', who I think are far better than the obvious copycats McFly.
Anyway, yep, I think you're absolutely right - no sense in second-guessing what people might want to see or read. That's unlikely to lead to writing with passion or conviction, and that won't exactly keep the interest levels up.
J
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