When I re-did the Blogging Insights writing prompt for 2023 , I told you that it would be a mixture of formats. Some weeks, it would be questions, while for others, there would be a quote to discuss.
Let’s dissect today’s quote to pieces :
TODAY’S QUOTE:
“Writing is always difficult, but easier with something to say.”
From “Bridge of Clay” by Marcus Zusak.
MY THOUGHTS:
I have just finished reading “Bridge of Clay” by Marcus Zusak. It is a thick novel, but I found this quote at the end of the first chapter. I thought it would make a good topic for discussion.
Personally, I don’t agree with the first half of the quote. Writing is not always difficult, at least not for everyone.
Creating a great piece of literature might be (must be?) difficult, but most of writing is not. Most ‘personal‘ bloggers like me will agree here. We blog because we like to write.
‘Something to say’ — what constitutes something to say? A story to tell, a strong motivational force ? Here, I agree with Mr. Zusak, or with Michael, his character who narrates the story.
The desire for self-expression is in most people. In some, it finds an outlet in writing, while in others, it can be in the form of long monologues addressed to patient friends and family. With something to say, that is, a particular subject in mind, writing does come easier and faster.
We can tie today’s quote in with last week’s discussion on writing prompts. As all of you who participated agreed, prompts provide the writer with stimulation or food for thought. In other words, “something to say”.
Marcus Zusak is an acclaimed novelist most famous for “The Book Thief” which has also been adapted to film. I find his writing heartfelt and lyrical in its simplicity.
What do you think? Do you agree with the quote? I would love to find out. Please let me know in my comments section. Better still, why not write a post of your own?
Salted Caramel 
It’s difficult to start but once started it gets easier. I find I can’t start a post without a title, and this takes an age sometimes!
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“Well begun is half done” , as some wise person once said.
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Oh I loved The Book Thief. Now I need to get this book too.
I agree with your thoughts about writing. I find it easy to write … editing it to turn it into something readable is more challenging. I’m not sure I’d say it’s hard. Maybe challenging and frustrating sometimes when something just doesn’t feel right – but that’s just the process of writing … ormaybe that’s what he means by writing. I have found it comes more naturally and more easily the more I’m writing – and the more I write the more I need to write.
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Dr T, I am inclined to disagree with the full quote. Even with something to say, writing is difficult for many because of self-confidence, ability to express oneself, fear of rejection or simply being a perfectionist. As you called Mr. Zusak’s writing “lyrical in its simplicity” that is a gift and a talent. All that said, everyone has a story to tell.
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But telling the story in an engaging manner is, like you say, is a gift and a talent.
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Writing is easy. Getting published — that’s whole other story.
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Very true 👍
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Here you go
https://pensitivity101.wordpress.com/2023/02/13/something-to-say-blogging-insights-3-0-4/
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Thanks
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