If You Are Not Afraid

Understand That Writing Is Like An Athletic Activity. To Play Tennis Well, You Expect To Keep Practicing, But For Some Reason With Writing, You Think You Should Come Out Fresh The First Time.

I Consider Writing Practice A True Zen Practice Because It All Comes Back At You. You Can't Fool Anyone Because It's On The Page.

It's Okay To Embark On Writing Because You Think It Will Get You Love. At Least It Gets You Going, But It Doesn't Last. After A While You Realize That No One Cares That Much. Then You Find Another Reason: Money. You Can Dream On That One While The Bills Pile Up. Then You Think: "well, I'm The Sensitive Type. I Have To Express Myself." Do Me A Favor. Don't Be So Sensitive. Be Tough. It Will Get You Further Along When You Get Rejected. Finally, You Just Do It Because You Happen To Like It.

The Difference Between Neurosis And Wisdom Is Struggle.

Poetry Has Never Been A Favorite American Pastime.