Only I have read a book of Toni Morrison, “Jazz“, when it was published, and believe that prizewinner. The truth is that I adore this magnificent writer, expert at illuminating with the real words images in our minds. If the novel was the best expression of the literature, she would be the proprietor and Lady of the art of writing. She is unique.

His point was basically that studies have proved that old theories on motivation do not work for creative pursuits. He spends a lot of time talking about business structures, since the business world has come to require a lot more creativity. However, I could easily see where I was shooting myself in the foot writing-wise.

One of the things that it really helped me see was how achievement-focused I am. I want that achievement to validate myself. But because I need achievement, I don’t want to do hard things, because there’s a good chance I’ll fail more than once. But what the more successful types focus on is mastery of a skill. (That in the end is what leads to the cool achievements anyway, but don’t tell Mr. Pink I said that.)

In writing terms, this means that I have, to a large extent, started actually thinking about my writing career, rather than “this story” or “that story.” I will tell the story the best I can at the time. If it’s not as good as can be, that’s okay, because it doesn’t mean I’m a failure on any level, just that I haven’t mastered my craft yet. Which is not a big surprise, considering I’m really just starting out at things.

Since I do want a writing career, and since to keep myself motivated, this attitude is key, I’ve been working hard on it. I find I do less comparing of my life and circumstances to others and just focus on what I can do at the time in order to push things along. That, more than anything else, has contributed to my recent bout of productivity.

So, anyway, long comment, possibly not helpful, but I’m trying to master commenting on blog posts.