On Being a Writer

It's very uneven. Some have something to say, to add to the general discussion, but most don't. I think Faulkner, Capote and Wambaugh (odd pairing) give the strongest evidence to inspiration and the importance of following to nurture otherwise it will die. I have seen that in myself — if you let something go too long, the momentum leaves. Ray Bradbury & Rod Serling were honest in admitting that HW producers call the shots no matter what type of screenwriter you are -- and Bradbury recommending not going too deep in that hole for that reason. Harlan Ellison gave sage advice about not reading about your heroes lest you grow to hate them -- it was as true for reading about him as it was about reading the diaries of Charlton Heston (big show more mistake). show less