Writing = Hard Work

Writing = Hard Work

Who knew?

Well, besides students trying honestly to write term papers.

And reporters, homilists, and others writing on deadline.

And serious writers not on deadline simply trying to get that first sentence composed just right as they stare at their computers (or blank sheets of paper--yes, there are still some of those around)...and then the whole first paragraph....

St. John Bosco is the patron saint of editors.

A recent op-ed in the NYT by no less successful a writer than novelist John Grisham broadcasts, about his first book (which didn't sell, he says): "I had never worked so hard in my life, nor imagined that writing could be such an effort. It was more difficult than laying asphalt [which he'd done as a youth], and at times more frustrating than selling underwear [ditto]. But it paid off. Eventually, I was able to leave the law and quit politics. Writing's still the most difficult job I've ever had--but it's worth it."
The full essay, "Boxers, Briefs and Books," is at http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/06/opinion/06Grisham.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=john%20grisham&st=cse