Roman Holiday and Working on Your Craft

I finally watched Roman Holiday, starring Gregory Peck and Aubrey Hepburn, the other day with my wife. It was in black and white, but it was a golden age of film. The sets were stunning, the acting was good and believable, and everything had a purpose. There was not the typical Hollywood happy ending either, but one that made a lot of sense. Hepburn definitely shined on the screen that is unlike modern actresses. There was simply an air of grace and dignity that just cannot be captured in today’s cinema.

I have been editing my short stories as of late. Having more knowledge, wisdom and experience with writing, I can now spot certain things in these stories to enhance them. Paragraphs were out of order, there was much that I could delete, but more to add as well. I always think of “making it” as an author, getting a fanbase for my works and whatnot, but that may be pulling the cart before the horse. Working on my craft has been much more imperative and should be the first priority.

If I cannot even write well, then what am I thinking of trying to “make it.” It is similar to that advice of making your bed first thing in the morning because if one cannot even do something as simple as that, then what is that person even thinking of trying to do something even more complex. This process of writing, or the journey, is more valuable than the result.