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Sunday, September 21, 2008

What would you do for your art?

Everyone knows that writers and artists are flaky. What they don't know is that its a skill just like anything else. When they think we're not paying attention we're actually creating things in our mind. Whole worlds can begin and end as I day dream at work. When they see that small smile on my face they think I'm encouraging them to keep talking but really I just had a break through on my WIP and as soon as they go away I'm breaking out the note pad to get it down. Hell, half the time I don't wait for them to leave.

Emperor Sutoku (Japan-12th Century) was exiled for three years. He spent this time copying the Lankauarn Sutra (Buddist religious work) in red ink. This was a special red ink. He made it himself---his own blood! He wrote the 135 pages, 10,500 words in hopes that he would be rewarded by Buddha. (I wonder if he was a little dizzy when it was finished.)
It may have worked. Sutoku was returned to power and ruled for two decades!

So? What would you do? How far would you go for your work?
Thoughts?

4 comments:

Spy Scribbler said...

I don't know that I'd write with my blood. ;-) I do find myself arranging my life around time for and the mental needs of writing.

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Oy, that's devotion! I don't think I've made any real sacrifices, but I do have to convince myself this is all worth it. :)

Zoe Winters said...

I just want to say that that dog is SO omg KYOOT!

laughingwolf said...

your dog imitates da wuff ;) lol

[i love to have belly skritches, too :O]

i'm forever scribbling things on bits of card/paper, but often when i look at them again, i have not clue what they're about!

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