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My POV
Brian A. Wilson
HOW BAD DO YOU WANT IT?
How badly do you want a career as a Hollywood writer?
I asked myself this last week, walking across the football field beside future NFL Hall of Fame running back Emmitt Smith.
I thought about the scars on his face. The wrinkles on his brow, etched deep from concentration, exertion, focus. I asked myself that question because I was in the presence of greatness.
Whether you love athletics or hate it, cheer football or despise it, you can't discount those who push themselves to compete in professional sports. It calls for discipline, endurance and the willingness to push oneself far, far beyond what seems possible, much less comfortable.
To become a world champion, as Emmitt has done, to become a living legend in a game of supermen, can only be achieved by honoring a God-given gift, then honing it to perfection.
The same, I believe, can be said of the art of writing.
I believe you have to have some talent at the outset. You have to have some ability to sharpen, some tools with which to practice.
Beyond that, it's discipline, endurance and the willingness to push oneself that separates wanna-be's from Oscar winners.
So I ask you now. How badly do you want a career as a Hollywood writer?
Are you willing to sacrifice? Are you willing to push yourself far, far beyond what seems possible, much less comfortable? Are you willing to do whatever it takes to see that your art finds its place in the world?
In short, are you willing to be a champion in the world of writing?
Walking with Emmitt caused me to take another look at myself and my career. I've tweaked how I am because of how he his, and I'm grateful to him for the insight.
My piece of advice for the week: Put yourself around someone great. If it's a great writer, that's fine. But try spending time with someone who is a huge success in another field. Soak up that vibe. See what you can gain from that person's life and incorporate it into your writing life.
Ask yourself: How badly do I want a career as a Hollywood writer?
Then, assume the mantle of success and greatness. You might be surprised at how well it fits.
Keep writing.
BW
bigtex@loop.com
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