Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Inspiration vs. Technique vs. Commitment

Inspired writing comes from the heart. Excellent writing utilizes skills and technique to express that inspiration effectively. I read a discussion this morning on technique versus inspiration and that seems to be the gist of it. And, I would agree that without inspiration, technique is rather empty. You can make a beautiful soda can and fill it with an FDA-approved beverage, but garlic-flavored soda is not inspired and no one will want to drink it.

My inspiration for this blog comes from reading and reacting to the discussion on Facebook, but the actual writing of it stems from the fact that I have made a commitment to post today. As I see it, commitment is part of the perspiration referenced in Thomas Alva Edison’s famous quote, “Genius is one percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration.” An idea without execution never becomes a reality. A thought left unexpressed leaves no impression.

Technique assists commitment by providing a framework. If you find a really wonderful taste (inspiration) – like say, orchid-flavored tea – and use approved bottling, marketing and distribution [techniques], and invest time and resources (commitment), then you may come up with a winner of a product! The same formula holds with writing, I believe.

inspiration + (technique + commitment) = success

On Technique: Ecclesiastes 10:10 (NASB) “If the axe is dull and he does not sharpen its edge, then he must exert more strength. Wisdom has the advantage of giving success.”

On Commitment: Proverbs 10:4 (NASB) “Poor is he who works with a negligent hand, But the hand of the diligent makes rich.”

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