This article contains a few more hard-hitting
quotations on the subject of writers and writing from L. M. Montgomery.
She seems ambivalent about the whole business
of being a writer, seeing it as both a gift and a curse:
“You'll never write anything that really
satisfies you though it may satisfy other people.”
― From Emily Climbs
This may be true in some cases - artists
often feel that their works fall far short of their visions - but the converse
also applies: some writers may be proud of their productions while their
readers may not think much of them.
Disapproval, criticism and discouragement
People who read a lot are often criticised
for it, and people who try to write are often discouraged. L. M. Montgomery
obviously experienced much disapproval herself:
“’I think this story-writing business is the
foolishest yet,’ scoffed Marilla. ‘You’ll get a pack of nonsense into your
heads and waste time that should be put on your lessons.
Reading stories is bad enough but writing them is worse.’”
Reading stories is bad enough but writing them is worse.’”
― From Anne of Green Gables
Although this disapproving attitude does a
lot of damage, that last line seems quite funny to me.
More about the compulsion to write
Stella Benson said that some people are set
aside to perform particular roles. She gave as an example people who are set
apart to work with words. Some people do indeed seem programmed very strongly
to read and write. I know I am!
Emily from Emily of New Moon says this:
"Why, I HAVE to write--I can't help it at times--I've just GOT to."
Her teacher replies:
"Oh--then I'd waste my breath giving advice at all. If it's IN you
to climb you must--there are those who MUST
lift their eyes to the
hills--they can't breathe properly in the
valleys. God help them
if there's some weakness in them that
prevents their climbing.”
God help them indeed.
Having the temperament and the compulsion to create without having any ability is hell. This topic was covered by John Buchan in his Richard Hannay spy thriller Mr Standfast.
Having the ability to create but being prevented from using
it is hell too.
Sacrifices, prices and slavery
More from the teacher in Emily of New Moon:
“...you have written ten decent lines. I think there's something trying to speak through you—but you'll have to make yourself a fit instrument for it. You've got to work hard and sacrifice—by gad, girl, you've chosen a jealous goddess. And she never lets her votaries go—not even when she shuts her ears forever to their plea.”
This is rather chilling. Who would choose to be a victim of and a sacrifice to the creative spirit? Who would want to be a slave and a hostage to something alien for an entire lifetime?
Emily’s teacher would:
“Nature is always taking us by surprise. This child has--what I have never had and would have made any sacrifice to have. But 'the gods don't allow us to be in their debt'--she will pay for it--she will pay."
Another chilling statement. So he thinks that the gods compel people to become writers then demand a price in return.
“We pay a price for everything we get or take in this world; and although ambitions are well worth having, they are not to be cheaply won, but exact their dues of work and self denial, anxiety and discouragement.”
― From Anne of Green Gables
This is very true, and it applies to a lot more than writing.
Much of what L. M. Montgomery says though her
characters makes the compulsion to write seem like a doom and writing ability a
terrible affliction, although she may be playing the devil’s advocate in some
cases.
Anne and Emily with their books:
