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“I can’t look you in the voice”
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Reading time: 1.05 257 words Hey Reader, In 1945, Dorothy Parker sent the following telegram to her editor Pascal Covici at Viking Press: “This is instead of telephoning because I can’t look you in the voice. I simply cannot get that thing done yet never have done such hard night and day work never have so wanted anything to be good and all I have is a pile of paper covered with wrong words. Can only keep at it and hope to heaven to get it done. Don’t know why it is so terribly difficult or I so terribly incompetant. Dorothy.” Dorothy Parker, one of the most celebrated writers and wits of the 20th century, loathed the writing process and always struggled to get her articles in on time. So next time you’re bashing yourself over the head about how terrible a writer you are, and how hard it is, and how awful are the words that are oozing out of you, remember: even the very best writers sometimes feel the same way. I suspect, though, that Parker didn’t really loath writing, not all the time. She did love to turn it into humour, though. Even the first line of her telegram makes me laugh. So, if you’re struggling to write something today: keep at it. Maybe write out Dorothy’s telegram to remind you that even though sometimes it feels like a nightmare, you can and will get it done. And if you need a little help? You can always call on me. Reply to this email and tell me what you’re wrestling with. TTFN, Vicky 🫡 p.s. Know someone who might enjoy this email? Please forward it to them and get them to sign up here. p.p.s. Note the misspelling of “incompetent” — great writing has little to do with spelling and grammar. That can be fixed later so just get on with the ideas bit.
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Learn to Write Like You Mean It
Join 500+ writers, creatives, misfits, and weirdos and learn to write like you mean it in 10 minutes a week. Get ONE practical tip, story, or shenanigan every weekday + a creative goodie bag on Friday 🖖🏼
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