~Ryan Osberg
Discipline, perseverance, dedication, repetition, willingness to improve… trademarks of a true artist at work. Now by artist, I don’t mean the normal connotation of today’s artist. I’m talking of each and every person who puts his heart and soul into his work (or her and her work). This is what a true writer does when doing what he/she does best--write. This is the quality that turns words on a page into a masterpiece. Just how monks exhibit these traits in their everyday practices, so should a writer. However, not just anyone can make a masterpiece. This is where willingness to improve comes in. Unless by some natural gift, a writer must write and write and write in order to improve! Revision, revision, revision, and revision again... that is what leads to a masterpiece of literature. But what else is missing?! A writer can improve his work by the process of self-revision but is that the only thing he has to do? Of course not! Get opinions, get ideas, take suggestions, ask for opinions. A piece may sound great to a writer but that is because he knows exactly what he is trying to say. A rocket scientist won't be able to explain the theory of plate tectonics to a five year old. Other people must be able to understand the piece; yes, that is one goal of revision, but how far should one take revision--when should a person stop? Trouble is it varies from piece to piece. On writing may need to be picked over down to the most miniscule details, while others... it doesn't take much to sound good. Why? What is the difference between the two pieces? Audience, character, content... a vast array of factors can alter an essay. A tweak to style or voice could alter a piece dramatically! Just how does the writer want the piece to come alive, and how can he go about it?
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