Monday, January 10, 2005

A Reminder from Alexander Pope

True ease in writing comes from art, not chance,
As those move easiest who have learn’d to dance.*
How true. Just as trained dancers are among the most graceful movers, the best writers are those who consistently apply their practice. When the prolific poet and essayist Alexander Pope wrote those words at the tender age of 21, he was already speaking from experience. In writing, there are no shortcuts; proficiency comes from practice. Keep writing and seek feedback--you'll see improvement!

*Alexander Pope, Essay on Criticism, Part II, Line 162. (1711)

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