The Insecure Writer’s Support Group
It’s time for another edition of The Insecure Writer’s Support Group, hosted by Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh.
We watched Ratatouille the other night, and I was struck by what food critic Anton Ego said towards the end:
“In many ways, the work of a critic is easy. We risk very little, yet enjoy a position over those who offer up their work and their selves to our judgment. We thrive on negative criticism, which is fun to write and to read. But the bitter truth we critics must face, is that in the grand scheme of things, the average piece of junk is probably more meaningful than our criticism designating it so.”
I think it would help to keep that in mind when we send our work into the world to be judged by critics.
The quote continues:
“But there are times when a critic truly risks something, and that is in the discovery and defense of the *new*. The world is often unkind to new talent, new creations. The new needs friends. Last night, I experienced something new: an extraordinary meal from a singularly unexpected source. To say that both the meal and its maker have challenged my preconceptions about fine cooking is a gross understatement. They have rocked me to my core. In the past, I have made no secret of my disdain for Chef Gusteau's famous motto, "Anyone can cook." But I realize, only now do I truly understand what he meant. Not everyone can become a great artist; but a great artist *can* come from *anywhere*.”
And that should give us all hope. Not everyone can become a great writer, but a great writer can come from anywhere.
Just keep writing!
See you next week and those in the US, have a wonderful Fourth of July!
48 comments:
'The new needs friends.' I like this. Happy Fourth of July, USofA folks!
Denise
My kids have watched the movie, but I haven't. I'll have to put it on my list. :) Nice quotes and great inspiration!
Awesome! Thanks for sharing that quote!
Excellent.
Hugs and chocolate,
Shelly
For that very quote alone, that film is among my top ten favorite animated films of ever. Have an excellent weekend! :)
Elizabeth, you must watch it! It's my favorite Pixar movie.
Great quote. I've never seen that film.
Not everyone can become a great writer, but a great writer can come from anywhere.
I'm going to paste this on my writing board :)
I love that scene. Great movie too. Great writers can come from anywhere. Just look at the diversity of writers in the world of Blogdom.
My family loved Ratatouille.
As to critics, I think they do risk a lot. If they don't give honest reviews, that soon catches up them. It's a hard job to give opinions about creations by other.
Loved this post.
Thanks for the hope!
Just the opportunity to be that book that touches someone, not just a critic, but a reader is reason enough to keep putting your work out there.
Aw, that's a favorite movie of ours over here at the Bird's Nest. (Especially since I have one little chick who wants to be a chef one day)
Great speech and wonderful words to consider!!
So true! Great reminder to us all :)
Great quote! Love that movie,too.
LOVE THAT MOVIE..... and a fantastic quote! Thanks for reminding us, L. Diane.
Hope you and the hubs have a wonderful fourth weekend too!
Very inspirational!
That whole quote is awesome.
Awesome. Very insightful quote from the critic. I remember the scene when he finally ate the ratatouille!
Wonderful! Wonderful! Wish I could memorize that entire quote and keep it in my head.
I haven't seen that movie, but the sentiments are quite profound. Good words to keep in mind.
Great IWSG post!
Kim
(This Writer's Growing)
That's a nice thought to ponder!
Thanks for the 4th of July wishes. Enjoy the rest of your week!
That is a great quote and important to remember. It reminds me of one by Daniel Pink that says something to the effect that persistence trumps talent almost every time. I keep that up by my desk to remind me to keep pushing forward.
What a wonderful quote. I think it's time I watched Ratatouille.
"The new need friends." Because new is unfamiliar... different... bringing hope... with the potential to be the next great thing. You never know.
Great words.
Writer In Transit
Now THAT is inspirational! And reading it in regards to writers, so very, very true.
I will post that on my wall, desktop, and on post it notes all over the house. Beautiful way to look at it. You are so right!
David, it's my favorite from Pixar.
Stephen, you aren't kidding about diverse.
Sydney, that is why we keep doing it.
David, makes me want to bake ratatouille.
I'm glad everyone enjoyed the quote.
One of my favorite movies ever(granted, most of the Pixar creations are in my list of "favorite movies ever", but still.) And such a great, great quote. Thanks!
Very inspirational way to start the holiday weekend. Have a good one.
I remember that segment you mention, and I had the same reaction when I heard that speech. So appropriate for us here in the blogosphere! :)
Fantastic advice.
Thank you.
Heather
Thank you! Very inspirational :)
Great quote from a great movie. I tried reviewing some books and movies on my blog but I found I was too concerned with the author's feelings to write anything negative. I'll stick to writing books, and others can do the reviewing.
Oh I love that quote. Very inspiring. :)
I loved this movie.
It's so true though. It's easy to criticize creativity. Being brave enough to be creative is something else entirely.
Beverly, one of my favorites!
JM, that's the way to go.
Misha, you summed it up perfectly.
Hi Diane,
I'm getting emotionally overwhelmed with all these accolades. All this mention of "IWSG" aka "I Was Seeking Gary", is just too much for shy and humble me. However, thank you.
Excellent, my friend. Another food for thought, posting.
A peaceful Fourth of July, y'all.
Gary
Hi Diane .. the movie Ratatouille is such a great watch - and the script writers are so clever ...
Enjoy the Fourth of July weekend .. cheers Hilary
Oh, thanks Diane! I want to watch this movie again. It is emotional and profound when we see things happen in new ways! When one risks and makes a huge ripple. Thank you for sharing!!
Hope you and yours had a lovely holiday! :D
That's a cute movie. Thanks for sharing the quotes! It's very true. :)
I loved those quotes! Thanks.
Hope you had a great 4th!
You have a habit of perpetually inspiring me. Thanks so much for sharing this post. :D
xoxoxo
Well said, don't let others tell you whether or not you like something. I always think about that with movie, book, or food critics.
Coming Up Daisies
Thank you, Randi Lee.
Great movie! So much of it can relate to artists of every stripe.
Love this! Happy 4th!
I going to have to watch this film now. Great quote!
Jai
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