The Writer's Prayer

Good morning all. Yup, it's just about 5am, I've been up for a good twenty minutes and will (or plan to) stay that way until 11pm. I assure you, no typos there. So, in the tough times as a writer/filmmaker (about 97.6% of the time) I like to look at this prayer as a motivation, a solemn oath, to continue my passion and ensuring my success in the field. Print this and hang this on your wall, so that you may wake up to it every morning.

A Writer’s Prayer - by Neil Gaiman

Oh Lord, let me not be one of those who writes too much;

who spreads himself too thinly with his words,

diluting all the things he has to say,

like butter spread too thinly over toast,

or watered milk in some worn-out hotel;

but let me write the things I have to say,

and then be silent, ’til I need to speak.

Oh Lord, let me not be one of those who writes too little;

a decade-man between each tale, or more,

where every word accrues significance

and dread replaces joy upon the page.

Perfectionists like chasing the horizon;

You kept perfection, gave the rest to us,

so let me earn the wisdom to move on.

But over and above those two mad spectres of parsimony and profligacy,

Lord, let me be brave, and let me, while I craft my tales, be wise:

let me say true things in a voice that is true,

and, with the truth in mind, let me write lies.

And let us say, Amen.