What Do You Love?

I’ve been reading a book called Story written by Robert McKee. Subtitled: Substance, Structure, Style and the Principles of Screenwriting, while the focus of the advice might be on the film script, the gems contained within its covers are applicable to all writers of fiction. On the cover its claim “Winner, International Moving Image Book Award” is supported by the high quality of the information and writing between the covers.

This morning, on page 99, I read the passage with the sub-heading “The Gift of Endurance” in which he talks about screenwriting as being for long-distance runners rather than sprinters. The same is true for the novel, or any work of length. McKee wrote this:

“Whatever your source of inspiration, beware of this: Long before you finish, the love of self will rot and die, the love of ideas sicken and perish. You’ll become so tired and bored with writing about yourself or your ideas, that you may not finish the race.

So, in addition, ask: What’s my favourite genre? Then write in the genre you love. For although the passion for and idea or experience may wither, the love of the movies is forever.”

He ends the chapter with this: “Be honest in your choice of genre, for all the reasons for wanting to write, the only one that nurtures us through time is love of the work itself.”

Hear, hear!