The main takeaway, hyperbole aside, is that excellence requires sacrifice. Serious sacrifice. I had to sacrifice most of my friends, leave my girlfriend, shoot career prospects in the back of the head, and isolate myself in the room I've been in for the past four and a half months. At the moment I'm running on delusion and faith, but I can't give up. I have no plan B. I'll either make it or die. It's extremely hard, but I'm also having the adventure of my life. Really, what else is there to do on Earth but pursue what seems impossible and embark on a story? The worst thing that can happen is death.
I love that, while Ian’s community is currently significantly smaller than all other literature channels I know of, this comment section proves why that doesn’t matter. Never have I seen a full comment section so saturated with passion and rawness. True warriors here ready for the fray, the grit and the grind.
Your story about getting fired for reading whilst being a lifeguard reminds me of a story Don DeLlilo told in an interview for the 2013 National Book Festival where he almost got fired at his job as a “parkie” (A security guard for playgrounds) in the Bronx. He didn’t wear the uniform and instead spent his time reading Joyce and Faulkner and nearly got exposed when two kids got in a fight and had to go to the hospital, but he still made it until summers end with his job.
Writing is definitely the most important thing in my life. My whole life has been a quest to avoid work so I can write. If I ever find a woman who I might want to marry, I will have to make it clear to her that she may have to financially support me at times so I can write. If she can’t handle that, we need to part ways. The problem is we live in a society where it is still somewhat socially unacceptable for a wife to support her husband, but I don’t care. If my spouse won’t help me with my writing career, I don’t need them.
I think what he’s said here is too far. To be a good writer means you must be fully engaged with life itself, not just books and writing, and in order to do that must mean the pursuit of those things that drive every healthy mind. Sacrifice nights out for writing, not nights in with your loved ones. Sacrifice vices for writing, not love and family. Your family will understand when you must write, but we all need to know what it is we’re writing for.
@@maxwindom1200 I guess I’m not at that point yet, I only have a girlfriend I love and who supports me and stands by me, but I just organize my life where we won’t have kids till we’re financially ready and nothing interferes with my reading and writing. As far as my book goes, everyone knows not to ask about why I’m still in drafting.
@@mattfranco23 I think there needs to be a balance. One shouldn’t make writing so important in their life that they become a complete asshole. Anything can become an idol, even writing, but at the same time, you shouldn’t tolerate people who are going to hinder your dreams.
There are other ways to get your message out, so post blogs, vlogs, and instagram posts while you write, building an audience who might buy your book. In the meantime what you want to say gets out there too.
Not the Benjamin McEvoy call out 😭
Been waiting for Benjamin to make lots of Faulkner videos! Great to have Ian making these, it's awesome
most of us need to unfry our brains from digital media addiction first
If I may add, other addictions that are highly deconstructive-drugs, porn, alcohol, etc.
@@Ozzpodge as we know, an alcoholic has never become a sucessful writer
Brandon Sanderson had to write thirteen books before he was published. Just keep going, no matter what. If you are relentless, nothing can stop you.
13:48 "I don't care that your dad hates you" is the most savage (most teacherly) thing I've seen on the internet this month LOL
"kids at my job who want to talk about random stuff, sorry I don't have the time. I don't care that your dad hates you." LMAO dead.
Ian, this is definitely one of your best and most informative videos.Thanks for getting me all fired up to go and keep after the craft
The main takeaway, hyperbole aside, is that excellence requires sacrifice. Serious sacrifice. I had to sacrifice most of my friends, leave my girlfriend, shoot career prospects in the back of the head, and isolate myself in the room I've been in for the past four and a half months. At the moment I'm running on delusion and faith, but I can't give up. I have no plan B. I'll either make it or die.
It's extremely hard, but I'm also having the adventure of my life. Really, what else is there to do on Earth but pursue what seems impossible and embark on a story? The worst thing that can happen is death.
God! I was gonna get in a word of advice to you but your commitment beat my ass! Thank you! I will try to be as faithful as you.
@katlamb4606 lmao, I have full confidence in you. People are made of seriously strong stuff!
When you see that hyperbole is not what that is
breakthrough
I love that, while Ian’s community is currently significantly smaller than all other literature channels I know of, this comment section proves why that doesn’t matter. Never have I seen a full comment section so saturated with passion and rawness. True warriors here ready for the fray, the grit and the grind.
Your story about getting fired for reading whilst being a lifeguard reminds me of a story Don DeLlilo told in an interview for the 2013 National Book Festival where he almost got fired at his job as a “parkie” (A security guard for playgrounds) in the Bronx. He didn’t wear the uniform and instead spent his time reading Joyce and Faulkner and nearly got exposed when two kids got in a fight and had to go to the hospital, but he still made it until summers end with his job.
Writing is definitely the most important thing in my life. My whole life has been a quest to avoid work so I can write. If I ever find a woman who I might want to marry, I will have to make it clear to her that she may have to financially support me at times so I can write. If she can’t handle that, we need to part ways. The problem is we live in a society where it is still somewhat socially unacceptable for a wife to support her husband, but I don’t care. If my spouse won’t help me with my writing career, I don’t need them.
I’m hoping for ya but damn that’s gonna be tough to find
I think what he’s said here is too far. To be a good writer means you must be fully engaged with life itself, not just books and writing, and in order to do that must mean the pursuit of those things that drive every healthy mind. Sacrifice nights out for writing, not nights in with your loved ones. Sacrifice vices for writing, not love and family. Your family will understand when you must write, but we all need to know what it is we’re writing for.
@@mattfranco23 true but 99% fail bc they didn’t go far enough
@@maxwindom1200 I guess I’m not at that point yet, I only have a girlfriend I love and who supports me and stands by me, but I just organize my life where we won’t have kids till we’re financially ready and nothing interferes with my reading and writing. As far as my book goes, everyone knows not to ask about why I’m still in drafting.
@@mattfranco23 I think there needs to be a balance. One shouldn’t make writing so important in their life that they become a complete asshole. Anything can become an idol, even writing, but at the same time, you shouldn’t tolerate people who are going to hinder your dreams.
This is an inspirational vid man. Thank you.
Being "inherently transformed" is what I aim for
This is so real.
Thats the spirit right there
There are other ways to get your message out, so post blogs, vlogs, and instagram posts while you write, building an audience who might buy your book. In the meantime what you want to say gets out there too.
Thanks!
Hey Ian, have you ever read anything by Traditionalists like Rene Guenon and Frithjof Schuon? I feel like it’s right up your alley.
I decided against having children because when it comes to having posterity, I don't want any back door. It's going to be my writing, or nothing.
RITE MOAR 🫵🤬
I don’t think you need to
Compare your channel with Ben’s. You talk about becoming a great writer, he inspires people to become great readers
Yours and his are my two favorites