I get annoyed when a self-indulgent writer just shows off what he knows but doesn't really tell a story. To me, storytelling is first a craft. Then if you're lucky, it becomes an art form. But first, it's got to be a craft.. You've got to have a beginning, middle and end. And I have sort of applied the theatrical principles to writing. Throw the story in the air and see what's going to happen.
This quote highlights the essential foundations of storytelling, emphasizing that technical skill and structure are fundamental before one can elevate storytelling to an art form. The speaker is critical of writers who showcase their knowledge without prioritizing the core narrative, pointing to the importance of craft over showmanship. Craft, in this context, involves mastering the basic elements—such as having a clear beginning, middle, and end—that create a coherent and engaging story. The analogy to theatrical principles underscores the dynamic and unpredictable nature of storytelling, akin to throwing a story into the air and observing how it unfolds. This perspective reminds writers that discipline and deliberate construction are vital, and that true artistry often stems from a solid mastery of the craft. It also suggests that storytelling is an evolving process; initial technical competence lays the groundwork for potential artistic expression. Overall, this quote encourages writers to prioritize craftsmanship and foundational storytelling skills, which serve as the building blocks for perhaps someday creating compelling art through their narratives.
