I just read an article that explained some traits of highly intelligent people. One aspect appealed to me: really intelligent people have cluttered offices.
Well, I thought, I must be a genius!
While I pretty much know where everything is in my office, anyone with a slight bit of neatness in their genes would be appalled.
Part of my problem is my collection: I am a deep fan of Mickey Mouse as The Sorcerer’s Apprentice.
Ever since I saw the Disney film, Fantasia, I’ve loved this version of the famous mouse. I started collecting things that represent Mickey in that role. I’ve got mugs and music boxes, plates and pictures, stuffies, statues, toys, tissue boxes—you name it. I didn’t collect all of these on my own. Over the years family and friends have helped add to my hoard. Some, like the giant Sorcerer statue pictured, were gifts. Others like the trash can, were made for me.
So how does the Mouse relate to my writing life? The apprentice, I believe, is much like all writers: he’s curious, he takes chances. At first, he’s a bit furtive. How many of us—when starting out—don’t admit that’s what we'd like to do? We keep our goals secret. What if we’re not good enough? If we write secretly, no one will know if we failed.
Like Mickey the Apprentice, we try a spell (a first draft). We feel empowered by the words we write: Hey, this isn’t bad! I can do this!
Then we notice it’s not working. Things are out of control: That’s not what I meant to say! I’m never going to get this!
If we’re determined, though, we turn to mentors. We talk to other writers. We take courses. We read about writing. We join critique groups. We practice, practice, practice.
The Fantasia version ends with the real sorcerer fixing Mickey’s mistakes and shoving him out the door. One can’t help but feel, however, that he’s a little proud of his apprentice. He sees some tenacity and possibilities in him. Good mentors will do the same for you.
So don’t stop. Keep at it. Write there!
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