Source: Article |Hemingway on Worry and Writing

Article on post linking to The Paris Review‘s 1958 interview with Ernest Hemingway.  Part way through the interview Hemingway is asked about financial need and its connection writing.  Here is what he had to say:

Financial security then is a great help as it keeps you from worrying. Worry destroys the ability to write. Ill health is bad in the ratio that it produces worry which attacks your subconscious and destroys your reserves. (Ernest Hemingway)

Having a chronic illness that interferes with basic needs (levels 1 and 2 of Maslow’s Hierarchy, see picture above) can interfere with the ability to focus on writing.  I believe, however, that each person can (must) find a path around what may seem like an impasse.  For me, I try not to let fibromyalgia stifle my creativity.  Luckily, I express creativity in multiple forms: music, art, writing, etc.  Still, when it comes to writing, there is a level of focus that one needs, a true clarity of mind in order to articulate one’s concepts.   A tired mind can be an unfocused mind.  An unfocused mind can lead to blocked writing.

It’s true. I know. And on that note, I’m going back to sleep. Enjoy the article!

Until Friday,

D.