That blank incapability of invention..
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I was reading the introduction to the 1831 edition of Frankenstein or The Modern Prometheus by Mary Shelly where she recalls the origins of the creation of the story. In it she describes that it was a bet or challenge among her and friends to come up with a ghost story of some kind. When forced to come up with a story she describes in such a wonderful way that feeling I believe all creatives can relate to of drawing a complete blank.
Quote:
"I thought and pondered—vainly. I felt that blank incapability of invention which is the greatest misery of authorship, when dull Nothing replies to our anxious invocations. Have you thought of a story? I was asked each morning, and each morning I was forced to reply with a mortifying negative."I just really liked this quote and thought I would share because I imagine many of you have felt that blank void as I and others have. But this goes to show, you just keep at it, and you never really know what idea is just about to surface. In this case, an idea that would go on to outlive her far beyond her years.
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Thanks, more times than I’d like to admit and when I do a piece I’m proud of, I‘m convinced it was a fluke and I’ll never do anything as good again!
