Years ago I conducted a course in fiction writing at the…
““Years ago I conducted a course in fiction writing at the Brooklyn Institute of Arts and Sciences, and we wanted such distinguished and busy authors as Kathleen Norris, Fannie Hurst, Ida Tarbell, Albert Payson Terhune and Rupert Hughes to come to Brooklyn and give us the benefit of their experiences. So we wrote them, saying we admired their work and were deeply interested in getting their advice and learning the secrets of their success. Each of these letters was signed by about a hundred and fifty students. We said we realized that these authors were busy—too busy to prepare a lecture. So we enclosed a list of questions for them to answer about themselves and their methods of work. They liked that. Who wouldn’t like it? So they left their homes and traveled to Brooklyn to give us a helping hand. By””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The speaker describes how they invited prominent authors to share their methods, emphasizing respectful outreach and clear expectations to secure valuable mentorship.
In simple terms: They got busy writers to help by sending polite, organized requests.
Key Takeaway
Respectful, organized requests can attract expertise.
Themes
networking
mentorship
respect
communication
Mood
appreciative
inspirational
Type
advice
educational
When to use this quote
- writing workshops
- academic conferences
- professional development
- career guidance
Key Concepts
authorial expertise
learning
collaboration
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you tailor requests to busy experts?
- What incentives motivate mentors to share knowledge?
A Different Perspective
Success depends on authors’ willingness and time, not just the request.