In the shower today I tried to think about the best advice…
““In the shower today I tried to think about the best advice I'd ever been given by another writer. There was something that someone said at my first Milford, about using style as a covering, but sooner or later you would have to walk naked down the street, that was useful... And then I remembered. It was Harlan Ellison about a decade ago. He said, "Hey. Gaiman. What's with the stubble? Every time I see you, you're stubbly. What is it? Some kind of English fashion statement?" "Not really." "Well? Don't they have razors in England for Chrissakes?" "If you must know, I don't like shaving because I have a really tough beard and sensitive skin. So by the time I've finished shaving I've usually scraped my face a bit. So I do it as little as possible." "Oh." He paused. "I've got that too. What you do is, you rub your stubble with hair conditioner. Leave it a couple of minutes, then wash it off. Then shave normally. Makes it really easy to shave. No scraping." I tried it. It works like a charm. Best advice from a writer I've ever received.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The anecdote illustrates that practical, unexpected tips from peers can solve everyday problems, even in creative fields, and that sharing such advice builds camaraderie.
In simple terms: A writer shared a shaving hack that helped another writer.
Key Takeaway
Try unconventional advice from peers.
Themes
creativity
peer learning
practicality
Mood
lighthearted
reflective
Type
anecdotal
practical
When to use this quote
- writing workshops
- daily grooming
- online forums
- studio break
- travel
Key Concepts
collaboration
problem solving
humor
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you apply peer advice beyond its original context?
- When do you trust a tip from a colleague?
A Different Perspective
Advice may be context‑specific and not universally applicable.