Accidents Quote by Leonard Bishop
“Any writer who believes in the 'lucky creative accident' in writing is pushing elephants on roller skates up greased ramps.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Writing and Creativity, Leonard Bishop, 1970
Relying on random luck in writing is as futile as trying to move elephants on slippery skates.
In simple terms: Luck alone won’t create good writing.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate disciplined practice over hoping for accidents.
Themes
creativity
discipline
myth
effort
writing
Mood
determined
realistic
inspirational
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- author workshops
- daily writing routines
- creative brainstorming
- skill development
Key Concepts
creative process
mythbusting
work ethic
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance preparation with openness to unexpected ideas?
- Can disciplined effort ever fully replace inspiration?
A Different Perspective
The metaphor may be too extreme, ignoring serendipity’s role.
![“Even when you go up ramp, and you think about [Franklin D. Roosevelt] wheeling himself up, you know, got a little cigarette holder in his mouth, and it, that, that awe that you feel, that reverence that you feel for the place never entirely leaves.” quote by Barack Obama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3a7/barack-obama-17_awe_even-when-you-go-up-ramp-and-you-think-a_705826.jpg)
