From “The Battle of The Pen and the Scissors” by Shem Tov Ardutiel (Santob de Carrión):
I recently read The Dream of the Poem: Hebrew Poetry from Muslim and Christian Spain, 950-1492 by Peter Cole (translator) and I loved coming across poems about the act of writing. Like in the one above, even though they were written literally hundreds of years ago, it was so cool to see how writers face the same frustrations and challenges.
So take it from Shem Tov Ardutiel–tomorrow’s writing doesn’t matter today. Focus on getting the work done now.
This quote beautifully emphasizes the timeless struggles of writing. It’s fascinating how even centuries ago, writers like Shem Tov Ardutiel faced the same frustrations we do today. The reminder to focus on the work at hand rather than worry about future writing is so relevant. It speaks to the need for discipline and presence in the creative process. This is such a motivating message for any writer trying to push through a creative block!