The Modern Stylists, edited by Donald Hall (1968), Ezra Pound, Part 1

The Modern Stylists, edited by Donald Hall (1968), Ezra Pound, Part 1

New Hampshire poet Donald Hall edited this book, published in 1968. It is a collection of essays and quotes about writing from writers of the first half of the twentieth century. I think it is interesting to see if their comments still hold up today. I am going to select my favorite quotes and comment whenever possible.

Let's start with this quote by Ezra Pound: "More writers fail from lack of character than from lack of intelligence. Technical solidity is not attained without at least some persistence."

I found it interesting that Pound used the word "intelligence" instead of something like "ability" or "skill." If you are smart enough, you too can be a good writer. But only if you "persist." He seems to be talking about hard work, the solution to just about any problem.

And what made him use the word "character"? Does hard work take character? Whenever I hear the phrase "hard work" I think of my parents. They worked hard. I would never compare myself to them when it comes to hard work. I think it would be better to say, as Pound did, that I had "some persistence."

I was a great teacher because I followed three rules: "Prepare. Prepare. Prepare." I guess that could also be stated by the famous trio: "Practice. Practice. Practice." Preparation and practice are also absolutely necessary to becoming a good writer. Preparation includes tons of reading. And practice includes tons of writing. Pretty simple formula. Try it. It works.