A Review of The Blade Itself

 A

Review

of

The Blade Itself

By Joe Abercrombie

Five Stars

This book was one I struggled to put down. I found no reason to nit pick at it. My favorite character was Glokta and I found him to be the most interesting part of the story. The mystery contained within the story is reason enough to continue the series.

Keeping a Steady Pace

 A

Steady

Pace

No art form in human history can be done fast and well. There is no instant talent or success the moment you begin. You must first develop your craft for success to exist. You must settle on what art form speaks loudest in your heart. And over the course of time you will develop what I call a steady pace.

Let's first focus on settling on the art form that speaks loudest in your heart. I chose writing. You might choose painting. You might also choose more than one art form. Regardless, you have to find passion in what you're doing. You have to be serious about it and that doesn't necessarily mean sales. It can be to escape the world you live in or live a fulfilled life. The purpose behind the art form you choose is yours alone.

Our second and final focus will be on talent. Success possesses different levels of measurement and was mentioned as a wake up call. Talent can be natural or developed through practice. I will speak from person experience in this case and focus on the development of talent. You can do this through reading about your craft. You can study the writings, paintings and sculptures of your favorite authors, painters, and sculptures. The greatest way in my opinion to develop your talent is practice. Again! Start out slow. I made the mistake of putting my writing out in the world without practice. You don't have to be a perfectionist. All you need to do is practice until (in my case) you can read your words aloud and not trip over them.

After making your choice and using that natural talent (or develop it) you're ready. You can focus on building up a steady pace. This means finding that sweet spot. A spot where the ideas flow naturally and no matter what happens your passion lives forever.  

I hope this was helpful. Too often people fly full speed into the arts and crash the plane before thirty feet off the tarmac. This blogpost is to make sure you learn how to fly. Its to make sure you've chosen the right plane. Otherwise your stories, paintings, and sculptures won't be received well by anyone. Including you.