Mastering the Craft of Writing with William Walsh
Lessons from Professor William Walsh
During Professor William Walsh’s visit to our university, he spent three days sharing his experience as a writer and professor from the United States. Walsh has conducted research on the works of Flannery O’Connor and the connections within her literary works. In the first session we had with him, he gave us an insight into his investigation. However, one of the most memorable parts of his stay was the second part of the second session, in which he spoke about what it means to become a writer and the perseverance that this path requires. Through personal anecdotes and motivational ideas, Walsh encouraged students to believe in their creative abilities and to develop the discipline necessary to succeed in writing. Walsh based the talk on different “rules” that writers must follow in order to succeed.
Believing in Your Creative Potential
One of the main ideas that Walsh emphasized—and that struck me—was his insistence that writers must believe in their own creativity. Walsh reminded us that our lives and ideas belong to us, and that no one should have the power to tell us that we cannot pursue our ambitions. Hearing this made me reflect on how often people, including myself, abandon creative dreams because of discouragement or fear of criticism and laughter. Nevertheless, what I took with me is the fact that even if others laugh at the idea of writing a book, writers must continue pursuing their goals and expressing their creativity.
The Reality of Rejection and Perseverance
Another idea that stayed with me was his perspective on rejection. Walsh explained that rejection is not only common but almost inevitable for writers. He shared the story of his novel, Haircuts for the Dead, which was rejected more than two hundred times before it was finally accepted for publication. Instead of presenting this as a failure, he described it as part of the process of learning and improving. This experience shows that perseverance is often the most important quality a writer can have.
Observing the World Through a New Lens
Another important idea from the session was the need to observe the world in a different way. Walsh referred to the photographer Ansel Adams, who became famous because he captured landscapes from unique perspectives. In the same way, writers must look at everyday situations with curiosity and imagination. Walsh reminded us that stories exist everywhere and that paying attention to the world around us can provide endless inspiration.
Building a Literary Community
He also highlighted the importance of connecting with other people. Walsh encouraged us to attend readings, conferences, and literary events, because meeting other writers and speakers can create unexpected opportunities. Through these interactions, writers can build relationships that may later lead to collaborations or publishing opportunities. In this sense, writing is not only an individual activity but also part of a community where people support and inspire each other.
The Power of Daily Discipline
However, the idea that impacted me the most was his advice about discipline. Walsh explained that writers should write every day, even if it is only a single page. The next day, they should edit that page and then write another one. Over time, this routine can slowly develop into a larger piece of work. He also warned us not to let other people or daily distractions steal our time. In a world full of constant interruptions, protecting time for creativity becomes an act of determination.
A Personal Path to Writing
For me, this session was especially meaningful because it connected with a personal dream I have had for many years. Since I was a child, my father used to invent imaginative stories and tell them to my brothers and me. Those stories stayed in my mind, and since I was a teenager, I have wanted to turn them into a collection of short stories. However, I always postponed the idea because I felt I did not have enough time or the right moment to start writing. Listening to Walsh made me realize that waiting for the perfect moment is often just another way of delaying our goals. Instead, we must simply begin and dedicate time to writing every day.
After the session ended, I decided to approach Professor Walsh to thank him for his words and to tell him that his talk had inspired me to finally start writing those stories. During our conversation, he told me that he also works as an editor and that I could send him my work for feedback. He suggested that I ask my teacher for his email address so that I could contact him. I did not expect such a response, and hearing this filled me with excitement and motivation.
Looking back, what I will remember most from Walsh’s visit is the sense of encouragement he gave us as students. Most importantly, the fact that he convinced me that the stories I have been imagining deserve to be written. Now, instead of waiting for the right moment, I hope to follow his advice and start writing one page at a time.