I'm reading a book called Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell. It is not a funny book. But something about the subject struck me funny. So I will recount my thoughts to you here.
Gladwell writes about the science of success. How did Bill Gates become a computer tycoon? How do hockey players achieve professional team status?
Gladwell says that anyone who makes it has had at least ten thousand hours of practice.
My question: How does this explain Paris Hilton? Did she spend 10,000 hours in front of the mirror as a child trying to appear shallow and silly?
What about Stephenie Meyer, whose vampire story came to her in a dream and she had a publisher within six months of sending out her first query letter?
Gladwell's science is solid. I think most people have to practice their fingers off to be an expert pianist. But I'm still holding my hopes out for shear stupid chance to smile on me.
I know I can be at least as silly as Paris, even if I never practice.
good point about paris and stephenie. although i do remember an interview where stephenie said that for any author to be successful, she has to read at least a "million books". so was of course being silly, but i feel there is some merit to that.
i think any author has to read a lot to get good at writing.
as for paris hilton...well, her great grandfather certainly put in the hours of work, and she's just fortunate enough to ride the coattails.
not the most honest way of making a living, but it's working for her.
Posted by: bethany | December 03, 2008 at 10:48 AM