Sunday, November 16, 2008

Fighters Fight

'River of Bones' is now up to 6500 words and I've just decided to keep expanding it until it feels like it should stop. I'm not exactly sure where that is but I'm going to trust my instincts and just keep going. Hopefully there will be a publishable story at the end of it all. Part of the inspiration comes from watching 'Rocky Balboa' last night. This is a great movie and it's all about doing what it takes. In one scene Rocky explains to his son that being a man is not about hitting hard, it's about how hard you can get hit and still get back up. A great line comes from one of the supporting characters when she tries to tell Rocky that he should get back in the ring one more time: "Fighters fight."

Seems like a pretty good way to live your life. Writers write. Managers manage. Fathers father. Husbands husband. You can spend a gazillion dollars on therapy and watch Dr. Phil until your brain is scrambled beyond recognition or you can just shut the hell up and do what you're supposed to do.

Great philosophy comes from unexpected places.

5 comments:

NewGuyDave said...

I like that quote. Although, "Every man dies. Not every man really lives," hits home a little harder for me. I see many folks waiting for a chance, when they should be trying to make something happen.

Writers write. Not every writer really writes. lol

Jeff Draper said...

There's a lot of really great one liners that sum up the complexity of life by cutting through all the BS and getting to the heart of the matter. Most of the time, I find that if you try to overthink something you're really just looking for an excuse to not do what is right.

Rogue Blades Entertainment said...

Love that. Wise asses wise-ass. Ya wise ass ;)

Anonymous said...

Hmm...this would explain why I've felt so lost since leaving my old do jo.

Fighter looking for a fight...anyone? ;)

Jeff Draper said...

Dave- PS: That's why I have invented the phrase 'Carpe pluma!' Because sometimes we just need to seize the freakin' pen and charge forward.

HvD- Heavy emphasis on 'wise.'

Suanne- I was never much of a fighter although I am an excellent marksman. Son Number One is the martial artist of the family, having trained for a few years in Aikido.