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Become A Famous Writer

Posted: Tuesday, November 18, 2008

by Avis Ward
GeoVi's Home for Pregnant Teens

"It took me fifteen years to discover that I had no talent for writing, but I couldn't give it up because by that time I was too famous." - Robert Benchley

Photo Courtesy of Vanity Fair

Do you need an incentive to keep writing? What about that quote from Robert Benchley? Who is Robert Benchley? I had no idea so I did a bit of research. This quote was one of three on my Google homepage today. I laughed after reading it. The man piqued my interest so I wanted to know more about him.

Benchley was a twentieth-century American humorist. Although by his own account Benchley was not quite a writer and not quite an actor, he managed to become one of the best-known humorists and comedians of his time. As a Harvard undergraduate, Benchley gave his first comic performance, impersonating a befuddled after-dinner speaker. The act made him a campus celebrity and remained in Benchley's repertoire for the rest of his life. (Landing the position of editor of the Harvard Lampoon was the other highlight of his college career.) As a post-graduate journalist, between frequent firings and other disruptions, Benchley made his mark as a theater critic and as writer of whimsical musings on the vagaries of modern life.

Despite his alleged confusion, Robert Benchley (1889-1945):

wrote and acted in the first all-talking film (The Treasurer's Report," Fox-Movietone, 1928)
in 17 years, wrote and starred in 48 short films, winning the 1935 Academy Award for MGM's "How to Sleep"
wrote and acted in 38 feature films and wrote partial scripts or dialogue for dozens of others
starred on his own radio show for three years (1938-1940) with Artie Shaw as his bandleader
was a frequent guest artist on other radio shows, such as "Amos 'n Andy" and The Fred Allen Show and recorded a classic version (Thurber's avowed favorite) of James Thurber's "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty"
published more than 600 stories in various magazines (and had several hundred others which were not published until long after his death

All of this and more from a man who claimed to be professionally lazy!

Further research uncovered a decline in his career which resulted in alcoholism. His health continued to deteriorate as his career plummeted with no chance of being resurrected. He passed away from cirrhosis of the liver in a New York hospital on November 21, 1945. He was only 56. Ironically, the anniversary of his death is a mere three days away.

It is only befitting to end this article with a quote from Robert Benchley:

"The freelance writer is a man who is paid per piece or per word or perhaps." Somehow, I could not help but think of Mike Fak as I wrote this article. He's famous and can no doubt relate to each quote from Benchley far better than most.

Want to have your work promoted in a Writers Community with Featured Columnists? Join us at SearchWarp. You could become a famous writer! (Mike Fak is a freelance writer, columnist and coach. He is featured at SearchWarp.)

Copyright 2008 by Avis Ward of GeoVi's Home for New Life

Avis is founder of El Elyon Outpouring Center, an Empowerment Outreach Ministry emphasizing God’s Unconditional Love and Grace and GeoVi’s Home for New Life, a nonprofit providing faith, hope, and love to teens, pregnant teens and their babies. She's CEO of Providential Coaching, a Christian Life coaching practice teaching young women how-to turn within for divine direction to learn and follow the plan God has for their lives. She's the host and creator of Devoted Housewives in the House of God, an Internet Radio Talk Show. Speaker, Seminar Leader and an Ambassador of Love. Avis respectfully acknowledges her deceased parents as her role models, and the hero and heroine in her life.

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Top-level comments on this article: (4 total)

» left by Dianne Lehmann
3 years 79 days ago.
134 fans.

Hi Avis.

I had heard of Robert Benchley, but that's as far as it went. I love the quotes and the information you provided. Sounds as if I may have to read some of what he wrote.

Great article.

Hugs,

Dianne

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» left by Avis Ward 3 years 79 days ago.
131 fans.

Dianne, you're so well-rounded. At least you had heard of Robert Benchley. I was clueless but really liked the opening quote. I wanted to know more. I liked other quotes too but felt the closing one was very appropriate. I'm happy you liked both and read my article. Thanks for the comments.

Hugs too,
Avis

PS I thought of you while writing this. I forgot to change the category and think I barely escaped with the title and its contents. *laughing* That's right, keep me on the straight and narrow, Dianne!

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» left by Jane Bullard
3 years 79 days ago.

Avis, here's another for the "knew the name but that's all" list. Terrific title. Drew me in.A good read is Avis Ward. Like Dianne, love the opening quote Blessings to ya! Jane

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» left by Avis Ward 3 years 79 days ago.
131 fans.

Jane, I'm pleased to have drawn you in with the title because you've made my day! Thanks so much for that. I receive the blessings and send blessings to you! —Avis

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» left by Camille Strate
3 years 72 days ago.
61 fans. Follow Camille Strate on twitter!

I love this quote, Avis. Think I'll 'steal' it and use it for my own humorous motivation! thanks!

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» left by Avis Ward 3 years 72 days ago.
131 fans.

Thanks for reading, Camille. It comes as no surprise you liked that quote AND that you'll use it for your "own humorous motivation!" You're welcome.

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» left by David Pekrul
3 years 70 days ago.
66 fans.

Thanks for this article, Avis. I've heard of Robert Benchley, but I don't think I've ever read anything by him. I'll have to look him up on the web.

And I'm also glad I have joined SearchWarp. There are some really good writers here, and everyone has been so kind to me, and even like some of my stuff.

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