Chapter 4, Faith Summary and Analysis

The most common question that would-be writers ask Gardner is whether he writes with pen, typewriter, or what. The question is deeper than it appears, for it addresses magical considerations, writer's block, vision, revision, and whether the young writer has any hope. When a writer is "hot," the words flow, but when uninspired all becomes mechanical: words and pages, not living dreams. Inspired, a writer sees his characters moving as vividly as in dreams, and the task is to get it down on paper without distraction. It is all too easy for words to get in the way. In student fiction, moments of inspiration are obvious, when he serves not as a creator but an instrument or conjurer. It is both a poison and an ointment, which usually first comes during revision of a lifeless first draft. As instances...