The art of writing, by: Francis Scott Fitzgerald

I can summarize my theory of writing entirely in one sentence: the writer should direct his writings to the young people who belong to his generation, and to the critics who will come after them, and to all teachers after that. The literary work must seek that effect which comes late in the reader's mind, unlike the art of oratory or philosophy which put people in a state of agitation or contemplation. As you see, the art of the novel is like a trick that deceives the mind and heart, composed of several separate emotions like those used by the magician when performing a trick with his hand or hiding the tough paper. As soon as you master writing literature, you forget it...". "And when did you master it?" "Oh, every time I start writing, I find myself forced to master it again. But abstract matters are within our reach. That is why I chose this terrible craft that requires much sitting and deprivation of sleep at night and endless dissatisfaction, and for this reason I choose it again." Number of pages: 132