Can you lose it?

Some of us are happy just to Kraft singles.

 

Couple of thoughts:

I think the best writers take a lot of chances when they're young. Some work, and some don't, so it's both a good and bad thing. The best young writers might hit one out of the park, but they might strike out twice. But when they hit one, it's something.

I think as writers get older, they probably find more of a groove and are more content with doubles then trying to go deep. But they rarely strike out anymore.

So the body of work over a year might be much more solid, but the high notes aren't quite as high, perhaps.

The flip side, to me, is being an older editor. Because I think in many ways, despite the way the medium has changed the words and style I allow, I'm better helping improve copy than I ever was. I think "coaches," to keep this crappy metaphor going, can improve because it's not them putting themselves on the line; they're only helping the writers, and the more they learn, the better they can be.

IF they keep an open mind, which can be a big if.

 

Bingo. I definitely think it's possible for one to "lose it."

 

Indeed.

Pantera just wasn't the same after Vulgar Display of Power.