Be natural my children. For the writer that is natural has fulfilled all the rules of art.
Interpretation
Being authentic in your expression as a writer adheres to the true principles of art.
In this quote, Charles Dickens emphasizes the importance of authenticity and naturalness in the craft of writing. He suggests that a writer who writes genuinely and without pretense naturally adheres to the fundamental rules of art, implying that true artistic expression comes from being true to oneself and one’s experiences.
In practice
An author's note at the beginning of a book could quote this to emphasize the importance of genuine storytelling.
I recollected one story there was in the village, how that on a certain night in the year (it might be that very night for anything I knew), all the dead people came out of the ground and sat at the heads of their own graves till morning.
A silent look of affection and regard when all other eyes are turned coldly away-the consciousness that we possess the sympathy and affection of one being when all others have deserted us-is a hold, a stay, a comfort, in the deepest affliction, which no wealth could purchase, or power bestow.
Heaven knows we need never be ashamed of our tears, for they are rain upon the blinding dust of earth, overlying our hard hearts. I was better after I had cried, than before--more sorry, more aware of my own ingratitude, more gentle.
There are not a few among the disciples of charity who require, in their vocation, scarcely less excitement than the votaries of pleasure in theirs.
You might, from your appearance, be the wife of Lucifer,” said Miss Pross, in her breathing. “Nevertheless, you shall not get the better of me. I am an Englishwoman.
Christmas is a poor excuse every 25th of December to pick a man's pockets.
It takes some courage to write fiction about politically controversial topics. The dread is you'll be labeled a political writer.
I am a professional photographer because it is the best way I know to earn the money I require to take care of my wife and children.
My songs are personal music, they're not communal. I wouldn't want people singing along with me. It would sound funny. I'm not playing campfire meetings. I don't remember anyone singing along with Elvis, Carl Perkins or Little Richard.
Too many pieces of music finish too long after the end.
Classical music is one of the best things that ever happened to mankind. If you get introduced to it in the right way, it becomes your friend for life.
When I was a bad writer, I would consciously imitate other NPR writers who I thought were wonderful. I suppose that everyone's artistic practice is different. But I collaborate and sometimes don't agree at all with my collaborators' opinions. It forces you to understand why you don't agree with something: what's the fight you're picking.
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