I’m re-reading Jurassic Park for my thesis (oh, how wonderful is that statement?). Here’s a quote I like, because I think it’s true but also because it relates so well to writing. To other things also, but especially for writing, because there is a pervasive belief that writing is something people can just take up and be good at next week.

Most kinds of power require a substantial sacrifice by whoever wants the power. There is an apprenticeship, a discipline lasting many years. … President of the company. Black belt in karate. Spiritual guru. Whatever is it you seek, you have to put in the time, the practice, the effort. You must give up a lot to get it. It has to be very important to you. And once you have attained it, it is your power. It can’t be given away: it resides in you. It is literally the result of your discipline.

— Michael Crichton, Jurassic Park, p306