Screenwriting : Aaron Sorkin by Dave McCrea

check out this book by this author, Austin Kleon. if you haven't already. He argues just that. Not in Aaron Sorkin's case, but there are no geniuses, just guys that put the work in.

Dave, I wish that were true. I mean, whether he's a genius is debatable. But if the argument is that anyone can write like Sorkin if they work hard enough... In another thread I distinguished between Mozarts and Salieris. I think anyone can work hard enough to be Salieri (or Akiva Goldsman). Mozarts are born, IMHO. My take, anyway. Doesn't Gladwell make that same distinction (I haven't read the book, but seem to recall reading a review)?

I love that analogy of Mozart and Salieri, maybe I agree with that more..

definitely appreciate your thoughts Kerry, the Author, Austin Kleon, in his book "Show Your Work" argues that the greats throughout history became great from sort of plugging into a group of like minds where common ideas and thoughts were exchanged, to produce successful endeavors. It's certainly debatable whether that's true or not, I personally like to subscribe to the idea that true talent is a gift that is honed and sharpened, not so much a blossoming, yielding fruit. I do like the different perspectives though.

I dunno...It's been awhile since I've considered anyone "genius" quality in a while...but Sorkin is definitely up there. And the thing about Sorkin that differentiates him from anyone who does put in the same or more hours, is that there will only be one Aaron Sorkin. Sure, there can be imitators, but for an artist to actually "find their voice"...I think its rare.