Quote

Baaah, I don't know if this is just persistant deja vu or what, but one of my friends changed their MSN name to "Describing water doesn't get you wet" and I've spent all day feeling like there's more to this quote than that - a second part or something that turned it from an odd saying to something a bit more profound or writing-related - and that I might even have heard it here... Apparently some artist said it.
Just nosed around the forums to some threads I've been to recently, but didn't see a quote like it...

It's driving me nuts. Halp?

 

Well the number one Google result for it is this thread, so if it is a quote it's a pretty obscure one

 

I guess I should have mentioned I had no success with Google XD

... Starting to think I just saw my friend's MSN name and then dreamed a good quote out of it. :/

 

Why not just ask your friend?

 

Indeed, that would've been faster.

 

I did, as I mentioned, and she said it was some artist she couldn't remember the name of, and didn't know the rest of it if there was any.

 

I tried researching it in three languages. Ironically I got directed to this thread.

 

I think it is the one that paints the swimming pools in squares - David something but not sure - think I remember him doing a rare interview and saying that.

 

That is a very writerly quote, that could still be applied to real life... I think I shall write it in my new notebook set aside exclusively for writing advice and pick-me-up quotes... Just so I can look at it when I have the dreaded so-called block... but unfortunately, I've never heard it before so, however impressed I am, I can't help you. :/

 

I can remember saying something similar once:
"Knowledge is the filter which enables the ear to detect BS-(B(_)ll$hit)-coming from the orator"!.
"The nose is reliable for the real thing from the other end."

Something to do with "words paint a picture the other senses can't detect".

 

I think you should go outside and get some fresh air.

 

Amazing!!!: How did you know???. Went out--cleared my mind to a blank.
But left me with no clue as to the original quote.--

""Describing water doesn't get you wet" and I've spent all day feeling like there's more to this quote than that - a second part or something that turned it from an odd saying to something a bit more profound or writing-related"

Could you please turn your remarkable insight to this --which challenges the "less gifted" and enlighten us with a profound translation??.

Best I could come up with--Words paint a picture on the canvas of the mind which is unnoticed by the other senses. But some fresh air cleared that up.

 

What I feel the author is saying, is that just because you do something, doesn't mean you assume the qualities that it's associated with. For example, reading the Bible doesn't make you pious.

That's just my interpretation anyway.

 

I assumed it meant do some proper research... that even if you memorise maps, read accounts, look at pictures and research a place within an inch of its life, nothing will give your writing realism than actually visiting there.

 

That's a good interpretation.

 

I just assumed it had to do with doing, rather than talking.

Describing water doesn't get you wet. Going to AA meetings won't necessarily make you sober. Looking up the phone number for Weight Watchers, jotting the number down on real paper, even calling the number won't make you thin. Talking about writing on a forum won't get your book written. Reading tons of books about horses won't teach you how to ride one.

It's about the difference between thinking about doing something and actually doing it.

 

THAT is the sort of message I was looking for.

 

I tell myself that every damn time I log on here... never, ever works...