Neil Gaiman, author of one of my favorite books Ocean at the End of the Lane, gave a wonderful graduation speech back in 2012. I was reminded of a quote from it today and thought I’d share it with you all.
“Sometimes life is hard. Things go wrong, in life and in love and in business and in friendship and in health and in all the other ways that life can go wrong. And when things get tough, this is what you should do.
Make good art.
I’m serious. Husband runs off with a politician? Make good art. Leg crushed and then eaten by mutated boa constrictor? Make good art. IRS on your trail? Make good art. Cat exploded? Make good art. Someone on the Internet thinks what you’re doing is stupid or evil or it’s all been done before? Make good art. Probably things will work out somehow, and eventually time will take the sting away, but that doesn’t matter. Do what only you can do best. Make good art.”
It’s very inspirational and if you find yourself needing a little inspiration, or just want to listen to Neil Gaiman’s wonderful British Accent, you should definitely watch the whole speech. Let me know what you think.
~Lady of the Pen~
Sarah Sanborn 
I’ve always loved this speech. 🙂 And I still remember, when I watched it for the first time, laughing HYSTERICALLY at the excerpt you highlighted. And I thought, “Now THIS is why I’m a Neil Gaiman fan.” But along with the humor, there’s a lot of worthwhile wisdom to glean from this speech. Thanks for sharing it and giving me a good chuckle this dreary AM.
I’m glad I could help 🙂. Neil Gaiman is such an inspiration.
Such a good commencement speech. These graduates need to remember these words everyday. I will also remember these words as I do my art too.
It’s wonderful. Such a good reminder to harness the good and the bad and make “good art.”
You’re right! Neil has a delightful British accent and so was his speech – delightful… a hoot… profound… inspiring for sure! I must go write a song or make a movie!