On "the problems of writing" - Dalhousie Gazette - 1939

A kind Canadian friend from Haliax mailed to me an obscure article which had appeared in the Dalhousie Gazette on February 24,1939.  The article is named "An Author Speaks" and is written by our mentor, LM Montgomery.  The introductory Editor's Note explains that "Miss LM Montgomery (Mrs. Macdonald)" was theretofore describing "the problems of writing."

Maud gives some excellent advice:

"Before attempting to write a book be sure you have something to say.  t need not be a very great or lofty or profound something.  It is not given to many o us to utter "Jewels five words long--That on the stretched forefinger of all time-- Sparkle forever."  But if we have something to say that will bring a whiff of fragrances to a tired soul or a weary heart, or a glint of sunshine to a clouded life, then that something is worth saying and it is our duty to try to say it as well as in us lies."  Dalhousie Gazette, Feb 24, 1939, LM Montgomery  

And here are other points which I highlighted from the article:

"Write only of the life you know." 

"Don't spin your book out too long...Gone With the Wind to the contrary nothwthstanding."

Though I appreciate the above quotes as good points of advice, my impression from the article is that Maud feels in herself a sense of loftiness.   Is she being a bit patronizing?

Maud once (better) described her talent as "my little knack".  I think this sums the "problems of writing" up much better. 

But, she could have said what she said without being so patronizing in this article!

We all have "little knacks", don't we?  We just don't all become famous because of them.