Words Of Wisdom

The only person who can change the bad situations in our lives is us. To do that it requires requires clear thinking, a plan of action, perseverance, and a positive attitude.

Literary Movements

I am fascinated by the people who formulated the beat movement. Jack Kerouac is probably the most recognized of the those people who influenced their own generation as well as future generations.

 I read about a few movements. A number of them didn't last long but is a movement supposed to? I see movements as showing writers that there are many ways to express themselves, not necessarily the prevailing convention of that particular time. My point is what can we take from these movements. Whatever we choose incorporate our writing is up us and our imagination. 

Words Of Wisdom

Poetry...poetry should strike the reader as a wording of his own highest thoughts, and appear almost a remembrance.


~John Keats, Poet (1795-1821)

Read Poetry On Radio

I just finished reading an hour of poetry on my internet radio program. Wow, that hour went so fast! Will probably do it again in the fall. One thing I realize is that there are thousands of poets out there. At the end of the program I encouraged writers and poets to keep on writing and don't be discouraged.

Dharma Bums

This is the book I'm currently reading. This book is about Jack Kerouac experiences hitchhiking in California. I can only imagine sleeping in a cold freight train in the night along the Pacific Ocean. 

I'm finishing up reading The Portable Beat Reader and see that there are more layers to the Beat Generation than I fathomed. I've read some of Jack Kerouac's books and find my current reading very interesting.

Words Of Wisdom

If you wish to be a writer, write.


~Epictetus, Philosopher (55-135)

Poem

                                                                         PASSAGE


                                          I came upon a fork in the road
                                          Not knowing which way to go
                                          Or which road I should take
                                          I'm afraid, not knowing what to do
                                          Can I handle the new challenges?
                                          Will I lose things important to me? 
                                          Or will I stay i the same place? 
                                          I cannot go back from where I came
                                          Nor can I stand here in the rain.

Chapbook Festival

I attended a chapbook festival this past Thursday along with my spouse. I purchased a set of books for 20 dollars. I see the chapbook scene as growing and evolving. It's a great way for unknown authors to have their work published. Someone I know just had his chapbook published and is now selling it. I will need to investigate some of the small presses for future work.

William Blake

I just recently read some quotes from the English poet William Blake (1757-1827). Though thought of as eccentric, Blake has had an impact on many artists. I have heard of Blake but read very little of his work. If his quotes are any indication, I may find him a good read.

Words Of Wisdom

If the doors of perception were cleansed everything would appear to man as it is, infinite.


~William Blake, Poet (1757-1827)

Ideas All Around

Today I was out and about enjoying the city. I wrote some commentaries and a few ideas for possible stories. I have a knack for coming up with ideas where I am. There's a mural of many of the famous authors in one of the local Barnes and Noble stores here.Writers like Twain, Dickinson, Wilde, Parker, Millay and Whitman were together in a restaurant /lounge/bar setting in variety of reposes of thought and reflection.

Just today I commented to my spouse that I would love to get together with some writers and brainstorm ideas and thoughts. It seems now that every day that I 'm out many ideas come to mind. Can't write them down fast enough. I'm sure many writers have had times like this. It's a good sign that the well on ideas hasn't dried up.