Images and Places

When I vacationed in San Diego, California years ago, I read much about the city. There wasn't any search engines or the internet in those days. From the all the reading I did, I formed a certain image about San Diego. When I went there, the city was what I thought-and more!

When I read Jack Kerouac's Big Sur, I came away with the same impression that the place was more than what he imagined. I viewed photos of the the place and I felt that I was there thought I haven't been there yet. 

Places can conjure up ma images in our minds about the place, the people, and what we expect it to be. That is what's so great about traveling and writing. I make mental images of what I wish to write about. I love reading about castles and lighthouses. Many stories have been written with these as the backdrop. Places have an influence on our lives, whether they are grand or mundane. One story I wrote had a dungeon as a backdrop. 

Thin about places that yo know and see if you can write something with that place as the backdrop. You be amazed at what you can come up with. 

Book Recommendation

As some of you know, I'm a fan of horror stories. Doesn't really matter what time period they're set in. I've even written a few of my own. I read the horror stories of Bram Stoker (of Dracula fame). I am rereading them again. Some of them such as The Judge's House (my personal favorite) and The Secret of the Growing Gold I'm reading for the umpteenth time. 

For all you horror fans I heartily recommend this book, particularly if you like Dracula. Stoker's name doesn't come up when mentioning great horror writers perhaps because of the era his stories are set it (19th century) but the stories are just as compelling. 


Bram Stoker
Dracula's Guest and Other Weird Stories
with The Lair of the White Worm
Edited with an introduction and notes by Kate Hebblethwaite 
Penguin Books

Anarchist Book Fair

Yesterday my wife and I attended the annual Anarchist Book Fair. This was my third year going. There were many vendors covering every topic from prisoners rights to environmental issues to how to create a sustainable economy. I met a friend from my church along with his partner and a friend.

There's the perception about such an event that people just want create havoc but that's not the case at all. There people and groups would want to make life better for all people. It purchased a booklet titled 'Witches, Midwives And Nurses-A History Of Women Healers'. I'll comment on it when I finish reading.

JACK SPICER

The Los Angeles-born Jack Spicer (1925-1965) along with Robin Blaser and Robert Duncan formed a trio of poets known as the Berkeley Renaissance. He had his own style, never acquiescing to the contemporary scene which he found stifling and unauthentic. 

Spicer battled with alcoholism and depression. His alcoholism led to his early death in 1965 at age forty.

Took A Break

I took several days off away from the computer to refocus. I do this periodically. Finished reading 'Dharma Bums' by Jack Kerouac. I read excerpts from another book of his, 'Big Sur'. 

Right now, I'm figuring on what to read and write about. I really need to focus on a couple of things and get to it. I have so many thoughts in my head and on paper, but it doesn't mean anything if it's unhinged and scattered.

Words Of Wisdom

Your present circumstances don't determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start.

Nido Qubein

Book Fair

I attend a few book fairs during the year. The Anarchist Book Fair is one of them .I like to get an idea where the people are and how they propose to change society. I've had some interesting conversations with a few of them. This years fair will be held at Judson Memorial Church on Saturday May 17th. The event is free.

8th Annual NYC Anarchist Book Fair
Judson Memorial Church
55 Washington Square South 
New York, NY

www.anarchistbookfair.net

Travel Spurs Writing

Whenever I travel, I can usually find some thing to write about.  Admiring the scenery whizzing by, it took me back to days when I traveled upstate New York almost every summer. I admired the trails that led into the forest, the grazing cattle, the farms and bedroom communities. I loved to wander into the forest when I went camping. I felt at one with nature. I'm part Indian, so I probably have a strong attachment to the land.

No matter where you are there is always something to write about. I can write endless stories about trails. There's so many directions trails can lead. A great mystery or horror story maybe? Someone finding nirvana? A lot of possibilities exist. I'm not a travel writer but it certainly is a consideration.

The little things noted can turn into great ideas. During the bus ride I took note of the many streams and rivers. I imagined myself with my backpack traveling the land. I'm currently reading Jack Kerouac's Dharma Bums. He traveled through the country hitchhiking, hoboing and by foot. He gave a great geography lesson of the west. I have traveled some and see the opportunity to write about it. 

Remember to take notes on everything you observe. Sit and absorb your surroundings and feel nature. I'm sure that your perspective and creativity will change.