CONVENTION VS.NONCONFORMITY

I have nothing against convention. In the literary world, it's to be successful, stabilizing, and profitable. When someone goes outside the prevailing convention, he/she is branded as a heretic or a rebel. Some of the writers I admire were branded as such. Jack Kerouac (spontaneous prose) and Paul Laurence Dunbar (dialect verse) are examples.

The former was criticized for the non-linear way he wrote. The latter by his own peer of black writers because they believed it cast a negative light on black people as being dumb and unintelligent. Dunbar said that he didn't speak in dialect but heard many former slaves speak that way. He was telling the truth. 

I view writers and poets as sages that share the inner parts of their lives. Writing is not limited to one particular way. It is many and varied. People's life experiences are different so it's not surprising to me that their writing reflected their experiences. Kerouac and Dunbar were gifted, smart, and astute writers. So was Herman Melville, a very underrated author who wrote about his sea adventures. 

If your writing is different from the prevailing convention, that's okay. Some will read and love it. Jack Kerouac and Paul Laurence Dunbar influenced me as a writer. I'm sure that you have your influences.  

Desolation Lookout

In the summer of 1956, Jack Kerouac spent 63 days as a fire lookout at this building in Washington state. He mentioned it in the book Dharma Bums. Kerouac was into Buddhism at the time and the mountain , Mt. Hozomeen, had a strong effect on him.

When confronted with his own shortcomings, Jack wallowed in them rather than continue his search. He was so close. Jack would never again experience such a precious time. Alcohol and death would finally end his search. 

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.