For me, writing is a passion--always has been. I can't imagine not having this creative outlet; without it I would go insane. Sometimes, however, the creative channels shut down for whatever reason, leaving me in a state of flux and confusion. What do I mean by that? Like every one of you, there's a creative urge that gnaws at my brain, but there are also times that the creativity refuses to surface. When the creativity doesn't flow, it leaves a void....an itch left unscratched, if you will, and this drives me crazy.
So, you can imagine my elation when I finished my first manuscript and sent it to publishers for consideration. Just completing such an undertaking was an accomplishment in and of itself, but to have a publisher say "we want to publish this" made me want to do a cartwheel. (Insert fat boy cartwheel jokes here.)
My protagonist is based upon numerous people I've met over the years, and personal interests that I've acquired. Psychology plays an enormous role in character development, in my humble opinion. Without really understanding your characters, it's difficult to convey to a reader who and what they are. As simplistic as this sounds, it truly is a difficult thing to put emotion, morals (or lack thereof), desires, and the vast array of feelings and complexities that make us human into the written word.
Bill Evers is, again in my opinion, quite an enigma. He's a man trained in the combat arts, both military and martial. The one thing he knows is killing. Unfortunately, post combat and mercenary roles, he had little else to fall back on, which prevented him from getting out of "the life." Further complicating things for him is the post-traumatic stress disorder that haunts his sleep.
Trained in Yoshukai Karate and judo, Evers sees people as "targets" or "non-targets." He isn't a loose cannon, but he is emotionally disconnected from taking a life; that is, if that life was a target and not an innocent. He believes in striking hard and fast. Testosterone laden talk is for amateurs and bullies--combat, in his mind, was designed as a means of survival, both physical and economic.
Evers sees the world for what it is: a place ruled by the few, rather than by the many. He has no sympathy for government officials, seeing each as the hand controlling the chess board, and a country's citizenry as the pawns awaiting their next move. To remove a target serving the lesser good is fine by him...and it pays well too.
I hope you'll "like" and follow my Bill Evers page as his life becomes a strange reality once the words are finally put to paper. Lastly, I ask each of you, should the urge strike you, to share the page with your friends and family to help me get the word out to the public at large. Without you, this dream of mine would not have been made possible. Thanks for the friendship and reading loyalty!
https://www.facebook.com/BillEversAdventures
Friday, May 30, 2014
Friday, May 2, 2014
The Liberal Founding Fathers--A Mythos
For the past few years I've heard many espouse the "liberal" nature of our Founding Fathers. I've scratched my head numerous times as I've read their assumptions and presumptions about the political nature of George Washington and the other British rebels who defied King George and his band of red coats.
According to Webster's online dictionary, liberalism is defined as such:
1. the quality or state of being liberal
According to Webster's online dictionary, liberalism is defined as such:
1. the quality or state of being liberal
2. often capitalized: a movement in modern Protestantism emphasizing intellectual liberty and the spiritual and ethical content of Christianity
b: a theory in economics emphasizing individual freedom from restraint and usually based on free competition, the self-regulating market, and the gold standard
c: a political philosophy based on belief in progress, the essential goodness of the human race, and the autonomy of the individual and standing for the protection of political and civil liberties; specifically: such a philosophy that considers government as a crucial instrument for amelioration of social inequities (as those involving race, gender, or class)
I found this Webster's definition especially enticing, not because I believe in the modern interpretation of those things "liberal," but because so many "liberals" believe in their alleged altruistic approach to government, life, and liberty as "liberal."
First, you will notice that liberalism includes a specific alignment with Protestantism and direct tie to Christianity. It also purports to believe in a self-regulating market and a gold standard. Next, you'll find that liberalism is founded on the belief that the protection of political and civil liberties of all men and women should be adhered to under these principles.
Lastly, liberalism believes in the amelioration, or enhancement, of social inequities.
What I find in Webster's definition of liberalism is one half of what the Founders intended (black men and women notwithstanding).
With that, we must now look at Webster's definition of conservatism:
1
capitalized
a: the principles and policies of a Conservative party
b: the Conservative party
2
a: disposition in politics to preserve what is established
b: a political philosophy based on tradition and social stability, stressing established institutions, and preferring gradual development to abrupt change; specifically:
3
: the tendency to prefer an existing or traditional situation to change
Should we look at the Founder's belief in a political system, and their desire to separate Church and State, then it's obvious, at least to me, that they were focused on economic and social anonymity. They also understood the need for strong national borders and the ability to be self-sufficient.
If we were all to base our beliefs on Webster's definition of these two party beliefs, there should be no doubt that we are all liberal/conservatives. Unfortunately, there has been a serious bastardization in both parties, but mostly in the "liberal" or democratic party. Why? They have moved to the hard left...to the party of government sustenance and acceptance of all things once considered immoral or socially unacceptable. When we look at issues like abortion, we must ask ourselves when life truly begins, what self-reliance means, and what a self-reliant/free market really means.
How is it then that liberals think the Founders were somehow liberal? Perhaps at the time Webster defined liberalism they really were! But by today's standards, our Founders were wholly conservative and defined themselves as individual thinkers who wanted little change outside totalitarian control by England and King George (who, by the way, was a true liberal by today's definition).
Our Founders wanted slow change. That's why they incorporated three branches of government into our government's creation. By this standard and definition, they were very....even ultra-conservative. They believed all men (everyone, less blacks and all women....we had to overcome that nonsense, which was a part of their liberal ideology) were created equal, and the system of government they set up should be one of debate and systematic slowness, with little intervention beyond the rights of the individual states. Why is this so difficult for today's "liberals" to grasp?
Fundamental freedoms from an overseeing Big Brother and imperialistic government is what the Founders wanted to escape. Today's liberals want Big Brother to take care of them, rather than being self-reliant and capable.
God bless our conservative Founding Fathers.
God bless our conservative Founding Fathers.
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Life Well Experienced
I'm an educated man. That is to say I have a piece of paper that tells me I've accomplished enough to be considered educated. The reality is, however, education is only as good as the person purporting to be educated and how that education is put to use.
With that said, my honest opinion is that experience is the truest form of education. Learning is born not by reading about the heavens; rather, it is gleaned by staring at the stars. Understanding how a tree takes root and grows through the decades is no substitute for walking in the woods and taking in a lungful of the air it gives us.
Don't get me wrong--I'm not here to poo-poo the world of academia. Quite the contrary, I'm a lover of books, science and learning. It's just that academics, with little or no real world experience, have little to share with the rest of the world beyond their own limited scope. An academic may understand the intricacies of wind dynamics and electricity transference, but if that academic has never built a windmill then he lacks a general understanding of hard work and application of knowledge.
It's crucial, in my opinion, that one have a good grasp of mathematics, science and an overall command of his/her native tongue, but what matters more is putting into motion those very things to better serve yourself and society at large. In fact, I am reminded of a time when a college professor of mine remarked, "If my car breaks down I'm not interested in a bunch of preachers stopping to pray over it. No, what I want is a bunch of Harley Davidson riders to stop and give me a hand. Those boys know how to fix stuff!"
Now, before anyone gets their silky undies in a knot over that crude analogy, I think it's fitting to take note of the underlying sentiment. His comments weren't a slight toward organized religion or preachers, but more a testament (see what I did there?) of Harley Davidson riders knowing how to repair things.....especially since Harley Davidsons were previously known for spending more time in a garage being fixed than they were on some black topped road. But I digress......
Another story I'll share about reality and experience is this: An older friend of mine went to a cardiologist several years ago on recommendation by his doctor. My friend was a big man--at least six foot three inches and every bit of two-hundred ninety pounds. The doctor was worried my friend had some blockage in an artery or two and wanted to make sure all of his plumbing was working as it was supposed to.
My friend was hooked up to all kinds of equipment and monitors and told to walk on a treadmill for what he described as "forever." After some time he was told to stop, given a towel and allowed to dry off. He went back to his room and dressed, sat down and waited on the doctor to return with the news about his heart health.
"Well," the doctor began, "there's absolutely nothing wrong with you except that you need to lose some weight."
Without hesitation my friend replied, "No. What I need is a fat doctor who understands what I'm going through. That's what I need."
The doctor, a man who had spent ten years of his life in the world of academics, was speechless.
You see? It's all about experience and the real world.
With that said, my honest opinion is that experience is the truest form of education. Learning is born not by reading about the heavens; rather, it is gleaned by staring at the stars. Understanding how a tree takes root and grows through the decades is no substitute for walking in the woods and taking in a lungful of the air it gives us.
Don't get me wrong--I'm not here to poo-poo the world of academia. Quite the contrary, I'm a lover of books, science and learning. It's just that academics, with little or no real world experience, have little to share with the rest of the world beyond their own limited scope. An academic may understand the intricacies of wind dynamics and electricity transference, but if that academic has never built a windmill then he lacks a general understanding of hard work and application of knowledge.
It's crucial, in my opinion, that one have a good grasp of mathematics, science and an overall command of his/her native tongue, but what matters more is putting into motion those very things to better serve yourself and society at large. In fact, I am reminded of a time when a college professor of mine remarked, "If my car breaks down I'm not interested in a bunch of preachers stopping to pray over it. No, what I want is a bunch of Harley Davidson riders to stop and give me a hand. Those boys know how to fix stuff!"
Now, before anyone gets their silky undies in a knot over that crude analogy, I think it's fitting to take note of the underlying sentiment. His comments weren't a slight toward organized religion or preachers, but more a testament (see what I did there?) of Harley Davidson riders knowing how to repair things.....especially since Harley Davidsons were previously known for spending more time in a garage being fixed than they were on some black topped road. But I digress......
Another story I'll share about reality and experience is this: An older friend of mine went to a cardiologist several years ago on recommendation by his doctor. My friend was a big man--at least six foot three inches and every bit of two-hundred ninety pounds. The doctor was worried my friend had some blockage in an artery or two and wanted to make sure all of his plumbing was working as it was supposed to.
My friend was hooked up to all kinds of equipment and monitors and told to walk on a treadmill for what he described as "forever." After some time he was told to stop, given a towel and allowed to dry off. He went back to his room and dressed, sat down and waited on the doctor to return with the news about his heart health.
"Well," the doctor began, "there's absolutely nothing wrong with you except that you need to lose some weight."
Without hesitation my friend replied, "No. What I need is a fat doctor who understands what I'm going through. That's what I need."
The doctor, a man who had spent ten years of his life in the world of academics, was speechless.
You see? It's all about experience and the real world.
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Be a Man (and a Gentleman)
There are those who walk among us that believe gender and gender roles are created by us--people. Nothing could be further from the truth or more false. Men should embrace their manliness, while still striving to be gentlemen. It is here that I will help men understand how to be both.
Manly Gentlemanly
Understand the basics of auto-mechanics Change a tire for a stranded lady
Know your way around the woods. Get Take your boots off before walking in
muddy. the house.
Go hunting, even if you don't kill anything. Bring breakfast home for your
woman after not killing anything.
Drink a beer and build a bonfire. Don't get drunk around your woman.
Understand technology. Call her, don't text.
It's okay to scratch your crotch. It's not okay to scratch your butt.
Own a truck. Open the door for her (in and out).
Own jeans and wear them proudly. Do not EVER buy/wear skinny jeans.
Use "ain't" sparingly. Know "ain't" is grammatically
incorrect.
Read often. Playboy does not constitute a book.
Drink coffee, not latte. Drink tea with your woman.
(Real men do not walk into Starbucks)
Watch football--lots of it. Watch The Notebook with your
woman (don't tell your friends).
Go fishing. Catch fish. Grill them. Eat the vegetables your woman cooks
(even if you don't like them).
Mow the yard. That's your job. Build a bonfire using the clippings as
a fire starter. Roast a marshmallow
or two for your woman.
Get in a few fistfights when you're young. Make your woman feel protected.
If you're going on a road trip, you drive. Let her pick the radio station (do NOT
hum along to anything by REO
Speedwagon).
Scratch your back on the corner of a wall. Offer to put lotion on her back. She'll
let you know when she wants lotion
on her front. You don't always have to
offer.
Brace yourself with a hand on the wall as Raise the seat to pee, put it down when
you urinate. finished.
Own and wear a canvass winter coat. Never, ever own/wear one of those
fluffy down coats. That's just wrong.
Work hard, get sweaty and stink. Take a shower.
Embrace your manliness and gender She wants a MAN and a
differences! GENTLEMAN!
It's really that simple guys. And I have news for my metropolitan friends: even if she tells you she finds manly men roguish and Neanderthal-ish.....she doesn't. She's thinking about us while you're playing Candy Crush on your new iPhone.
Manly Gentlemanly
Understand the basics of auto-mechanics Change a tire for a stranded lady
Know your way around the woods. Get Take your boots off before walking in
muddy. the house.
Go hunting, even if you don't kill anything. Bring breakfast home for your
woman after not killing anything.
Drink a beer and build a bonfire. Don't get drunk around your woman.
Understand technology. Call her, don't text.
It's okay to scratch your crotch. It's not okay to scratch your butt.
Own a truck. Open the door for her (in and out).
Own jeans and wear them proudly. Do not EVER buy/wear skinny jeans.
Use "ain't" sparingly. Know "ain't" is grammatically
incorrect.
Read often. Playboy does not constitute a book.
Drink coffee, not latte. Drink tea with your woman.
(Real men do not walk into Starbucks)
Watch football--lots of it. Watch The Notebook with your
woman (don't tell your friends).
Go fishing. Catch fish. Grill them. Eat the vegetables your woman cooks
(even if you don't like them).
Mow the yard. That's your job. Build a bonfire using the clippings as
a fire starter. Roast a marshmallow
or two for your woman.
Get in a few fistfights when you're young. Make your woman feel protected.
If you're going on a road trip, you drive. Let her pick the radio station (do NOT
hum along to anything by REO
Speedwagon).
Scratch your back on the corner of a wall. Offer to put lotion on her back. She'll
let you know when she wants lotion
on her front. You don't always have to
offer.
Brace yourself with a hand on the wall as Raise the seat to pee, put it down when
you urinate. finished.
Own and wear a canvass winter coat. Never, ever own/wear one of those
fluffy down coats. That's just wrong.
Work hard, get sweaty and stink. Take a shower.
Embrace your manliness and gender She wants a MAN and a
differences! GENTLEMAN!
It's really that simple guys. And I have news for my metropolitan friends: even if she tells you she finds manly men roguish and Neanderthal-ish.....she doesn't. She's thinking about us while you're playing Candy Crush on your new iPhone.
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
There REALLY Are Some Folks Who Need a Hand
As I exited I-40 in Raleigh, North Carolina today, a man caught my attention. I've seen hundreds of folks begging for money on street corners and at intersections, but this particular individual intrigued me. Why? I can't explain it, other than seeing him dressed in multi-colored BDU's, wearing a red cloth mask, waving a flag as I passed him and standing at a busy intersection just off the interstate.
I checked into my hotel room, hungry and tired. The hotel receptionist suggested a local restaurant for lunch, so I drove the short distance and ordered my food. All the while my mind drifted to the man at the intersection. Who was that guy? What's his story?
Like most who pass this man, I assumed he was a war veteran but have been around the block enough times to realize he could be playing on the sympathies of the unknowing. I asked the hotel's desk clerk if she knew the guy's story; she said she didn't, but said, "he's out there every day." That told me he was probably homeless......but it didn't stop me from grabbing my camera and walking the tenth of a mile to meet him.
I approached the man and engaged him in conversation. Upon asking where he lost his legs and where he served, I figured out quickly he wasn't a war veteran but he seemed to have a voice for those who have served. I was right in my assumption about his homelessness and "begging" for money, yet when a car stopped and offered him a dollar, he asked me to hold it. When I tried to give it back to him, he replied, "Nah man, give it to your church. I just want people to be aware of what our forgotten soldiers go through. I ain't in this for the money."
I held his dollar and listened to him preach to me about everything from Obama's imperialism to the evil that befell the Roman Empire. For several minutes I struggled to follow what he was telling me or the message he was trying to convey. Maybe he was enjoying having someone to talk to other than a passing motorist. Or perhaps in his mind everything he was talking about made sense. Regardless, this man touched me in some strange, primal way. He called himself, "Everysoldier."
At the end of the day, I know he was hustling a buck, but he wasn't a stupid man by any means. He was a man who had a message, no matter how discombobulated it was, and was determined to tell his tale. Was it his albatross? I don't know......but I listened, and I'm glad I did.
I checked into my hotel room, hungry and tired. The hotel receptionist suggested a local restaurant for lunch, so I drove the short distance and ordered my food. All the while my mind drifted to the man at the intersection. Who was that guy? What's his story?
Like most who pass this man, I assumed he was a war veteran but have been around the block enough times to realize he could be playing on the sympathies of the unknowing. I asked the hotel's desk clerk if she knew the guy's story; she said she didn't, but said, "he's out there every day." That told me he was probably homeless......but it didn't stop me from grabbing my camera and walking the tenth of a mile to meet him.
I approached the man and engaged him in conversation. Upon asking where he lost his legs and where he served, I figured out quickly he wasn't a war veteran but he seemed to have a voice for those who have served. I was right in my assumption about his homelessness and "begging" for money, yet when a car stopped and offered him a dollar, he asked me to hold it. When I tried to give it back to him, he replied, "Nah man, give it to your church. I just want people to be aware of what our forgotten soldiers go through. I ain't in this for the money."
I held his dollar and listened to him preach to me about everything from Obama's imperialism to the evil that befell the Roman Empire. For several minutes I struggled to follow what he was telling me or the message he was trying to convey. Maybe he was enjoying having someone to talk to other than a passing motorist. Or perhaps in his mind everything he was talking about made sense. Regardless, this man touched me in some strange, primal way. He called himself, "Everysoldier."
At the end of the day, I know he was hustling a buck, but he wasn't a stupid man by any means. He was a man who had a message, no matter how discombobulated it was, and was determined to tell his tale. Was it his albatross? I don't know......but I listened, and I'm glad I did.
Monday, January 27, 2014
I Am Judge!
Human beings have forever intrigued me. The compassionate, the compunctions of some, the love, the hate, the egos, the desires, the abilities, the inabilities and everything in between. Oftentimes, and I'm certainly included in this, we are quick to judge others. But I want to say this: some need to be judged. There needs to be a sense of accountability for those who break the law, the immoral and the ignorant.
Yes, I wrote it. People judge people; it's what we do. Don't be fooled by those who claim to love everyone...they don't. And I'm certainly not writing this to condone hatred and violence; on the contrary, I believe we should look for good in all. In some, however, there is no good, or at least malice has stained that individual's spirit and all but nullified anything good left in him/her.
With that said, I would like to point out that if you choose to be different in our society, be prepared to be judged by those who choose not to be different. And don't get your sweaty panties in a wad when it happens!
So, here I am: A guy who interviews people, manages people and helps lead a major organization every day. You know what? I stand in judgment of people each and every day because that's part of what I get paid to do.
Don't show up at work covered in tattoos and facial piercings and not expect to be judged. Personally, I could care less if you have these things on your body, but don't get mad when I look at you strangely. You can call me a bigot; I can call you stupid. Your perspective/my perspective. I love America!
And look: if you aren't that bright...I still love you, but don't demand fifteen dollars an hour at McDonald's or an increase in the minimum wage. It's called the 'minimum wage' because it was intended to be the minimum before you ventured into the next phase of your career, hopefully at a higher wage BECAUSE YOU EARNED IT.
Everyone wanting to legalize drugs: cool. Legalize away, but don't get upset when you fail the company's drug test. Rules are rules. Happy two year unemployment on my dime, I suppose.
Don't go to a bar or concert, mouth off to someone, get your rear end kicked then scream about bullies. They aren't bullies--they're the guys you shouldn't have mouthed off to. It's an interesting paradigm, really.
You're on-line and can't write very well? Don't get upset and call someone a Grammar Nazi. If you don't know the difference between your and you're, or they're, their and there, don't get upset when I point and laugh.
You are judged every day of your life! It's human nature and won't change no matter how many memes you post on Facebook, no matter how many miles you drive in your car with the "coexist" bumper sticker on the rear window, no matter if you Occupy Some City because you're (see what I did there?) just interested in going to a party, you'll be judged.
The really nice thing about technology is you'll be remembered for your stupidity--forever. That's right my wayward friend, you will be researched before we give you a job. You know why? Because we don't want a deadbeat pseudo-employee working for us. We want someone in that position because they can get the job done without creating or causing problems at work.
Oh yeah, and there's another thing I want to point out if you don't enjoy being judged: leave your drama at home. No one wants to see you crying at work or hear about what goes on (or doesn't) in your bedroom. You want to know what happens after you spill your guts to everyone who walks past your desk? We talk about you on our lunch break.
I would say it's a shame that we hold others in judgment, but I'd be lying. It's not a shame, it's science and it's human. Welcome to reality.
Yes, I wrote it. People judge people; it's what we do. Don't be fooled by those who claim to love everyone...they don't. And I'm certainly not writing this to condone hatred and violence; on the contrary, I believe we should look for good in all. In some, however, there is no good, or at least malice has stained that individual's spirit and all but nullified anything good left in him/her.
With that said, I would like to point out that if you choose to be different in our society, be prepared to be judged by those who choose not to be different. And don't get your sweaty panties in a wad when it happens!
So, here I am: A guy who interviews people, manages people and helps lead a major organization every day. You know what? I stand in judgment of people each and every day because that's part of what I get paid to do.
Don't show up at work covered in tattoos and facial piercings and not expect to be judged. Personally, I could care less if you have these things on your body, but don't get mad when I look at you strangely. You can call me a bigot; I can call you stupid. Your perspective/my perspective. I love America!
And look: if you aren't that bright...I still love you, but don't demand fifteen dollars an hour at McDonald's or an increase in the minimum wage. It's called the 'minimum wage' because it was intended to be the minimum before you ventured into the next phase of your career, hopefully at a higher wage BECAUSE YOU EARNED IT.
Everyone wanting to legalize drugs: cool. Legalize away, but don't get upset when you fail the company's drug test. Rules are rules. Happy two year unemployment on my dime, I suppose.
Don't go to a bar or concert, mouth off to someone, get your rear end kicked then scream about bullies. They aren't bullies--they're the guys you shouldn't have mouthed off to. It's an interesting paradigm, really.
You're on-line and can't write very well? Don't get upset and call someone a Grammar Nazi. If you don't know the difference between your and you're, or they're, their and there, don't get upset when I point and laugh.
You are judged every day of your life! It's human nature and won't change no matter how many memes you post on Facebook, no matter how many miles you drive in your car with the "coexist" bumper sticker on the rear window, no matter if you Occupy Some City because you're (see what I did there?) just interested in going to a party, you'll be judged.
The really nice thing about technology is you'll be remembered for your stupidity--forever. That's right my wayward friend, you will be researched before we give you a job. You know why? Because we don't want a deadbeat pseudo-employee working for us. We want someone in that position because they can get the job done without creating or causing problems at work.
Oh yeah, and there's another thing I want to point out if you don't enjoy being judged: leave your drama at home. No one wants to see you crying at work or hear about what goes on (or doesn't) in your bedroom. You want to know what happens after you spill your guts to everyone who walks past your desk? We talk about you on our lunch break.
I would say it's a shame that we hold others in judgment, but I'd be lying. It's not a shame, it's science and it's human. Welcome to reality.
Friday, December 27, 2013
A Dream Less Deferred
As a few of you know I'm an aspiring writer. I've been published a few times in some fairly popular mainstream magazines, but my real dream is to write a novel and have it brought to print. I can't begin to explain my drive or motive for doing such.....it's not money or fame; after all, those two things are simply byproducts and fleeting at best.
Perhaps it has more to do with my passion for expressing myself. Certainly, if I were musically inclined I'd pursue that interest. Music, for me at least, is something I've always been enamored with but unable to really "do." Writing is at least a vehicle for articulating thoughts or dreams in a way that others might appreciate.
I've been working on a manuscript for a little while now. The storyline and theme are truly taking shape and I get more and more excited as I write. Will it be accepted for publication when the time comes for me to submit it? I have no idea. What I do know is that Stephen King's first novel, Carrie, was reportedly rejected 150 times before getting picked up by a publishing house. Now, I don't claim to have one tenth the artistic and writing capabilities of Mr. King, but his personal story at least offers some inspiration to a guy trying to follow in his footsteps.
Over the past few months I've received some wonderful help and feedback from several people. My wife Cathy has read a significant portion of what I've written and is excited about it. For those who know her, you understand that she can be a tough critic, so her positive attitude has been instrumental in my continued push to finish the story.
My friend Thomas has provided some great direction for my protagonist. As one who has spent a lot of time "over there," his help has been tantamount while I trudge through the mush and mud that are my thoughts.
Kevin has lent a large portion of himself in my protagonist's character development. Our discussions have been full of insight and laughter and I appreciate everything he's done thus far, and what he continues to do in offering feedback and guidance.
Gary has been a huge motivation for me! He told me over dinner a few months ago, and has reiterated to me on more than a few occasions, that "writing is re-writing." I didn't fully understand what he meant by that statement until I began some moderate self-editing. Several times I found myself asking, "Did I really write this crap?" Yes, his advice has been spot on.
But, as I began in this small post, I can't put my finger on why I continue to write and the motivation that has kept me focused on my manuscript for some time now. Like I said, having a book published is a dream, so I guess that explanation will have to suffice for now until I figure out a way to better articulate it for those who might be interested. For now, I'll offer only a short poem by Langston Hughes........his thoughts are my thoughts, better served by a man who understood drive and passion.......and expressed them in a beautifully succinct fashion.
Perhaps it has more to do with my passion for expressing myself. Certainly, if I were musically inclined I'd pursue that interest. Music, for me at least, is something I've always been enamored with but unable to really "do." Writing is at least a vehicle for articulating thoughts or dreams in a way that others might appreciate.
I've been working on a manuscript for a little while now. The storyline and theme are truly taking shape and I get more and more excited as I write. Will it be accepted for publication when the time comes for me to submit it? I have no idea. What I do know is that Stephen King's first novel, Carrie, was reportedly rejected 150 times before getting picked up by a publishing house. Now, I don't claim to have one tenth the artistic and writing capabilities of Mr. King, but his personal story at least offers some inspiration to a guy trying to follow in his footsteps.
Over the past few months I've received some wonderful help and feedback from several people. My wife Cathy has read a significant portion of what I've written and is excited about it. For those who know her, you understand that she can be a tough critic, so her positive attitude has been instrumental in my continued push to finish the story.
My friend Thomas has provided some great direction for my protagonist. As one who has spent a lot of time "over there," his help has been tantamount while I trudge through the mush and mud that are my thoughts.
Kevin has lent a large portion of himself in my protagonist's character development. Our discussions have been full of insight and laughter and I appreciate everything he's done thus far, and what he continues to do in offering feedback and guidance.
Gary has been a huge motivation for me! He told me over dinner a few months ago, and has reiterated to me on more than a few occasions, that "writing is re-writing." I didn't fully understand what he meant by that statement until I began some moderate self-editing. Several times I found myself asking, "Did I really write this crap?" Yes, his advice has been spot on.
But, as I began in this small post, I can't put my finger on why I continue to write and the motivation that has kept me focused on my manuscript for some time now. Like I said, having a book published is a dream, so I guess that explanation will have to suffice for now until I figure out a way to better articulate it for those who might be interested. For now, I'll offer only a short poem by Langston Hughes........his thoughts are my thoughts, better served by a man who understood drive and passion.......and expressed them in a beautifully succinct fashion.
Harlem
What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up
like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore—
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over—
like a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?
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