A non-writer speaks of writing and influence
If Sid Vicious considered himself a bass player then I will consider myself a writer.
He snarled and spit, he raged, he fell down on his face — but he somehow got the job done (sort of).
[ I know — perhaps the most tragic figure in rock music who put the most brutal spin on Romeo and Juliet ]
BUT – THAT IS FOR ANOTHER BLOG —– THIS IS ABOUT WRITING.
I would not be here without my adventures at community college a few short years ago. This blog actually started as a project in a web design class! – And Still going — Yes, I was forced to create a web presence for a grade! I admit it — I come from academia!!! (jk)
A shout out to my English Professor at the same unnamed institution — who somehow took my mangle of a brain and got it to play nice enough to express myself. More important than that – it gave me the confidence to write.
You think confidence is a small thing?—- It is the key that opens a FULFILLING LIFE!!!! –
So here I am – rock you like a hurricane
Back to this blog:
We all “grunt and sweat under a weary life”
Friggin’ – “Wild Bill Shakeman” himself or if you need to cite it accurately:
William Shakespeare
“For who would bear the whips and scorns of time,
Th’ oppressor’s wrong, the proud man’s contumely
The pangs of despised love, the law’s delay,
The insolence of office, and the spurns
That patient merit of th’ unworthy takes,
When he himself might his quietus make”
Writing should move your mind – it should give you a kick —it should make you think!
When I read Shakespeare, I understand what words can do – I don’t understand how he hits the mark – but I marvel at the deadly precision.
“They were watching, out there past men’s knowing, where stars are drowning and whales ferry their vast souls through the black and seamless sea.”
Or:
“War was always here. Before man was, war waited for him. The ultimate trade awaiting its ultimate practitioner.”
Cormac McCarthy can flat out write! If you think you are a writer – go read Blood Meridian and then you will quickly realize how far you have to go.
I have far to go———–
So those three would be my biggest influences if I could be so arrogant to claim any.
Sid Vicious – because he just went for it with no restrictions – Shakespeare because he is Shakespeare, and Cormac McCarthy because his words stir my soul.
One more thing:
Keeping this blog going has made me better – every post and every week – I get stronger.
I am a better writer because I write.
That is part of why those of us who are afflicted with this disease don’t stop – there is a certain rush with jamming words together and making it work.
I am sick with this.
I welcome thoughts:
How many of my fellow bloggers consider themselves writers and what do you guys think of writing?
And maybe more important: Why did you step out and start a blog?
Disclaimer:
[ I talk about the sweet spot, I talk about the triumph of great posts — this post may well fall flat on its face like a drunken Sid – I gave it all I got – can do no more – we hit the publish button and wait ]
Cave of Fame 
I write therefore I am. It’s very simple to me that when I write, I’m a writer.
The word that I have adversity with is author. The word is much to kin with authority, and authority seems not kin to freedom. When writing as I do, it is the most freeing act i have come to know. The unknown infections that arise and are released are only rivaled by the moments of bliss when an indescribable feeling of truth is revealed through these little curves, lines and dots. I have found few good habits enjoyed, and the relationship I have discovered with words has become my most favored habit. Oh what friends I have found with words!!!
:). Stay well, my friend
You are on a roll my fellow traveler – some deft footwork with that phrasing! I am coming to the rapid conclusion of “just keep writing” as the answer here. It does get to be obsessive – this clanging words together and making it work. The bonus is all the kindred spirits with the same affliction that stumble through here.
Good post Wayne. I dunno if I am a writer, blogger, humorist or a whiner! Ah well…back to my drawing board and trust me…I cannot draw. .literally…not even stick figures 😃
You are all four of those Ms. GH! I am finding that we do this because we love to do this! Singapore seems like a fascinating place – is it really?
I suppose we all are!! Hee hee! Yes, Singapore is a fascinating little red dot. You must come visit some time. Millions of tourists have visited us and love our food, shopping, Singlish and 4 major ethinic group cultures. Swing by sometime…summer heat all year round lol 😉
Great post, Wayne. I wouldn’t consider myself a writer … I started blogging as a way to talk about music. What I was listening to and how I discovered it. I’ve moved into discussing music more in posts, so I guess the practice has been good. But what keeps me doing it is the connections with folks.
The connections are the icing on the cake – although I can see that becoming the cake itself. I keep hearing that it is like a “bug” you catch—and once you get it , once the blog starts to click — it is addictive. Thanks for dropping by and thanks for the continued support – it is always nice to get perspective from you.
Great post Wayne! I particularly liked the “I wrote a book or something”. You obviously drew on your experience in academia when you figured you’d have to cite Wild Bill Shakeman properly haha. I’ll put Blood Meridian on my to read list! Why do I write? Because I LOVE IT! I questioned whether I am really a writer or not for a long time, but once I established that I love doing it, and that I actually am doing it, that was pretty much all the evidence I needed. Whether anyone else thinks it is any “good” is secondary- the only difference that makes is whether it can be a full-time gig or not.
Thanks K. Left,
Blood Meridian is not for the faint of heart – it is brooding and often haunting with much violence – But so poetic and beautifully done — of all his works “The Road” is still my fav – I am glad you like the post and i am happy for all the great response it generated —- this is why I love blogging! You take chance after chance and sometimes people give back and it makes it magic. You could tell me I can’t write with a power point presentation to back it up….and I can’t stop..I won’t stop!
Ok, I’ve noted that warning, but I’ll read the blurb and a page or two before deciding! Well, don’t stop then CoF 😊
HA-In college to obtain my Degree I had to have all these marvelous thought provoking Essays in all formats not one semester but two consecutively. Really…I thought let me at it…No I was not an English Major (MBA). Did it help long term sure. Are any of my 8 blogs solely about writing -NOPE they are multi-faceted with all kinds of interesting things. Kep writing my friend it is a great outlet for you!!! And you ROCK dude!
Keep
Yeah – you are a writer Cheryl- lol —I just went back to fix 4 typos in my masterpiece about writing!!! Love to blog!
Its funny the faster I type the more mistakes I make! LOL
It is a necessary outlet at this point in my life Cheryl – I don’t want to think where I would be without it — and without all these great friends! I think I am hearing the same thing –“We don’t care if we are writers, we are not going to stop!”
Yes exactly-every blog is different as the unique individuals behind the blogs. So, its is a lot of fun. I look at it that way. No, reason to stop Wayne-you are doing great really…
I call myself a ‘writing enthusiast’ – actually, enthusiast tends to be how I’d describe myself for all my interests!
That being said, I quite enjoy writing, I tend to look at it from the lens of writing something I’d want to read (and hopefully still enjoy reading years from now). Like you said, the more we write, the better we get.
I appreciate how thoughtful your posts are Wayne & I think it’s terrific that all the bloggers that comment here bring something different.
Geoff – It always warms the blogging heart to have so much intelligent feedback – I think people who visit the cave have a high level of intellect – so I guess I should not be shocked. 🙂
I started my blog when I was unemployed a few years ago and didn’t know what to do with myself. I have been writing as an outlet since I was a kid. I may not be a good one, but I consider myself a writer.
And as you said, writing makes you a better writer. So we keep writing.
I am now unemployed and grieving, so my blog has become my sanctuary and my sounding board. I need this outlet -Is there a blogging methadone clinic? I think I would need that to get off this addiction.
I didn’t consider myself a writer until the last month or so.
I started my blog after falling in love with a poet’s work: his passion pulled me in. I wanted to share my awakenings, my problems and a way to vent while going through the divorce process.
I strongly identify with your words re the more you write the easier it get, so the more you write. Yes, it often feels like a disease! An addiction or affliction.
🙂
Some of the stuff you write is downright dangerous – if you are not a writer I don’t know what is Tiffany. I identify strongly with sharing a journey – that is what my blog is becoming – that is what I am becoming.
Dangerous?
As compliment Tiffany, don’t take that the wrong way- It is seeped in power and emotion – you know the same way a jaguar (car or cat) is dangerous — I really need to write better 🙂
I didn’t take it personal, just wasn’t sure.
You’re doing just fine, Wayne! 😀
Love this post, Wayne. I don’t consider myself a writer, although I’m pleased anytime someone tells me they think I’m good at it. My ego is usually stroked for a few minutes and then I read some REAL writing and quickly return to reality. I started my blog 5 years ago as a way to connect with other music lovers. In my 20s & 30s I had a large group of music-obsessive friends who would frequently get together to discuss our favorite topic over drinks & food. By the time our 40s arrived, people moved, had children, had other commitments, etc., all of which made those conversations a rarity. The blog was my way of creating/finding groups of like-minded people, and on that level it’s been a huge success.
Rich,
This is embarrassing- I just wrote about writing and went back to fix 4 typos!!! I love your blog – it is becoming an excellent reference source for “hardcore” music fans – And I admire that you have stayed true to your vision.
I am a writer, yes. When words don’t come out right when spoken, what I write comes from the heart, in a thoughtful train. Where I have never been good at math, I have succeeded in English. I have always enjoyed writing.
You know – I speak better when I write also Sarca! — I often confuse people face to face talking, unless they know me well. Thanks for this.
Lol, you mean you write better than you speak! 😉
Yes – I honestly do!