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 ]