Living Day by Day

Why is it that tortured souls sometimes make great authors? Anything that is intensely felt, transfers itself eloquently to the written word. The feelings, some good, some bad, can be so intense that the individual must purge the emotions via pen and paper (or database). The result can be cathartic to the writer and fascinating to the reader. Edgar Allen Poe, H.P. Lovecraft, Ernest Hemingway, and Oscar Wilde all use their writing as a way to release their inner soul. They felt and lived deeply. If an author doesn't have a cause, passion or deep thought, most likely the author will not sell very many books. In order to convey emotion, one must feel it. I don't think Stephen King felt the horror that he portrays necessarily, but he does have a passion. He's written editorials and given his opinions on a myriad of social inequities in society. He can connect to his stories because he connects to the world in some way.

  I may not be tortured at this point in my life, but I have felt that way in earlier times. It is difficult to live a life without experiencing all the emotions humans are gifted with. They all, including the bad ones, have a purpose. We may look back and find moments of regret. There may be times that we really didn't like who we were. Those time serve an important part of our existence. It gives us direction. It shows us who we want to be and who we are. How sad life would be without any direction in it. Imagine living a life without hopes, dreams and goals. At the same time, we must follow our instincts and the signs all around us. They give us direction and purpose. We must follow through with our passions. If we don't, what is the point? Having a loving family is wonderful, but we need to love ourselves first or we have nothing to give. So, live large, listen to that inner voice which is always whispering to you and love your moments. Because, right now is all you'll ever have. Life is one long string of todays - make them lovely, or, at the very least make them satisfying.

A Writer's Life

Oscar Wilde statue in Dublin 

Major writing, editing and other projects have been keeping me from updating my blog.  I have been doing tons of reading. Reading helps me become a better writer and it relaxes me. Recently, I've been reading books about Oscar Wilde, written by his son Vyvyan Holland. I've also been reading Oscar Wilde's life in letters, edited by his grandson, Merlin Holland. They are wonderful and insightful. It gives the reader a unique perspective on Wilde's life, ideas and passions. He was a very intelligent and talented man who was definitely ahead of his time. Its sad that his sexual orientation is all that people tend to mention when referring to Wilde. His grandson, who was recently present at the re-dedication of Oscar Wilde's tomb, said that his private life should be just that, private and a small part of who he was. The tomb was surrounded by plexiglass in order to protect it from too many kisses. In today's world, his private life wouldn't have made much of a difference. Yet, in the strict Victorian world, it was his downfall. It was a sad end to a brilliant mind. I highly recommend these books. Some are out of print and can be found on ebay from time to time. Walking to the beat of a different drum requires bravery, determination and intelligence. Oscar Wilde had all three and then some. Also available is the film "Wilde" starring Stephen Frye.

Son of Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde a Life in Letters

Coffee With Oscar Wilde