Writing In A Warzone
You know, most of the books out there are garbage: that's to
say, they're just not needed. See, this is the crucial aspect a
man must ask himself before sitting down with a pen: "Does the
world really need this book?" Unfortunately, the answer is
generally a big, bloated "NO!" I mean, just take a stroll
through any bookstore and tell me that the world couldn't do
without the majority of that crapola. In fact, in many cases,
the world is much worse off for having such material. In
particular, I'm referring to most all of the "Self-Help" genre.
You know the false prophets of our day: Oprah, Dr. Phil, Stephen
Covey, et al.
Really, what gives these folks the audacity to present
themselves as the bearers of truth and answers. In this
mysterious, vast universe does any mortal possess a definitive
answer? Really! It's quite remarkable. Friends, if you want real
wisdom, forget about these twentieth century charlatans and turn
to, say, Jesus or the Dalia Lama. Why mess around with the
guppies when the whales are right there waiting for you.
That having been said, I do think it's worthwhile and necessary
for new books to be written: and I mean today; and, perhaps I'm
an opinionated guy, but I'm talking about the right books: books
that come straight from the heart, with a poignant urgency,
because they must be written. Not too many books that weren't
written in a warzone deserve to be published.
What's meant by warzone? See, I'm just the type of fool who can
anticpate your questions. By warzone, I'm talking about strife,
conflict, trouble. It's no small coincidence that many of our
greatest artists and writers were also, generally, somewhat
disturbed and dysfunctional people: the whole ear-chopping,
alcoholic, suicidal trip. It may seem bleak, and I don't endorse
such pessimism personally, but, history supports my claim. And,
you'll notice, many of them beat back their demons with the
candor of their pens and paints! That's important to note baby!
Through candid art, one can triumph over adversity! Amen! Amen!
No, there is no coincidence in that observation. And, a real
litmus test sort of question: "Do you think the world,
generally, is troubled?" Ask that at the next cocktail party you
attend. See what sort of answers you get. I'll tell you, the
person who answers "Yes" is the woman I'd be most interested in
reading.
So, to be more specific, what I'm really talking about is the
subject you choose to write about. And, I'm advocating that you
select a highly personal aspect of your life which troubles you.
This approach is responsible for such writers as James Baldwin,
Richard Wright, Albert Camus, Sylvia Plath, and Henry Miller: to
name just a few.
Of course, there is a type of implicit irony, in that when
you're in the midst of your troubles, it's quite difficult to
write about them. And, that's what this is all about. That's
writing in a warzone baby. We see that so clearly in the work
of--to take one example--James Baldwin, who was so deeply
disturbed by the racial inequalities of his day. In his novels,
it's apparent that Mr. Baldwin was really struggling with life
and trying to find an inner peace. And, he still managed to
write the whole time. And, prolifically, I'll add. This is not
an easy accomplishment. And, that's the point...many beautiful
books, by nature, don't come into existence, because the
troubled circumstances--which, should be the subject--prevent
one from achieving the necessary concentration and focus.
The writer must remember why the potential book matters. It
matters because it's going to change the world: nothing less!
And, it will, as many authors have done before you...and, as
many authors will do after. That's the beauty of sitting down,
by yoursef, with a pen and a paper: you have the potential to
change the future. And, that should be your goal! And, of
course, you want to change the future for the better, because,
deep-down, you're the biggest optimist on the planet, and, if
you're not, you might as well stop reading this right this
instant baby, because, you've got the wrong writer before you.
So, you want to change the world for the better. Good. What
else? You have to maintain concentration on your material. You
need to think about it all the time. When you look at the
clouds, you've got to see the people you're writing about.
You've just got to become overwhelmed by love baby! And, that
love will lead you to prayer.
Uh Oh! Did this writer mention prayer? You're not supposed to do
that! Too bad. You know, in this age and culture, which seems to
be quite involved with religion, it's funny that somehow it's
not cool to mention it. Too bad again. We're talking about
writing a book which concerns a difficult, personal topic, while
you're in the midst of the experience, and, besides staying
centered on the material and seeing the people in the clouds,
you better drop down to your knees and ask the Great One in the
sky for a little assistance. There's nothing wrong with that.
Ask to be guided and protected and for help with your work in
which you're trying to improve the world. Books that result from
a process like this are the books I want to read. You can view a
lot of talented writers at http://www.artplop.com. Thanks for
your time friends and good luck!