written and posted by members of Lancashire Dead Good Poets' Society

Wednesday 23 January 2013

So you want to be a writer...

When I was thinking about this week's theme (Words of Wisdom) the only thing that came to mind was my nan saying:
Take your coat off inside so you feel the benefit when you go back out.

And although this is perhaps quite relevant advice for the current weather, it doesn't really relate very well to poetry. Therefore, due to a lack of ideas, I'm going to cheat and share the wise words of Charles Bukowski.



Lara.

6 comments:

Colin Daives said...

It's a bit like an Anti-Nike advert. Loved the piece and the performance of said work.

Strangely it reminded me of some of the most inspirational words every muttered by a dear long lost friend, Gary Simms.

We were in an art gallery looking at a rather large Jackson Pollock. I declared my disliking of the work to which he asked "Why?".

I pointed out that it's just some paint thrown at the canvas and that "I could do that"

He looked me straight in the eye, "Yes" he said with a rye smile, "but you didn't."

Those words "but you didn't." have stayed with me ever since and as a consequence I have a tendency to actually do things to find if I can, rather than think I can't and forget about it.

Thank you for posting this on the blog. It made me smile this morning.

Adele said...

What a voice. What sage advice. Funny though, without the mediocre writer, how would we identify the genius.

My thoughts on this - write with all your heart and with all your mind and with all your strength. But don't give up your day job. At least not yet.

Unknown said...

This is amazing. I'm a little gobsmacked and am off to chew on this one.

Thank you. x

Christo Heyworth said...

So born, not made, eh, Charles?

To be contrary, I'll disagree wholeheartedly with Bukowski.

I do not think that the only enjoyable writers are visited occasionally by inspiration - for me writing is a craft, and crafts can be learned through hard and persistent graft.

Everybody is an artist of sorts, but merely saying so oneself does not mean everyone else will recognise and appreciate the talent you believe is yours.

Ashley Lister said...

I'm late coming to this and all I can add to what has already been said is that the images on that poem have left an impression on me.

Great post,

Ash

Aurora Smith said...

This made me laugh!