Welcome to blog post número one.
Let’s dive in.
You ever wonder what people mean when they say they hear voices? Although I understand mental health is turning into a crisis in this world – and the more I live in it, the more I see it. However, this being my very first fiction blog post, I will often share the voices in my own head.
Which is why I titled the blog: Discursive Ramblings.
As a peel-back of the curtain into what I mean… more aptly, an idea’s journey from bouncing around in my head like that old pong game – a little age related peel-back there – to making its way to the page.
First off, I have no idea where my current writing is going. Once, back in 2016, I tried writing a novel using an outline. If I had to do it again, I’d take getting handcuffed, knocked to the ground, and stomped on by three people who hated the world before I’d write from another outline.
Yes, graphic, but that’s how painful writing from an outline was... is. Now when an idea flitters into my subsconcious, I’ll either
a.) sit down and let the characters play until they’re finished or
b.) create a title using what I call a Half Title Sheet and let ideas percolate from my title.
Either way, as cliché as it sounds, I sit down (sometimes dictate on my phone) and let the cast play. Occasionally I have to smack one of them around when they get a little too wild. It all depends on my mood or the scope of the story.
What I’ve learned in my life: creativity comes from everywhere and when you create without apprehension, or the fear of what others might say, better put, the restrictiveness of a straitjacket, the art is freer; more authentic.
That's why you will hear no apologies from me. As it should be with creative person. It's a God-given ability... more like gift to be honed and nurtured and shared.
As an example, as a child we lived (my parents still live in the same house) a block away from runway 22 at our local airport. I recall watching a plane circle in then ran to the front yard to catch a glimpse of it touching down. From the street, you can see a plane either landing or lifting from that runway. Due to this, one of the most relaxing and inspiring sounds I hear is that of a small engine aircraft flying overhead.
Which is part of why Carole and I bought our current home. Which happens to be four minutes from another airport. This one big enough for an annual air show but not so big for commercial jets. ;-)
And ironically enough, as I sit here typing this first blog post, a Cessna 172 flies overhead in front of a cotton ball backdrop of cumulous clouds spread as thin as Michael Bolton’s (original before plugs) hairline.
As I wrap up, I’m currently in the middle of writing a new short story every two weeks (give or take the deadline). 13 so far for the year with another 6 months to go on that same schedule.
As an aside, I added the cover of my latest story below, which is in the final stages of publication.
Next year’s goal is to write a novella a month for the entire year. Including creating my own covers, stories, and sales copy. Tons of fun in store.
I know my written form of art isn’t for everyone. Not to sound pompous… but I’m not writing for you. That’s not why I write. Truth be told I write to entertain myself.
So when you’re reading my next or last or stories from the past, just know that if it’s completely off-color, I laughed, sometimes hysterically, while writing it. My goal is to create stories that not only draw you in, but (often) leave you scratching your head wondering what the hell just happened.
Because… that’s what the voices in my head do to me almost daily.
Now go live your life with reckless abandon!