Category: Writing

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Jack London – a writer’s mantra

I would rather be ashes than dust!
I would rather that my spark should burn out in a brilliant blaze than it should be stifled by dry-rot.
I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet.
The function of man is to live, not to exist.
I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them.
I shall use my time.

said Jack London.

I would rather be earth than dust!

I would rather my spark should kindle a  bright home fire than it should be stifled by dry-rot

I would rather be a  vibrant planet every inch of me nurturing of life, than a superb meteor

The function of man is to create not to exist

I will live my life to prolong my creative days

I shall use my time

I responded.

 

 

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Performance at Spineless Authors Night

I read Chapter 11 of my first novel at the Clapton Hart ‘Spineless’ Authors’ Night.
It was a bit of a multi-media performance as music is an integral part of the work.   I was quite nervous as on the previous outing at Spineless I knew the first chapters were funny and dramatic.
This one not so sure about as it depends on farce, and didn’t know if others would find it funny or just unbelievable..
 ​Chapter 11 – ‘Getting it straight in Notting Hill Gate’
Play list on Spotify called ‘Notting Hill’
It got  a few laughs,  generous applause and people were kind enough to say they thought it was good.  One fellow author said the LSD scene was very realistic which he thought was difficult to do.
A member of one of the writers groups I attend was chatting with me afterwards when another person came up to say how good he thought it was.  The group member said something to the effect that  ‘yes we have heard the development of the novel over the years, and let me tell you there have been some longueurs’
longueurs
  1. a tedious passage in a book, piece of music,