Read And Run

          Something that is always odd is how the intelligentsia drum up critical reading. Often times, to instruct younger minds on what specific subtext means they will use classic literary works from authors such as Salinger. If Salinger knew about this he would strangle every last one of them. A while ago he wrote a letter of praise to "anybody who reads and runs." He like so many other creators holds the belief that art is entirely subjective. The artist will create a work out of a particular expression or reflection, but the audience will see what speaks to them.
          Teaching children how to read subtext is the same as to teach them what to think. If a writer wants you to think on something specific, it is overtly present. An example is Salinger's Catcher in The Rye. The work has been examined, dissected, and molested in English classes throughout the nation, but only two main points were highlighted for discussion. Firstly, the theme of the book, the confusion, self-realization, and insecurity that comes with growing up slowly overpowering the innocence of childhood. Second, but perhaps most important, the popular people, intelligentsia, and vox populi are more often than not phony. This includes teachers of universal thematic extraction. - Cheers, and if I ever want you to discuss a theme in a work, it's in bold.

A Time For Writing

Not everyone has the luxury of being paid to write full time, or the ability to attend an art school with a writing program. That does not mean that are not writers. Everyone is a writer, even your grandmother's racially insensitive Facebook posts are written works. One might think that in order to write their passion project novel they would need a vast amount of open hours over several months. Well, yes, and that is a large commitment. I would instead suggest short, or flash fiction. Take an hour, or a day off and write a story under a thousand words. If you have an open weekend, write something around five-thousand words. Write stories and throw them at the internet. Self-publishing has never been easier, and you never know what might just catch on. Cheers.

Regarding The Fact That I Hate Talking

          One thing thatI have noticed about myself, and I sincerely hope others will empathize with me on this one, is that I am the most awkward person I know when it comes to conversing. I can handle myself in groups of three or more, but that is only because I can bounce off of others, and interject whenever I have a joke, then remain quiet the rest of the time. One on one is where it gets weird. It probably has to do with anxiety, and my ADD, but I have no idea what to say most of the time. My go to phrase is, "that's dope, man", and that makes up about 70% of what I say on a daily basis. Other than that I mostly ramble on about unimportant subjects, and, afterwards, feel guilty about not shutting up. I find it much easier to put my thoughts to writing, but unfortunately this is not the 1800's, and I can not like myself away as a monk, and commune with the world only in letters.
          That being said, I do have a solid group of close friends that I can interact fairly normally with. I still prefer to listen though. Others peoples lives, and stories are fascinating. Taking time to listen to people connects us to them. In a sense it makes them more real. Their experience, emotions, and all the immaterial matter in them becomes tangible in their words. A lot of my creative work is inspired by others stories. I would encourage you to take time to listen to others, and just ask people about their day, and how they feel on a regular basis. Most people are fine with talking about themselves, and will actually appreciate a good listener. Connect yourself with others, and try to avoid saying "dope" on repeat, as I do.