Three Things - Writing Life
One thing to listen to, one to read, and one to watch
This is first in a series I’m planning to publish every Tuesday. I’ll take a theme and pick one thing to listen to, read, and watch related to the theme. This week’s theme is the writing life.
Listen - To the Places We Lived by Kasey Anderson
Kasey Anderson is a poet. His songs bring people and places to life. This week I’m listening to his latest album, To the Places We Lived. Ellensburg really stood out because of an analogy that reminds me of a character from the novel I’m pitching around.
like a lit cigarette before it turns to ash
you flickered for a while but it didn’t last
and each time you walk away there’s less you leave behind
and there’s nothing in the air tonight
Can you think of anyone like that? If so, share in the comments.
Read - The Apprentice by Larry Brown
One of my first classes in graduate school the teacher asked us to reflect on our writing style. I told him I felt like blue-collar bookworm. Turns out he also came from a blue-collar background and recommended Larry Brown. I was on a short story kick, so I ordered a copy of Big Bad Love.
“The Apprentice” was the story that made me a fan of Larry Brown. The narrator is a working man whose wife is a writer. It shows the relationship woes and social consequences of the writer’s life from the perspective of innocent bystander.
Watch - An Evening with Ray Bradbury
Nobody can motivate me like Ray Bradbury. His enthusiasm for writing is contagious. Every time I’m at a low, I watch this video and remind myself that I must stay drunk on writing so reality cannot destroy me.
Hopefully you found something to help your own writer’s life.
Take care.
James