Okay, Now What?

Tags

fiction, Humor, inspiration, lifestyle, mysticism, prayer, science, spirituality, stress, writing

As I was starting through my reader today, I visited a new blog that I am so sure is exceptional, that I gave it the appellation of “never miss.” It’s called 3quarksdaily, and I invite you to take a look at it. Let’s just say, very smart people write it and very smart people read it.

I opened it this morning, and low and behold, I see that they clearly have read my first foray into the short story (featured yesterday) and have sent me a message. That message is located here. It relates to “bad writing.”

Now, some weeks ago, I decided to define myself primarily as a writer rather than blogger. And since then I’ve been rather steeped in my own glory so to speak. As such, being a writer that is, I consider myself gifted in some sense–perhaps not a Hemingway or a Tolstoy, but  talented to be sure.

I failed of course to realize that most  writers see themselves that way, and as the article continued, most of course are quite wrong. The growth of self-publishing of course only makes the matter worse, allowing for more and more really bad crap being out there, and making it harder and harder for the average person to define the brilliant from the cow poo.

Of course, one can, to a degree I suppose, relate to it as art, “I know what I like” and leave it at that, yet, with writing there are no doubt definable standards. By the way, there are some terrific links at the end of the article to sites which list the top 40 worst books, identified by those who are presumably experts in the field.

Which is all to say, that my opening salvo into the field has been less than successful. I expected, (most surely I did) to open my mail this morning and find a long list of comments on my humorous piece. I found exactly two and not much in the way of reference to the piece itself. (And please, I’m not looking for all my dear blogging and reading friends to come to my aid with them now.) I only speak to say, that writing is  perhaps harder than I think.

My feet, are, replanted firmly on the ground (terra firma would have been trite don’t you think, and ohh so obvious!). I shall continue, but with a renewed realization that talent is not enough, some blood and guts are also required to be laid at the feet of the eater of words.

If you just want to take a gander at the worst 40 books, then just follow this. But beware, this is literary snootiness at it’s highest.

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Terry Newell, writing for HuffPo, has a great piece on the science revolution that is occurring at least in this country. No longer do we simply accept the words and explanations of the scientific community.

Science in a word has become a weapon to be wielded. A sword fight ensues between the right and left, each claiming it has the “truth.” The poor unknowledgeable public, ends up, by and large, simply following the dictates of their favorite side.

All this makes for some bad science, and worse yet, bad decisions. This also comes via 3quarksdaily. And if you think Americans are generally knowledgeable about science, read the twitter comments at the end. If I hear one more idiot saying “global warming my eye, it’s snowing outside” I’ll scream.

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Life is tough, and it’s busy. We are all faced with trials and well, just plain more to do than we have time for. We get stressed. We can turn to prayer, meditation, sports, hobbies, or booze. But we all look for ways to take a time out.

I am sorry I can’t remember through whose blog I came upon this link, but I took it, and haven’t been sorry since.  Balance in Me is one of those sites that becomes an oasis in a busy day. Filled with concrete ideas of how to cope with life, you will surely find ideas that you can implement.

Devotees of this lifestyle try to incorporate all the suggestions, but those who aren’t giving up beer and pizza any time soon, and find more affiliation with the remote than a yoga mat, can find a thing or two that might help them too.

Do yourself a favor and take a look. The link is to her latest article.

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I’ve recently been reminded on how precious life is, and how terribly we take it for granted. In fact, we take entirely too much for granted in our lives, and often it does come back to bite us in the most unfortunate ways.

My dear friend Jan, at Yearning for God seems always to post just the right inspiration for me, exactly when I need it. Following another of her excellent links, I came upon this site only yesterday.

Carl McColman is an author and new Catholic who has a knack for prayer and inspiration. I’ve already found his site enriching, in just a couple of visits.

If you are interested in spiritual development I would urge a look at Anamchara: The Website of Unknowing.  His latest book is on Christian Mysticism, and I’m contemplating a purchase myself.

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Please note that most of these sites are not yet on my blogroll, so do make sure you bookmark any that you seriously like. And do have a peaceful and glorious day. Make ‘er count!