.... I was just over at Mark's blog... he has a great post up about the art of writing... it reminded me of something I wrote a few days ago but hesitated to post... but since reading Mark's latest post, I'll take the plunge.... here's what I wrote after completing "One Matchless Time - A Life of William Faulkner", by Jay Parini.... funny, isn't it?... how these blogs are changing us....
.. I was driving down to Ft. Loudon dam today with a strange conversation going on in my head... I found myself driving to the family get-together on total auto-pilot... actually, I've been having the same conversation for a while now... it's just that this is the first time I let myself get truly lost in it...
... have you ever read the words of a writer, and fallen in love?... not physical love.. or sexual lust... just a feeling that your mind craves their art?... your brain seems to be on tenterhooks just waiting to read their latest novel, this week's editorial column, or their off-hand blog posts and comments.. male or female... gay, straight, or lesbian... Black, Asian, or Whitey... you just hang on their every word... you can't get enough... I have... many, many times.... but isn't that a form of love?... or is it more like being a fan of a great band or musician?... their music speaks to you, and you want to get to know the person behind the art...
... so, what happens when you meet the real deal?... the artist in the flesh.. are you disappointed?... are you overcome with joy?... do you throw him your knickers and ask him to sign your breasts?... where does the human stop and the art begin?.. is there a line at all, or is it all in our imaginations?...
... ok, ok... here is a for instance.... Bill Faulkner was adored by millions, and hated by millions... if one of his fans showed up in Oxford, he'd likely tell them to get out of his garden or he'd shit in the backseat of their 55 Ford... he was loved for his writing... but in quite a few accounts, he was a real bastard... clever wit, artistic license, a bottle of bourbon, and an attitude... these things fueled the man... and they were also the things you found you didn't like when you met him in person... but damn, he could write....
.. in the end, we study Faulkner for his writing prowess... not his social skills... but, I suppose the question remains... would I still be a fan if he shit in the back of my car because I came looking for an autograph?... you bet your sweet ass I would... of course, I'd have broken his nose before I left.. but that is beside the point....
... now, listen.. I am not comparing myself to Faulkner in any shape or form... that was merely an analogy.... I am just a small-time blogger... and if any of you get a chance to meet me, more than likely you will find that I am really not what you expected... but hey, don't get me wrong.. it's not like I'd mind... I write what I write... I am who I am... and very, very rarely shall those two ever meet..
... after all, this is just a blog....
... perhaps Mark is right... these blogs are open doors... letters written for ourselves, but enjoyed by others... it certainly is an interesting development...
a form of love indeed...but hopefully one that doesn't involve a restraining order...
Bullshitted by Princess Cat on June 5, 2005 01:10 PMOnce again, you confirm my opinion of you as a writer. Thanks, Eric.
Bullshitted by Mark on June 5, 2005 01:23 PMI think the hardest part about the aspirations and dreams we talked about was developing the ability to confidently toot one's own horn, so to speak.
A stout self-perception sounds like a strong step towards pushing the button.
Good post.
Bullshitted by bitterman on June 5, 2005 01:31 PMI now consider my blog to be a conversation with friends. I write as if those friends were sitting in my nasty living room and drinking beer with me. I'm the Tall Dog holding court there, but I'm just telling stories to my friends.
And I try not to shit in your car, either.
Bullshitted by Acidman on June 5, 2005 06:01 PM"your mind craves their art" EXACTLY .. great post
Bullshitted by shoe on June 5, 2005 06:29 PMI think you learn more about a person from his writing than from meeting him. Even his lies tell a lot about him. Especially if you read his work/blog quite often. The truth seeps through. And you, Eric, I like already. Meeting you could only be icing on the cake.
Bullshitted by Junebugg on June 5, 2005 11:52 PM