Mark E. Mitchell's Blog
December 9, 2012
Two Million 'L's
I have a very annoying habit of falling asleep while I am writing. That might seem like fairly good evidence I was not writing anything terribly interesting, and that's probably true. Here is the pattern: I place my laptop on top of my lap (it appears to be perfectly named, doesn't it) and then I start writing. At first, I feel full of energy and enthusiasm, and I write a paragraph or two, or maybe just a sentence or two, or in worse case scenario, maybe just one word or two. Then suddenly, without warning, my head dips down, my hands, which started out poised over the keyboard, waiting for further instruction, stop receiving any meaningful information at all and relax. It is possible my fingers are having a race to see which one reaches the keyboard first (I don't know because at that moment, I am unconscious of anything except the irrelevant dream I lapsed into) and if they are, my right ring finger wins more often than any others. As a reward for winning the race, the key he touches gets displayed over and over ad nauseum or at least ad ridiculoseum. Hence the two million 'l's of the title.
One time, a long time ago, when the computers and the word processing programs were not nearly as sophisticated as they are today, my ring finger typed so many of them, my computer got discouraged and thereafter refused to open that particular file. I can't remember exactly what it was about, and there's a good reason. It's tied up in l. The two million 'l's of the title might well be an under, rather than an over exaggeration.
One time, a long time ago, when the computers and the word processing programs were not nearly as sophisticated as they are today, my ring finger typed so many of them, my computer got discouraged and thereafter refused to open that particular file. I can't remember exactly what it was about, and there's a good reason. It's tied up in l. The two million 'l's of the title might well be an under, rather than an over exaggeration.
October 7, 2012
Do I have a Gift?
Am I talented at writing?
Would you trust my answer to that question? What need? If I am a talented writer, you will know quickly enough by reading what I have written.
Now that I've said that, I will give an answer--sort of. I am better than I used to be. At one time I fancied myself a more talented writer than I do now, but ironically, I know I am better now than I was then. I have written some things that are pretty good (and I've written a good deal that I realize is mediocre at best).
Are there others more talented than I am? Far more. Are there some that many consider talented that have less ability than I? Maybe. Writing is a skill that can be learned, but some seem to be born with a knack greater than most. I would consider myself somewhat in that category, but I think everyone can become as good or better a writer as I am.
Not for free though. It takes time. It takes lots and lots of reading, then lots and lots of writing, it takes the ability to humble ones self and take feedback from others, it takes the ability to scrutinize others' writing and find room for improvement, and reading ones own writing and rewriting and rewriting and rewriting. It takes the ability to delete, it takes the ability to start over again and again. It requires willingness to subject oneself to pain, it takes knowing the elements of grammar, it takes a good vocabulary. It helps, though it is not required, to be a good speller.
Do I have a gift? Do you have a gift? If you are able to read this, you are able to develop yourself until you can say you have a gift.
Therefore, I can say with impunity, that you do, whomever you are, have a gift. It may be completely undeveloped, but if God has given you the ability to read this short essay, He has given you the innate ability to be able to write one better.
I recommend, if you have not already, that you develop your gift. Writing, even writing where another might never read, is enormously therapeutic, enormously joyful, enormously rewarding. And when you produce your masterpiece, (and if you begin, you will produce it) please let me read it, and I will help you show it to the world...
Would you trust my answer to that question? What need? If I am a talented writer, you will know quickly enough by reading what I have written.
Now that I've said that, I will give an answer--sort of. I am better than I used to be. At one time I fancied myself a more talented writer than I do now, but ironically, I know I am better now than I was then. I have written some things that are pretty good (and I've written a good deal that I realize is mediocre at best).
Are there others more talented than I am? Far more. Are there some that many consider talented that have less ability than I? Maybe. Writing is a skill that can be learned, but some seem to be born with a knack greater than most. I would consider myself somewhat in that category, but I think everyone can become as good or better a writer as I am.
Not for free though. It takes time. It takes lots and lots of reading, then lots and lots of writing, it takes the ability to humble ones self and take feedback from others, it takes the ability to scrutinize others' writing and find room for improvement, and reading ones own writing and rewriting and rewriting and rewriting. It takes the ability to delete, it takes the ability to start over again and again. It requires willingness to subject oneself to pain, it takes knowing the elements of grammar, it takes a good vocabulary. It helps, though it is not required, to be a good speller.
Do I have a gift? Do you have a gift? If you are able to read this, you are able to develop yourself until you can say you have a gift.
Therefore, I can say with impunity, that you do, whomever you are, have a gift. It may be completely undeveloped, but if God has given you the ability to read this short essay, He has given you the innate ability to be able to write one better.
I recommend, if you have not already, that you develop your gift. Writing, even writing where another might never read, is enormously therapeutic, enormously joyful, enormously rewarding. And when you produce your masterpiece, (and if you begin, you will produce it) please let me read it, and I will help you show it to the world...
September 27, 2012
Truth is Subjectivity
The Danish philosopher, Soren Kierkegaard, (The Melancholy Dane) said "truth is subjectivity." While that particular statement, when I first read it, raised my hackles a little, I have pondered it long and finally have come to believe it.
At the same time, I believe in absolute truth. How is it possible to reconcile the two concepts, which at first glance seem mutually exclusive?
I am going to go back to one of my favorite arguments, concerning the relative value of fiction versus non-fiction. As I have argued before, fiction is one hundred percent true, while non fiction is one hundred percent false, or maybe ninety five percent false. This is why. When I write fiction, the very definition of the word indicates that everything I say comes from my thoughts. It is one hundred percent true that the book I have written and advertised as my thoughts, because I called it 'fiction,' is truly my thoughts. (unless I have plagerized, which I have not)
On the other hand, someone that has written non-fiction has lied. All of us have read books purporting to be non fiction that come to completely opposite conclusions than other books written on the same subject. We have read supposedly historical events from such different standpoints that we cannot even tell for sure both describe the same happening. Why?
Because each writer interprets the data they are conveying, and every person's depiction of data is different. As readers, we must sort through these accounts and decide what we choose to believe.
The writers of non fiction claim to be writing truth, but they are always only writing their interpretation of truth. Therefore they completely and absolutely misrepresent themselves. The truth we can see is our own interpretation, and therefore completely subjective. That doesn't mean that events didn't absolutely occur. They did, and the more serious accounts of a given event we read, the closer we will come to finding out the absolute truth. Still, if you want perfect accuracy in what you read, I recommend fiction...
At the same time, I believe in absolute truth. How is it possible to reconcile the two concepts, which at first glance seem mutually exclusive?
I am going to go back to one of my favorite arguments, concerning the relative value of fiction versus non-fiction. As I have argued before, fiction is one hundred percent true, while non fiction is one hundred percent false, or maybe ninety five percent false. This is why. When I write fiction, the very definition of the word indicates that everything I say comes from my thoughts. It is one hundred percent true that the book I have written and advertised as my thoughts, because I called it 'fiction,' is truly my thoughts. (unless I have plagerized, which I have not)
On the other hand, someone that has written non-fiction has lied. All of us have read books purporting to be non fiction that come to completely opposite conclusions than other books written on the same subject. We have read supposedly historical events from such different standpoints that we cannot even tell for sure both describe the same happening. Why?
Because each writer interprets the data they are conveying, and every person's depiction of data is different. As readers, we must sort through these accounts and decide what we choose to believe.
The writers of non fiction claim to be writing truth, but they are always only writing their interpretation of truth. Therefore they completely and absolutely misrepresent themselves. The truth we can see is our own interpretation, and therefore completely subjective. That doesn't mean that events didn't absolutely occur. They did, and the more serious accounts of a given event we read, the closer we will come to finding out the absolute truth. Still, if you want perfect accuracy in what you read, I recommend fiction...
September 18, 2012
Dear Mark
Dear Mark,
You are a gifted writer and a profound thinker.
HTM
Dear HTM,
You are a great flatterer. What are you trying to manipulate me into?
Mark
Dear Mark,
Nothing at all. I just thought I'd make your day.
HTM
Dear HTM,
If it were coming from anyone else but you, it would. But not from you.
Mark
Dear Mark,
What's the matter with me?
HTM
Dear HTM,
You're extremely biased.
Mark
Dear Mark,
So are the fans of any popular writer.
HTM
Dear HTM,
But you are pitiful. And so am I for participating in this "conversation."
Mark
You are a gifted writer and a profound thinker.
HTM
Dear HTM,
You are a great flatterer. What are you trying to manipulate me into?
Mark
Dear Mark,
Nothing at all. I just thought I'd make your day.
HTM
Dear HTM,
If it were coming from anyone else but you, it would. But not from you.
Mark
Dear Mark,
What's the matter with me?
HTM
Dear HTM,
You're extremely biased.
Mark
Dear Mark,
So are the fans of any popular writer.
HTM
Dear HTM,
But you are pitiful. And so am I for participating in this "conversation."
Mark
September 13, 2012
Infinity before me
Today as I contemplated my ability to communicate, a strange gratitude stole over me. I became grateful for blank pages.
What a gift of possibilities! Every time I see a blank page, I can rejoice. With every letter I type on it, I gain greater and greater potential for absolute uniqueness. Though this subject surely has been discussed before, for the first time, it applies to me, and I am rejoicing over it. I am unique in this universe. The words I write have all been written and spoken before, but not in the same order, and not with the same exact intent. I am expressing the infinity of possibilities with my writing. No matter how much I write, the page ahead of me is always blank, and thus the possibilities I can express remain infinite, no matter what I write now. What follows might be the most profound thing ever written, and it might be the secret to solving all crime, and it might be a recipe for salt water, but before I write, it can be anything. Anything. I feel so privileged to have so many possibilities before me...
What a gift of possibilities! Every time I see a blank page, I can rejoice. With every letter I type on it, I gain greater and greater potential for absolute uniqueness. Though this subject surely has been discussed before, for the first time, it applies to me, and I am rejoicing over it. I am unique in this universe. The words I write have all been written and spoken before, but not in the same order, and not with the same exact intent. I am expressing the infinity of possibilities with my writing. No matter how much I write, the page ahead of me is always blank, and thus the possibilities I can express remain infinite, no matter what I write now. What follows might be the most profound thing ever written, and it might be the secret to solving all crime, and it might be a recipe for salt water, but before I write, it can be anything. Anything. I feel so privileged to have so many possibilities before me...
September 4, 2012
Perpetual Quest
Why is it we love books that have classic quests in them? The Lord of the Rings series is the one that comes to mind first, a classic of classics, loved almost universally, but there are many, many others, and if they are wrought with even moderate skill, we find them interesting, if not intriguing, if not riveting. As we read them, the quests they depict become our own, we find ourselves identifying with the protagonists, and we find the same powerful emotions we find as we cope with the realities of our own lives.
And perhaps that comes close to explaining the appeal of stories with quests. Maybe we long for the quest ourselves, the great meaning it will give us, the feeling of accomplishment we would have if we were to succeed in such a thing. Why, we think, can I not have such a quest for myself?
Why indeed? Every one of us is in a situation that will allow us to find such a thing in our lives.
As big a thing as destroying the Ring of Power? Yes, and bigger yet.
Oh yeah? Like what?
Well, I could tell you mine, and I will, if you ask, but only personally and not publicly. (This forum almost, but not quite, meets that criterion) Or, I could think up one for you, but if I do that, it isn't yours. And the quest we choose is going to need all our loyalty and attention.
Go find it. Again, you can ask me personally for ideas, but ideas are cheap, because the supply is so much greater than the demand...
And perhaps that comes close to explaining the appeal of stories with quests. Maybe we long for the quest ourselves, the great meaning it will give us, the feeling of accomplishment we would have if we were to succeed in such a thing. Why, we think, can I not have such a quest for myself?
Why indeed? Every one of us is in a situation that will allow us to find such a thing in our lives.
As big a thing as destroying the Ring of Power? Yes, and bigger yet.
Oh yeah? Like what?
Well, I could tell you mine, and I will, if you ask, but only personally and not publicly. (This forum almost, but not quite, meets that criterion) Or, I could think up one for you, but if I do that, it isn't yours. And the quest we choose is going to need all our loyalty and attention.
Go find it. Again, you can ask me personally for ideas, but ideas are cheap, because the supply is so much greater than the demand...
August 30, 2012
Slash and Burn
As I was working on my current writing project, I fell asleep at least twenty times. I ended up erasing lots and lots of 'lllll's' when I awoke after my nap, each time vowing that I would not fall asleep again. I can't believe my thickheadedness.
If I'm so bored I fall asleep again and again, can't I learn the message I'm giving myself? I'm bored with what I'm writing. That means I have gone in a wrong direction. I have to go back in my story, and find the place where I am interested, intrigued, passionate about what I was writing. No matter how painful, I have to scrap all the stuff that went boring, even if it is the great bulk. If I am bored, I absolutely know the reader will also be bored. If I can't murder my darlings now, they will die of starvation anyway.
If I'm so bored I fall asleep again and again, can't I learn the message I'm giving myself? I'm bored with what I'm writing. That means I have gone in a wrong direction. I have to go back in my story, and find the place where I am interested, intrigued, passionate about what I was writing. No matter how painful, I have to scrap all the stuff that went boring, even if it is the great bulk. If I am bored, I absolutely know the reader will also be bored. If I can't murder my darlings now, they will die of starvation anyway.
August 27, 2012
How to Get People to Read Your Stuff
I picked up a hitchhiker yesterday, and he was different from the run of the mill others of his breed. He was quite articulate, with knowledge in many areas, and claimed to have graduated in Mechanical Engineering, but decided to live the adventure of the road. We got to talking (among many other subjects) about books, and he told me the words of an author (I really wish I remembered the author's name) who said a writer must write everything that is in his head.
I realized at the time that I don't have that in me. One of the things for which I am most grateful is that others do not know my innermost thoughts. I'm willing to let God know them because He created me and gave me my weaknesses, and He knows them anyway.
Even though I don't believe I think particularly abnormal things, I don't dare to vocalize everything. I realize, if I did, people would come long distances to read my stuff, and I would like that, I think, but as far as I'm concerned, the price is too high...
I realized at the time that I don't have that in me. One of the things for which I am most grateful is that others do not know my innermost thoughts. I'm willing to let God know them because He created me and gave me my weaknesses, and He knows them anyway.
Even though I don't believe I think particularly abnormal things, I don't dare to vocalize everything. I realize, if I did, people would come long distances to read my stuff, and I would like that, I think, but as far as I'm concerned, the price is too high...
August 22, 2012
The Green Eyed Lady
I have missed out on a lot of joy I could have had if I were a better person. If only, if only I had learned, from the earliest age possible, to rejoice in the success of others, to feel the same about their success as they feel about their success.
We're in this life to have joy. The key to it has been sitting right in front of me, completely obvious, and here I am, a happy person that could have been a lot happier if only I had not heeded the green eyed lady, had not allowed jealousy to influence my feelings.
Why couldn't I? What's the matter with me? I fear it is based on my insecurity, the uneasiness I feel when I view someone's success, and ask the question that seems to glare out at the world: What's the matter with me?
What's the matter with me? I'm a jealous, judgmental fool, unable to speak when I need to speak and to keep silent when I need to keep silent. The main good thing about me is that, little by little, I'm getting better at this. The better I get, the more joy I can share. The more joy I can share, the more success of others I can rejoice in, and the more I can rejoice, the better life is.
I challenge you then, intrepid reader of this blog. Know as many as you can, and joy in everyone's success, and you will find a source of inexhaustible joy which will never stop pouring into your life. Miraculously, you will begin to find success in your own endeavors. By sharing others' joy, they will share yours, and the world be become a more joyful place.
This is what I am learning, and as a result, even in the midst of sorrow, I feel joy, more than I have thought possible. Join with me in my effort. Catch me if you can.
We're in this life to have joy. The key to it has been sitting right in front of me, completely obvious, and here I am, a happy person that could have been a lot happier if only I had not heeded the green eyed lady, had not allowed jealousy to influence my feelings.
Why couldn't I? What's the matter with me? I fear it is based on my insecurity, the uneasiness I feel when I view someone's success, and ask the question that seems to glare out at the world: What's the matter with me?
What's the matter with me? I'm a jealous, judgmental fool, unable to speak when I need to speak and to keep silent when I need to keep silent. The main good thing about me is that, little by little, I'm getting better at this. The better I get, the more joy I can share. The more joy I can share, the more success of others I can rejoice in, and the more I can rejoice, the better life is.
I challenge you then, intrepid reader of this blog. Know as many as you can, and joy in everyone's success, and you will find a source of inexhaustible joy which will never stop pouring into your life. Miraculously, you will begin to find success in your own endeavors. By sharing others' joy, they will share yours, and the world be become a more joyful place.
This is what I am learning, and as a result, even in the midst of sorrow, I feel joy, more than I have thought possible. Join with me in my effort. Catch me if you can.
August 13, 2012
Fastenation
I once read a story about a clutch of goblins (almost certainly that is not the correct term for describing a group of said creatures, but I don't know it. If someone does, I would be happy to receive correction) who were horribly mischievous during the day, but once night came, they gathered around the candle and stared at it as long as it was burning. My wife says I am like that with a television set. Sadly, I must confess she is right. It doesn't matter if it is just the design and the sound going 'OOOOOOOO' at the end of the day (do they do that anymore?) as soon as I see it, I fasten my eyes on it as though it were as intriguing as the first time I saw too bulls fighting. I just happily discovered the other day, that it is exactly the same with writing. The material just has to have a few provocative words embedded in it, words I will discover in my first look of more than a second. Words like 'delicious, 'intriguing,' 'crude,' 'exquisite,' 'ingenious' and so forth, if not too deeply buried in the text, will quickly attract my attention, and will serve to fasten my eyes on the material. I won't be able to quit until I have finished reading. This then an APB I am putting out to all writers: In the first few sentences of your writing, include a lot of really provocative words, ones like I've listed above, and if I see your stuff, I'll read it.
