On Modernist Themes in “I, Too” and “Democracy” by Langston Hughes
Langston Hughes is one of the most famous New Negro Movement poets. He may not have been a Modernist writer like many of his peers in terms of ambiguity and uncertainty. In fact, his work in fact is quite straightforward. But, the themes which Hughes uses in his poetry, such as alienation, dislocation, and inequality, […]
Skill, Talent, and Passion in Writing
It’s long been believed that by being an active reader, you can become a far better writer. While that is certainly true, it’s only one major component to becoming a “formidable writing professional.” Of course, really, the most important part to being a good writer is simply pursuing the act of writing as often as […]
Daring to be a Poet
So, I dare to be a poet? It doesn’t matter if my work has some special innovation or any proportion of genius. It’s not important to me how I’m compensated or even how my production is received. All that’s important to me is that my poetic work is received and witnessed at all. To touch […]
Is It Only Fiction?
Is something truly ever only fiction? Once the words unfold a scene, happenstances occur, and characters come to life in your mind’s eye, is it any longer fiction? If it’s truly memorable, then it becomes part of your life experience. While those people and things and events may not have actually happened to you in […]
The Ebbs and Flows of Creative Juices
Have you ever had a moment where you were sure the creative juices were about to start flowing, but then it didn’t go as planned? I’ve had so many scribblings over the years that I thought were going somewhere good, then suddenly stopped. Sometimes, the train of thought will stop mid-sentence. There was a time […]
Writing Soup
Soup: it’s one of my favorite words in the English language. It’s such a pleasant word. When you think of soup, it’s comforting. However, the actual meaning of ‘soup’ is pretty cut and dry. This is the Oxford Dictionary’s definition of soup: “a liquid dish, typically made by boiling meat, fish, or vegetables, etc., in […]
Online Writing is NOT Only a Hobby
Online writing is just a hobby, they said. It will never be a real job, they said. Well, that online writing myth can be busted right now. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Online writing is “big business.” There is so much competition out there in starting your online writing career now. Yes, it can […]
Trimming Back the Words
You know what has always been tough for me as a writer? Letting words go. Seriously, I’m a packrat of words. I don’t mean in books, either. I’m talking about in journals, notebooks, and digital folders. I have volumes upon volumes of digital journals, half-baked ideas, story drafts, unpublished articles, et cetera. There’s so much […]
Having the Passion for Building and Creating is a Human Right
There’s always been a burning passion within me to create things. Having a passion for building, I believe, is an innate human desire. It doesn’t always mean building with blocks, writing a story, or drawing a picture, though. There are so many kinds of creativity I’ve discovered over the years. Creating melodies is one that […]
When Is It Time for a Rededication to Writing?
Every once in a while, I find I need to make a rededication to writing. I’m sure many writers do this, but I find about every year, I’m making another one. I ask myself, why do I really write? When I blog, I seek to provide life experience with actionable advice. But, what does that […]