Why I Write
A Sixty Seven Year Retrospective55 total reviews
Comment from Bill Schott
Jay, when I see that your dreams and pursuits mirror others, it makes me even more enthused to press on. I so admire your prose, and how you make even the simplest activity you report on read like Tennyson meets Dave Barry. Big fan!
reply by the author on 14-Mar-2023
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Jay, when I see that your dreams and pursuits mirror others, it makes me even more enthused to press on. I so admire your prose, and how you make even the simplest activity you report on read like Tennyson meets Dave Barry. Big fan!
Comment Written 14-Mar-2023
reply by the author on 14-Mar-2023
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That would be some conversation, wouldn't it: Lord Allie and Dave?! Thank you, Bill, for the big shot of confidence (Don't forget to throw away the needle in a safe place.) Seriously, I do enjoy your encouraging words and the big gulp of six!
Jay
Comment from Sarah Tummey
Wendy G mentioned you as being the inspiration for her contest entry, so I came and read your piece, and I'm very glad you're still writing. Some people, when those initial dreams had faded or been dismissed by others, would have abandoned the writing, but not only have you carried on, it seems to give your days their structure.
reply by the author on 14-Mar-2023
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Wendy G mentioned you as being the inspiration for her contest entry, so I came and read your piece, and I'm very glad you're still writing. Some people, when those initial dreams had faded or been dismissed by others, would have abandoned the writing, but not only have you carried on, it seems to give your days their structure.
Comment Written 13-Mar-2023
reply by the author on 14-Mar-2023
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Thank you, Sarah, for giving this piece a try. I'm so pleased you enjoyed it ... and further than Wendy referred it. So, again, thank you!
Jay
Comment from Mrs. KT
Superlative, Jay!
I truly enjoyed and appreciated reading your essay as to why you keep doing what you love to do.
You write with honesty, humor, and clarity.
There is not an ounce of overly-sentimental or self-absorbed exaggeration. Additionally, you are in command of the English language and do not butcher it!
Readable.
Relatable.
Much enjoyed!
Best Wishes!
diane
reply by the author on 13-Mar-2023
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Superlative, Jay!
I truly enjoyed and appreciated reading your essay as to why you keep doing what you love to do.
You write with honesty, humor, and clarity.
There is not an ounce of overly-sentimental or self-absorbed exaggeration. Additionally, you are in command of the English language and do not butcher it!
Readable.
Relatable.
Much enjoyed!
Best Wishes!
diane
Comment Written 13-Mar-2023
reply by the author on 13-Mar-2023
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You are so sweet, Diane. I so appreciate your kind words and the glistening six stars you put on top! Bless you.
Jay
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My pleasure!
diane
Comment from Father Flaps
Hi Jay,
Right off the bat, you hit us with a terrific simile,
"And like a pole-vaulter, I'm happy I have a second opportunity to clear the bar."
To take this thought a little further, you let loose another line that polishes your intro,
"So ... with my pole tip pointed to the heavens, and my eyes trained on the crossbar, I race down the runway ...."
*****************************************************************
"After 67 years of almost daily writing, I still face the frightful blank screen ... still find myself looking out of a dull, stupid torpor at 7:30 each morning." ... you know, I recently scores 94% in a definitions test, making it to "Genius" class. But you hit me with "torpor", and I've never heard of it before. You have quite a grip of the English language, partner!
torpid... "sluggish and inactive" (adj)
torpor... "torpid state" (n)
*****************************************************************
I especially like this line,
"The only difference is the cluster of feelings that accompanies me to my computer every day at 7:30." ... It's so true, Jay. When we approach the computer (I often sneak up to it, like a crafty Indian brave), we bring all our stress with us... our worries, the cares of this world, obligations. Will we have any success? Or are we wasting our time? There's an episode of "Everybody Loves Raymond" where he is "Working Late Again" (Season 2/Episode 7). Debra feels sorry for Ray, and takes some lemon chicken in to work for him. But she finds him playing "paper football", watching "Wheel of Fortune", and eating pizza. She gets mad at him... "This is work?" Ray tries to explain that it's all part of the writing process:
"A big part of writing is actually the thinking..."
"letting the thoughts gel up..."
"sounds crazy, but that is the writing process"
*************************************************************
"Bear with me ... but I can best describe this feeling as watching a beautiful young butterfly through the lens of a camera." ... this is another great simile.
"You try to keep it at close range and in perfect focus, but as it dips and flits, as it soars and flutters, it keeps sliding in and out of focus." ...What a terrific way of explaining "the chase", "Today, my greatest joy is chasing that elusive feeling through my daily process of creating."
Frustrating, but rewarding in the end.
I can easily picture a butterfly bobbing up and down, round and around, dipping, weaving... and all the while you are trying to nab it in your net!
An excellent entry for the "Why I Write" contest, Jay! I wish you much luck!
"Something there is inside me that compels me to start my journey anew through the same gray, unwelcoming fog as the day before by tapping out the images my fingers summon up." ... (I suggest,
Something inside compels me to start my journey anew through the same gray, unwelcoming fog as the day before by tapping out the images my fingers summon up.)
Cheers,
Kimbob
reply by the author on 08-Mar-2023
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Hi Jay,
Right off the bat, you hit us with a terrific simile,
"And like a pole-vaulter, I'm happy I have a second opportunity to clear the bar."
To take this thought a little further, you let loose another line that polishes your intro,
"So ... with my pole tip pointed to the heavens, and my eyes trained on the crossbar, I race down the runway ...."
*****************************************************************
"After 67 years of almost daily writing, I still face the frightful blank screen ... still find myself looking out of a dull, stupid torpor at 7:30 each morning." ... you know, I recently scores 94% in a definitions test, making it to "Genius" class. But you hit me with "torpor", and I've never heard of it before. You have quite a grip of the English language, partner!
torpid... "sluggish and inactive" (adj)
torpor... "torpid state" (n)
*****************************************************************
I especially like this line,
"The only difference is the cluster of feelings that accompanies me to my computer every day at 7:30." ... It's so true, Jay. When we approach the computer (I often sneak up to it, like a crafty Indian brave), we bring all our stress with us... our worries, the cares of this world, obligations. Will we have any success? Or are we wasting our time? There's an episode of "Everybody Loves Raymond" where he is "Working Late Again" (Season 2/Episode 7). Debra feels sorry for Ray, and takes some lemon chicken in to work for him. But she finds him playing "paper football", watching "Wheel of Fortune", and eating pizza. She gets mad at him... "This is work?" Ray tries to explain that it's all part of the writing process:
"A big part of writing is actually the thinking..."
"letting the thoughts gel up..."
"sounds crazy, but that is the writing process"
*************************************************************
"Bear with me ... but I can best describe this feeling as watching a beautiful young butterfly through the lens of a camera." ... this is another great simile.
"You try to keep it at close range and in perfect focus, but as it dips and flits, as it soars and flutters, it keeps sliding in and out of focus." ...What a terrific way of explaining "the chase", "Today, my greatest joy is chasing that elusive feeling through my daily process of creating."
Frustrating, but rewarding in the end.
I can easily picture a butterfly bobbing up and down, round and around, dipping, weaving... and all the while you are trying to nab it in your net!
An excellent entry for the "Why I Write" contest, Jay! I wish you much luck!
"Something there is inside me that compels me to start my journey anew through the same gray, unwelcoming fog as the day before by tapping out the images my fingers summon up." ... (I suggest,
Something inside compels me to start my journey anew through the same gray, unwelcoming fog as the day before by tapping out the images my fingers summon up.)
Cheers,
Kimbob
Comment Written 06-Mar-2023
reply by the author on 08-Mar-2023
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I can always tell when the Kimbob has rolled up his sleeves and is ready for the task by the thoughtful commentary you include, replete with personal examples (which I truly love) after a particular sentence or two that strike you as worthwhile. Your reviews are a source of entertainment aside from being helpful.
Case in point ... my rather awkward sentence beginning with "Something there is inside me," that you helped me to see the less artful and more comprehensible way of writing it. I will consider it very carefully, but I have to confess I distinctly remember the melodic echo in my head as I was creating that line. Once it's rolling through, it's hard to turn away from it: It came from Ray Bradbury's "Something Wicked This Way Comes." LOL, and I imagine Bradbury's critical mind urged him to write it "There Is Something Wicked That's Coming This Way." But taking away my echo ... you are definitely right. I will look more closely at it. Thanks, my buddy!
Jay
Comment from LJbutterfly
I always find it rewarding to read and learn from your posts. Thank you for sharing your early feelings about writing. I never though of writing until two years ago, so it is enlightening to hear from someone with a lifelong writing ambition. Your butterfly example is remarkable, but I was most impressed by your discipline. I took away several gems from your interview last year, (copied and pasted some stuff), but from now on, I will be inspired by, and remember that you position yourself by 7:30 am. each morning to write.
reply by the author on 06-Mar-2023
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I always find it rewarding to read and learn from your posts. Thank you for sharing your early feelings about writing. I never though of writing until two years ago, so it is enlightening to hear from someone with a lifelong writing ambition. Your butterfly example is remarkable, but I was most impressed by your discipline. I took away several gems from your interview last year, (copied and pasted some stuff), but from now on, I will be inspired by, and remember that you position yourself by 7:30 am. each morning to write.
Comment Written 05-Mar-2023
reply by the author on 06-Mar-2023
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Hahaha, and to think that today I let myself sleep in until 8 because of a night full of calf and ankle cramps. I'm so very pleased you found something worthy to take away from my piece. Jay
Comment from jenintorre
Wow! I really love this and can so relate to it in so many ways. I think you have a winner here. Very cleverly written. I wish you lots of luck in the competition. Best wishes. Jen
reply by the author on 06-Mar-2023
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Wow! I really love this and can so relate to it in so many ways. I think you have a winner here. Very cleverly written. I wish you lots of luck in the competition. Best wishes. Jen
Comment Written 05-Mar-2023
reply by the author on 06-Mar-2023
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Thank you so very much, Jen. For your kind words and well-wishes. And especially for the crossed chartreuse Bandaids. That sticks to my heart, LOL, Jay
Comment from L. Kalere
Beautifully written, and oh, so heartfelt and honest. It's clear that writing is an integral part of your life. Thank you for sharing it with those of us who need to hear what it really takes to be a true author.
Linda
reply by the author on 06-Mar-2023
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Beautifully written, and oh, so heartfelt and honest. It's clear that writing is an integral part of your life. Thank you for sharing it with those of us who need to hear what it really takes to be a true author.
Linda
Comment Written 05-Mar-2023
reply by the author on 06-Mar-2023
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Ah, Linda ... not so sure about "true author". I'm still looking for that, myself. You've just validated my journey, though, by finding there was something transferrable in what I have done.
Jay
Comment from Gloria ....
Thomas Wolfe is a writer I haven't read, so it is off to find one of his novels to dip in to some incredible writing.
I think you did a fantastic job of this contest prompt. I could read much more of this line of writing.
Wishing you all the best in the voting booth. This is just beautiful.
Gloria
reply by the author on 04-Mar-2023
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Thomas Wolfe is a writer I haven't read, so it is off to find one of his novels to dip in to some incredible writing.
I think you did a fantastic job of this contest prompt. I could read much more of this line of writing.
Wishing you all the best in the voting booth. This is just beautiful.
Gloria
Comment Written 04-Mar-2023
reply by the author on 04-Mar-2023
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I do hope you enjoy Thomas Wolfe. Make sure you don't get it confused with Tom Wolfe of the '70s & '80s, though I suppose he's good too. Have you ever read William Saroyan? Pulitzer Prize winner from the '40s and '50s. If you can, get hold of his "A Cold Day" short story, or his more famous, "A Human Comedy". He writes with such clarity that a 4th grader can comprehend him but with such an aching profundity that a grown person can be reduced to tears. I have the William Saroyan Reader on my Kindle for PC. I've been reading it for years. I can't read him, though, while I'm writing or I find myself slipping into his style. Funny thing: when you go to the "Reader" on Amazon, you can sample some of his writing. One of the first thing you'll read as you peruse the sampling is a little thing called: "Why I Write". I chose my title for my post because it was the name of the contest's, "Why I Write". I just thought it was funny that a week after I had posted my "Why I Write", I pick up my William Saroyan Reader and find he has written on the same topic. That was coincidence enough. My fear as I read it was that there might be a similarity in theme. Happily they stand separated by his genius. Anyway, if you have a chance, read it. You won't be disappointed.
Now, my dear, your six stars and your lovely review are so great this late in the evening, as I prepare for bed. To receive praise from someone as gifted as you help me to sleep well and be ready for a productive day tomorrow. Bless you.
Jay
Comment from eliz100
I enjoyed reading your post. There are days when I can't even churn the chum. I take a day or two off and then return with some idea to develop. I do not see any need for improvement. Have a blessed day.
reply by the author on 04-Mar-2023
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I enjoyed reading your post. There are days when I can't even churn the chum. I take a day or two off and then return with some idea to develop. I do not see any need for improvement. Have a blessed day.
Comment Written 04-Mar-2023
reply by the author on 04-Mar-2023
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Hey, Elizabeth! Ha-ha, yes, sometimes there is no chum to churn! That's when I should just watch the Today Show, but I don't, and I end up just feeling stupider. Thank you for reading.
Jay
Comment from Pam (respa)
-A good image for your story, Jay.
-I joyed reading your thoughts on writing.
-I am an early riser, as well and usually
begin around 7:30 to be on FS and share
ideas with writers and poets.
-I like your paragraph about dreams of
becoming like Thomas Wolfe.
-The section about working at All State
reminds me of your character in the play you wrote.
I don't know if you thought of that or not.
-The closing paragraphs about the butterfly arae
very good, especially when you talk about
trying to get a picture of it, and how the lure
of it can keep you writing for hours.
-A very good entry; good luck in the contest.
reply by the author on 04-Mar-2023
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-A good image for your story, Jay.
-I joyed reading your thoughts on writing.
-I am an early riser, as well and usually
begin around 7:30 to be on FS and share
ideas with writers and poets.
-I like your paragraph about dreams of
becoming like Thomas Wolfe.
-The section about working at All State
reminds me of your character in the play you wrote.
I don't know if you thought of that or not.
-The closing paragraphs about the butterfly arae
very good, especially when you talk about
trying to get a picture of it, and how the lure
of it can keep you writing for hours.
-A very good entry; good luck in the contest.
Comment Written 04-Mar-2023
reply by the author on 04-Mar-2023
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Thank you, Pam, for your kind words. I don't remember mentioning Allstate in one of my plays, but I have in several other places. It's a 30 year slice of my life, and I spent many an hour there writing and dreaming -- occasionally selling insurance. I do appreciate your stopping by.
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You are very welcome, Jay, and thanks for sharing in your reply.