Thanks, Manisha. Yes, that SBB observation has long been a favorite of mine as well. I look forward to the next issue as well, because I have not yet written it!
Mardy, good post on inspiration, especially for writers. Another source of inspiration can be anger or dissatisfaction with something. I recall this idea from a 1981 book called Indirections by Sidney Cox. He writes, “One way a writer gets a theme is by feeling annoyed at attitudes that take too much for granted and suppositions that ignore differences. He knows there is more to life than glib assumptions…he goes around irked by other’s blindness, and a wild craving grows to make them see.” Causes give courage and can inspire writers and others to take action.
Thanks, Michael. That is a very good point. That was also the point of Emerson's observation: "It is a fact often observed, that men have written good verses under the inspiration of passion who cannot write well under other circumstances."
Thanks also for that Sidney Cox quotation, which was wonderful. I've since learned that his "Indirections" book was originally published in 1947. I've also added that quotation--as well as one other wonderful observation from him--to the WRITERS section of my DMDMQ: https://www.drmardy.com/dmdmq/w#writers
Hi Mardy, I'm behind with my correspondence to you. We 'adopted' a new rescue puppy last week and she's a full time job. She's #4 and our second Boston Frenchie. As she settles in, I'm able to catch up. At the moment, our roommates seem to be our 'inspiration'.... Love your new photo. Another great news letter. Thank you so much. It wouldn't be Sunday without you!
The influence of a librarian on Jack London is inspirational. I helped form a Friends group to get our town library reopened. Now I know that every time I see a young kid there they may be a future Jack London.
Inspiration, for me, seems to come from order and discipline. I have been doing a weekly piece for over 20 years. At the beginning of every week I wonder what I will end up writing. I find that a few strokes of the keys often unearths what I hadn't consciously been aware of. Is it inspired? I'll let my readers decide that. I am in awe of Mardy's weekly offering, which requires far more discipline than what I write.
Thanks for weighing in on the subject, my friend. I'm a long-time fan of your work. Thanks also for your kind words about my efforts. It's always nice to get compliments, but it's especially nice when they come from people we respect.
Thanks so much, Barbara. It is an intrinsically interesting topic, isn't it. I've got a few ideas in my head, but now I've got to get them down on paper (er, computer screen).
I find the terms "romantic" vs. "realist" interesting. Does a romantic not base thoughts on any kind of reality? Does a realist stay stuck on the ground (or in the mud) with nothing but facts and figures to inspire thought? Interesting concept to ponder.
I once had a conversation with a friend who countered my admitted optimism with, "I see myself as more of a realist." I said it had been my experience that "realist" in this sense was a synonym for "pessimist." :-)
Thanks for weighing in on the theme, Julayne. It is indeed interesting to ponder. In my view, romantics tend toward idealization, and realists toward simplification. In my case, I'm a realist as well as an optimist, so you can factor that into your thinking going forward.
Excellent!
Thanks so much, Harley!
Your newsletter was inspirational! :) I particularly enjoyed Sarah Ban Breathnach’s quote. Looking forward to next week’s continuation on the subject.
Thanks, Manisha. Yes, that SBB observation has long been a favorite of mine as well. I look forward to the next issue as well, because I have not yet written it!
Mardy, good post on inspiration, especially for writers. Another source of inspiration can be anger or dissatisfaction with something. I recall this idea from a 1981 book called Indirections by Sidney Cox. He writes, “One way a writer gets a theme is by feeling annoyed at attitudes that take too much for granted and suppositions that ignore differences. He knows there is more to life than glib assumptions…he goes around irked by other’s blindness, and a wild craving grows to make them see.” Causes give courage and can inspire writers and others to take action.
Right on Michael. All we need to do is look around us these days....lots of 'negative' inspiration in the political playing field!!
Thanks, Michael. That is a very good point. That was also the point of Emerson's observation: "It is a fact often observed, that men have written good verses under the inspiration of passion who cannot write well under other circumstances."
Thanks also for that Sidney Cox quotation, which was wonderful. I've since learned that his "Indirections" book was originally published in 1947. I've also added that quotation--as well as one other wonderful observation from him--to the WRITERS section of my DMDMQ: https://www.drmardy.com/dmdmq/w#writers
Hi Mardy, I'm behind with my correspondence to you. We 'adopted' a new rescue puppy last week and she's a full time job. She's #4 and our second Boston Frenchie. As she settles in, I'm able to catch up. At the moment, our roommates seem to be our 'inspiration'.... Love your new photo. Another great news letter. Thank you so much. It wouldn't be Sunday without you!
Hello Arlene. Always nice to hear from you. Good luck with the new puppy, and thanks, as always, for your kind words of support and encouragement.
Another year awaits! Thank you, Mardy.
Thanks, John, truly my pleasure. And, for me, 50 more Substack posts!
The influence of a librarian on Jack London is inspirational. I helped form a Friends group to get our town library reopened. Now I know that every time I see a young kid there they may be a future Jack London.
Thanks, Sybil. That is a lovely thought. Librarians have certainly spawned their fair share of writers over the years.
Inspiration, for me, seems to come from order and discipline. I have been doing a weekly piece for over 20 years. At the beginning of every week I wonder what I will end up writing. I find that a few strokes of the keys often unearths what I hadn't consciously been aware of. Is it inspired? I'll let my readers decide that. I am in awe of Mardy's weekly offering, which requires far more discipline than what I write.
Thanks for weighing in on the subject, my friend. I'm a long-time fan of your work. Thanks also for your kind words about my efforts. It's always nice to get compliments, but it's especially nice when they come from people we respect.
This first installment is fascinating. It is such a broad topic. Looking forward to next week!
Thanks so much, Barbara. It is an intrinsically interesting topic, isn't it. I've got a few ideas in my head, but now I've got to get them down on paper (er, computer screen).
Dr. Mardy's collections of quotatioins have no doubt inspired thousands of thoughts.
Thanks for your kind words, Louis. That was certainly my goal!
I find the terms "romantic" vs. "realist" interesting. Does a romantic not base thoughts on any kind of reality? Does a realist stay stuck on the ground (or in the mud) with nothing but facts and figures to inspire thought? Interesting concept to ponder.
I once had a conversation with a friend who countered my admitted optimism with, "I see myself as more of a realist." I said it had been my experience that "realist" in this sense was a synonym for "pessimist." :-)
Thanks for weighing in on the theme, Julayne. It is indeed interesting to ponder. In my view, romantics tend toward idealization, and realists toward simplification. In my case, I'm a realist as well as an optimist, so you can factor that into your thinking going forward.