Carry my Heart. It's too Heavy for Me.

I don't think there's much explanation to this piece. It's pretty literal. 

Or maybe I'm too embarrassed to explain. Take it as you like. 

 Lately,  I had the opportunity to speak to someone that really critiqued my work. 

One of the the things he suggested was combining all my skills together.

It was kind of a light bulb moment. It's something I've thought of before but never 

really clicked until he said it. 

So in this piece I combined my painting with my poetry. 

I added some of my Yoruba culture into the piece as well. The skirt
is Adire (Tie & Dye) and I translated the title of the piece into the language.

I'd like to share one of the poems I wrote on this piece.

Here it is:

The Butterfly Effect

I hate the feeling of
butterflies in my tummy

My heart thumping, thinking
imagining a relationship with
someone new
 
My emotions are lies at the
beginning and later on
tell the truth

It’s painful
tiring
unfair
disgusting

I tell myself that these emotions
are lies

But the heart wants what it wants

It never believes me until
We experience the flaws of the 
relationship
the pain of breaking my heart or
his even though we were never
in love

It still hurts even if
NONE OF US LOVED

And it all started because of the
butterflies in my tummy

Answering Questions

Eniola asks:
I have a question... I started drawing a lot more (as per fashion illustrations), I notice that I usually get the left side of the lip right but the right is ALWAYS off, it takes me at least 7-10 more attempts on such a small feature. Seeing that it's your specialty, any tips?  

Okay, my first advice is when you are drawing the lips do not draw them as the left and the right side.
Think of them as the top and bottom. I think that's the main problem and if you start thinking of it
in that way most of your problem is already solved. Now I'm going to explain how
I think of the lips and how I draw them. This how a teacher taught me.

Think of the basic shapes of the lips not  just the outside of them but inside

as well.

  The top has three basic shapes.

 And the bottom has two.

 Once you've gotten that, then draw your outline/ shading.


Then finally erase your basic shapes and there you have it.
  I know I went a "tad" bit overboard, but it was fun to illustrate.
 Hope I helped Eniola.

Onyxsta asks:
 I want to ask when you started drawing/painting and what you love most about art?

I started when I was a little girl about 6-7 years old. But I didn't continuously drawing and practicing
till I was about 17-18 years old. What I love most about art is that strong feeling, that connection
I have with someone else because we share the same emotion that artwork brings.


Eve asks:
I happen to not get it would you still paint a portrait of me? lol! 

 Lol. I really wish I could. ;)


I absolutely loved reading about you guys!

 It was so funny and I had smiles each time I read about a random thing about yourselves. The most random one to me is Michelle's obsession with elephants. That's pretty cool too though. What interests me about elephants is their loyalty and family bonding to one another. I think it's beautiful.

Danielle I looked through your work and it's interesting how you capture this innocence of your subject. I  too hope we get to work with each other some day.


Okay since you guys shared something random I'm gonna share mine...
I don't like plain bar chocolate but I like chocolate cake.
Weird right?

[picture source]

Mercenary

Mercenary written by ariokh
(Warning: Profane words in this piece of writing)

I do freelance as well as my full time job, and I am always setting up the next job. it's a safe bet, that if i'm breathing, I'm painting or hustling to get paid for more painting. That's what I do for a living. It's how I put food on the table, and porn in the bathroom.

That said, I thought it bore mentioning especially here on DA though, that I work for HIRE. If your sweet RPG project, or video game pitch has no budget at all for art, it will save both of our time if you don't try to tap me for artwork. I Do realize I'm passing up an amazing opportunity for me to make my portfolio way more awesome, and that I won't be getting that free publicity. It's a risk I'll have to take.

I'm not opposed to people making things out of their garage, in fact, I wholesale endorse it and want you to succeed with it. I sincerely hope your team is a massive success.

I can't work for free though.

You wouldn't ask a gardener to stop by your place to do your lawn for free because it would be really awesome for him. You wouldn't ask a chef to cater your wedding for free because you have the sickest idea for how the wedding will go, right?
You wouldn't send requests to a lawyer to hook you up with free intellectual property law consultations.

Just because I do art, doesn't mean my time is any less valuable than all of those guys. I spent just as much time in school. Quite a damn bit of money I'm still trying to pay off, and years of suffering through trying to get better and better.

When you pay an artist for their work, their prices denote not just the cost of their time, the materials, or the effort for your project. What you are paying for is the cost of experience. A lifetime spent perfecting a craft, and honing an ability. You pay for all the mistakes we won't make for you, because we've made them for ourselves already. You pay for the mind that has been training to deal with specific problems, and generate kick ass ideas, and original concepts.

These things are not born to us, they are learned. You are paying for the time you don't have to spend learning the craft. Just like you pay for pizza when you don't want to make it yourself.

Art is just like anything else when it comes to business. You get what you pay for.

I'm just not willing to deliver poor quality goods.

-End rant-----------

Addendum:
This is for you young or budding artists out there just starting to get into pro work. Be wary of requests made, especially through this site.

Firstly, to horribly misquote Stephen King when asked about when you are a professional writer, "When you get a check in the mail paying for your writing and you pay the light bill with it, you are a professional."
I totally agree with that dude. When you are even moderately confident enough in your skill and you start getting approached with just these kinds of offers, think about this rant. I know you will do a few anyway. Hell, I did. I've been fucked exactly three times by would be mega-projects that were 'good for my portfolio'. We all have to stick our fingers in the flames to learn. That's fine. But learn, please! Don't underbid yourself, don't sacrifice your wage for your work.

The formula is simple, and I have had to tell my students many times how this works, so pay attention.

How much do you want to make an hour? If need be, divide down from an annual salary you'd like. In freelance, work is peppered throughout the year, so compensate for projected downtime. Once you've worked out your hourly, estimate how long the art will take to make and bam. =h
How long will your part in the project take? =t
How many changes will they likely want, and make sure your contract has clauses for client changes(if you are smart set a limit to number of changes, and be sure to charge. Watch how much less picky they get when their wallet is on the line. Hahahaha!). =v
Are you being taxed? If you aren't. Say you are. =x
Cost of materials? =m


And here it is: h+t+v+x+m= I'm Rich BITCH!

It will be more than you assumed you were worth, I'm certain.
Now comes the time for dark self assessment. Is your art really worth that sum? Where are you in your career, and how far are you from where this number is at?
Start shaving it back down until you think that it's VERY good money for your level of work. Then make your bid.

If you are lucky your client will jump on it. Don't feel like you should have asked for more. Be proud that you got a lot more than you thought you were worth. This is awesome also because you've established precedence for yourself and now have a starting rate to build up from as you improve.

If your client haggles. Don't be afraid to haggle. Generally when a person counterbids, they drop down a chunk and expect you to meet them somewhere in the middle of your original bid and their first counter bid. If their offer is simply unacceptable after that, do not be afraid to walk, but definitely consider it and your skills honestly.

If your client laughs. Disconnect. If they come back, ask them what they think would be a fair rate for you. If they don't, ah well, no love lost. There will be more clients, and you can use that as fuel to work your ass off and get better, so next time they clamor for your skills.

I hope this helps clear the silly fog of 'don't share how much you make' shame.

Molest in peace,
Uncle Z

Thank you

Thank you everyone for being a part of my journey to God knows where.
Thank you for the lovely comments each time I post.
Thank you for the many e-mails I got telling me how much my art inspires them.
Thank you to the several people I've personally met that said they were a fan of my work.
Thank you to the bloggers that have featured me on their blogs/websites.
Thank you for the 400+ likes on facebook.
Thank you to the 170+ blog followers.
Thank you to the 70+ followers on Tweet tweet. :)
Thank you to the 10+ followers on Tumblr.

Thank you to the inconspicuous fans that I don't know about except when I check my stats. (I'm watching you)

Thank you for making my year great.

I hope you guys have a fantastic new year.
I don't believe in New Years resolutions, I believe in the present moment, the "Now" moment. If you want to do anything, do it now. Don't wait till tomorrow don't wait till next year. Waiting till a new year shouldn't be the reason to start "a fresh".
That's my little rant.

Take care,
see you next year.

In the world she lived in

Writing is dear to my heart. I guess that's especially why I don't post it or talk about it much. A couple of people asked to read the short story I'd been working on so I've decided to put up an excerpt of it below. Hope you enjoy it. :)

In the World she lived in
(Excerpt)

Woman had spent two weeks with Water. Alcohol didn’t call and neither did Woman make an effort to check on him. She was fascinated by Water’s constant care for her. She enjoyed Water’s appreciative kisses each time she cooked for him and she adored the love notes he wrote to her each morning. The lovemaking was paced like a classic melody that soothed her senses and made her fall asleep easily. She would always wake up full of energy. She knew all these qualities about Water before but this time it was heightened by the depth of Alcohol mishaps.

Alcohol and Woman had known each other for five years. The day she met him was when Woman had been touched in indecent places by her Uncle Molest.
“Get out of the house, I’m sick of looking at you.” Her Uncle M said as he opened up a beer.
So she left the house and strolled down the street. Tears dropped on the pavement and her nose drooled of mucous. Cars drove passed but one. One slowly followed her.
“Leave me alone.” Woman sniffed and wiped her tears.
“I’ll wait till you feel better.”

She turned her head to see who was concerned about her. He smiled at her. She didn’t. He introduced himself as Alcohol. She hesitated but then she told her name. From that day on he made her forget the troubles of her world. She left her Uncle M’s place and moved to his. He did give her care and understanding when she needed it most. A long invested emotion Alcohol and Woman had.

Woman woke up everyday with little remorse. Water made it easy not to think about Alcohol at least dwell on him too much. After all even though Water was more caring and considerate he was predictable. She knew that he would make her favourite meal every weekend; she knew that she was going to get a love note at her bedside each morning. And she also knew she was going to get the same feeling every time they made love. These situations reminded her about the redundancy she had left the first time she broke up with him. The thought disgusted her. She made sure to suppress such thoughts to make the relationship work. She was finally with a man that loved her. There was nothing to complain about any longer. Yes, he didn’t shower with expensive gifts nor did he take her to lavish dinners but he never cheapened her existence by seeing another woman. Plus, he would never slap her for speaking her mind. In the world she lived in Water was perfect.

Old Drawings

I said a little while ago that I was going to show you my older artwork
so that you can see how much I've improved. I couldn't get a scanner so I just took pics of them. Well here they are...

This was for an art exam in high school. 2002.

An attempt of a self portrait. 2002.

Freddie Prince-jr. 2001.

Toothbrush and toothpaste. 2002.
(It may take a while to actually recognize any of the objects)

Below are some of my better ones.

Destiny's Child. 2001.
I remember being so proud of this one.

J-Lo. 2002.
One of my first/early attempts on shading.I liked
this one as well.

What happens when you stifle creativity?

What happens when you stifle creativity?

The ability and the need to be creative are hard-wired into all of us. I speak to so many people who tell me they make things (drawings, soufflé, jewelry, movies, pop songs) because they just have to. They can't help it. It's a basic urge, an irrepressible impulse.

Yet an awful lot of people are able to suppress it. They trudge back and forth in a rut, never reinventing a single day. They jump to conclusions about themselves and their abilities and their obligations that they think will help them avoid conflict. They make certain choices that they think will prevent others from being disappointed, shocked, or angry.

But deep inside them, a little ember flickers. That ember is their dream, the thing that they could really like to do, if only. If only they had the time, the talent, the education, the tools, the money, the support, the freedom. But because they have decided long ago that they can't, they lock that little spark in a big steel box, hoping to suffocate it once and for all, and then they rush on with their chores and obligations.

But the ember won't go out. Instead it heats up the steel box, and they start to feel the need again. It gets hotter and the feeling turns to pain. So they reach for anesthetic.

Our society is full of anesthetics - drugs, booze, television, mass culture, destructive behaviours, anger, defensiveness, selfishness - all are ways to take us away from experiencing the here and now, from being in touch with our true nature.

When we continue to deny who we truly are and suppress our ability to create, we become crippled and shut down. Our minds grow narrower as we shut out anything unexpected that doesn't fit with how we've told ourselves the world truly is.

We grow remote from others, categorising and stereotyping the people we meet, threatened and afraid, unable to see them clearly and fully. We speed through life, wanting to get onto the next thing, unable to take pleasure in the moment.

We chart life on a checklist, ticking off experiences as if they were chores, overly committed to our views and unable to deal with the unexpected. We seem distracted and spaced out, unable to hear what our family members say to us, always preoccupied with some other place and time.

Ironically, our society tends to portray artists as dreamers. But those who suppress their creativity are actually the ones living in a dream. An artist is someone who sees and feels reality very intensely.

Creativity doesn't mean just making things up out of thin air. It means seeing and feeling the world so vividly that you can put together connections and patterns that help to explain reality. It means you see the beauty in the world rather than trying to hide from it.

~ Danny Gregory "The creative License"

Q&A

Sunny Day. 2010.

Have you ever been apart of an art gallery showcasing your work? If so, How was it? If not, would you ever?

I’ve showcased my work three times but none of them have been in an art gallery. The first and third one was showcased at Union Square in San Francisco. The second one was showcased at a state office building to celebrate black history month. Those experiences were mixed with a little disappointment but mostly happiness. The disappointment was at the state office building where they displayed my work where no one could really see it. But apart from that I loved everything else. I would love to be showcased in an art gallery!

Impressive art! This is my second time on your blog :) Question: when are you exhibiting your art?!

Thank you. I don’t know yet, but when I do you guys will be the first to know!

Which artist inspires you the most? And by artist, I'm being very broad. Could be music, fine art, crafts, painting etc. P.S-I love you and your work!!

It’s not so simple. So many artists inspire me in different areas. I can tell you the artist/period in each field that has had the most impact on me thus far (and this is if I must, must, pick one)

Fine art – Frida Kahlo

Music – Kano

Philosophy – Saint Aquinas

Books – Marriages between zones three four and five by Doris Lessing

Comic – Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Watterson

Fashion – 1950’s fashion (at the moment)

P.S – Thanks!

Showcasing artwork at Union Square, San Francisco. 2010

What are your aspirations at the moment? What are you trying to do next?

At the moment, I’m just trying to educate myself as much as I can intellectually. Next, I might travel around the world for a bit.

First of all,i'd like to see the face behind the art and my question is how do you get your work to look so natural and human...i like ur work...it looks urban, colourful and different...i cant quite describe it but i'm always impressed when i see your work...i like the way you draw lips too, they look very natural.

Thank you very much! Here is a picture of me (I’m the one in the middle, in the white and orange top)and I'm the one in the first picture above. Now-a-days I’ve been pretty camera shy hopefully that would change soon:)

I can’t really say how I make things look natural, I just do (Mainly practice). I’m gonna do my best to record my process one of these days so you can see how I tackle my work. Also it’s funny you mentioned lips, that’s one of my favourite features to paint.

I know you can create beautiful pieces from photos but I wonder is the process the same for live paintings? or would you say its more difficult?

I haven’t painted from live but I think I would enjoy it.I was trained to draw from life. Most of my sketches are live. You get a lot more control from live. So I wouldn’t say it would be more difficult. I actually would enjoy it more. I just don’t have much access to models. The only slightly annoying thing about drawing from live is that models tend to have a hard time staying still which I don't blame them for because it's a lot harder than one thinks.

View from my dorm room. 2005.

Your art is really beautiful!! I love it! I have two questions : 1) How do you describe your art?
2) As an artist, what is your dream?

Thanks a lot!

1) I would say I’m more of an impressionist artist. I tend to make my art be an impression of life and not life exactly. I like to add my own style to it.

2) My dream is to create things forever!

I love your work!! I’ve wanted to ask this for a while, but now that the perfect opportunity has been presented... do you do personal portraits?

Thanks! Yes I do. That’s my favourite thing to paint. Just email me at modechronicles(at)gmail(dot)com and I can give you more information.

I see on your blurb that you stopped drawing for a few years. Why is that?

I didn’t feel I was any good at it, and didn’t see it as a career.

Flower and writing. 2005.

I love your work, it's amazing! My question is when did you realise you were good at art and is drawing/painting your first and only job or do you do something else as well? 
Keep it up, you're amazing!

Thanks! I would say only the past 2 years I would even consider calling myself pretty good. Being in art school and seeing such incredible classmates kind of made me question my ability. I’m not working at the moment, I just graduated and taking a little break. I also like to create things, books, jewelry...etc.

One, your work is BEYOND amazing! Do you do custom work? I would love to be able to get some portraits made of my family and I think you have a real talent.

Thank you! Yes I do, just email me at modechronicles(at)gmail(dot)com and we can discuss details.

How did you manage to develop your own unique style?

It was a learning process, I just kept trying and trying until It felt/looked right. Simple answer – Intuition.

When did you start producing your artwork? would you say it was a natural talent and/or something you enhanced by taking classes?

I’ve had different painting phases in my life, so I’ve been painting on and off for 5-6 years, but this current artwork on this blog started Fall 2009. I’m one of those people who don’t believe in natural talent and I’m living proof. So, I did draw a lot. I took drawing classes but I didn’t take any painting classes. Painting was more self-taught, the most formal education I got from painting ended in high-school.

Showcasing artwork at Union Square, San Francisco. 2010

De Young Museum: Van Gogh, Gauguin Cézanne and Beyond

I go to art galleries once in a while. It was a habit I picked up from secondary school. At that time it was mandatory, which I hated. I got so used to visiting museums and started to enjoy it. Now I go regularly. I went to the Van Gogh, Gauguin, Cézanne and Beyond exhibition at the De Young Museum.

There were a lot of artists displayed but these are my
Top Seven*
*beware, I'm about to get all artsy geeky on you all :)

(7)
Fernand Khnopff

Portrait of Marie Monnom. (1887)

Brief Bio: Born in Belgium to a rich family. He studied Law for a bit but later dropped out and focused on being an artist. He is from the symbolist movement.

Why I like his art: The painting above reminds me of Arrangement in Grey and Black: Portrait of the Painter's Mother by James McNeill Whistler. And I like his blurry brush strokes.

(6)
Charles Angrand

Man and Woman on the Street. (1887)

Brief Bio: French painter. He studied at the Académie de Peinture et de Dessin in Rouen. Being a school teacher gave him financial security and allowed him to continue to paint. He normally depicted rural life. He was part of the neo-impressionism movement.

Why I like his art:: I like how he uses pointillism (meaning to paint in dots) to depict everyday ordinary life. His style of pontillism is free moving and not as rigid as the founder of the neo-imprssionism movement Georges Seurat

(5)
Georges Lemmen

Beach at Heist. (1892)

Brief Bio: Belgian neo-impressionist painter. He mainly painted landscapes and portraits.

Why I like his art: I loooove the colours he uses to express the landscape. He really sets a mood that can only be expressed by just looking at the painting.

(4)
Gustave Moreau

Orpheus. (1865)

Brief Bio: French-symbolist painter. His paintings depicted mainly biblical and mythological figures. He made over 8000 paintings, watercolours and drawings. He died at age 72.

Why I like his art: I've always been intrigued by classical art especially ones that depict mythological figures. I like the Pre-Raphaelite movement and researching him brought back these memories. I like the emotion I get in this painting which is sorrow and loss. I like the earthy tones and the composition.

(3)
Toulouse-Lautrec

La Toilette. (1889)

Brief Bio: Born into an aristocratic family. He broke his legs at a young age which caused his legs not grow properly. This made him a short man and he was pretty insecure about that. He delved into art in childhood and that was what he lived for. Due to the mockery of his stature he drank a lot, this later was one of the causes of his death in 1901.

Why I like his art: I love the roughness of his line work, it reminds me of my style. I like his uses of cross-hatching and contrast of colours in order to expose forms.

(2)
Paul Signac

Women at the Well. (1892) Portrait of Felix Feneon. (1890-91)

Brief Bio: At first he he studied architecture before he went into painting. He was incredibly inspired by Georges Seurat and begun painting in the pointillist way. Politically he was an anarchist.

Why I like his art: The people he paints aren't as stiff as the other painters in the pointillist movement. I love the pastel rich colours he uses to express his context.

(1)
Vincent Van Gogh

Portrait of the Artist. (1887)

Starry Night. (1888)

Brief Bio: Sold only one painting in his entire life. With his paintings, Van Gogh started out with dark colours but after being exposed to Japanese art he used vibrant ones. He wrote letters to his brother who financially supported him at times. He suffered depression and other mental illnesses. Apparently, he slowly died from a gunshot wound that he inflicted on himself.

Why I like his art: His brush strokes and use of colours in order to depict forms is so immediate. What I mean is if he wants blue water he will paint it blue, if he wants lights on the water reflecting he paints the water yellow. It sounds so simple but yet it is difficult to execute. He isn't afraid to use variety of colours.

Notice that I didn't have Gauguin or Cezanne. I'm not big fans of their
work. Cezanne being the one if not one the pioneers of modern art I can appreciate what he has done but I wouldn't buy his art. My problem with Gauguin is a personal issue, (lol. Stupid I know)the fact that he abandons his wife and five kids to pursue art. Plus his paintings aren't that great. They are okay, I can appreciate them.

The latter brings me to a question. Is it right to discredit an artist if he or she led a horrible life? If his art was incredible but yet he was a serial killer would you still want him to be celebrated? Share your thoughts!

I wasn't good at a point

A lot of people think artists are just born being good at art. Wrong. I'm living proof of that. I wasn't good at painting or drawing 5 years ago. I got a C in art in IGCSE (which kinda sucks) I got a 5 in IB (Grade 11-12 equivalent) that's out of 7 which isn't too bad but I was one of the hardest working art students in the grade and I still got a 5. I was never the best at art. I was mediocre but so freaken hardworking. Even in Art College I wasn't one of the good ones, I was the one that was almost there but not quite there yet. I was the hardworking student but not as much talent. And now I still wouldn't consider myself the best but I feel more confident about my artwork. I think I've grown tremendously and not only am I good I also have a unique voice. So if anyone loves art and would like to delve in it you can, it's a lot of practise and hard work. It's hardly talent. These are 10 ways to achieve great artistic skill.

1. Believe in yourself - Okay I know this sounds cheesy but it's the basics of anything you do. You have to believe you can achieve it, if you don't then you won't get there. Do you think Michelangelo would be the great artist he was if he didn't believe in himself. Do you think Obama would be president if he didn't believe he could do it?
2. Draw a lot...no actually more than that - You have to practise, this isn't something you read/study for and take an exam. You are developing a skill so it takes years to gain but on the upside it lasts forever. Try drawing 3hrs a day for 8- 12 weeks and see how much you improve.
   
3. Draw from life not from pictures - You are trying to train your eyes to take 3d and replicate it on a flat plane. Pictures are already flat so you don't get the training. Plus the lighting in pictures most of the time are soft. You want hard and soft lighting.
4. Hang out with fellow artists - This is really important for people that need that motivation. (I would have loved to have someone to go to workshops with but my friends weren't up to it) Friends will push you and you will push them when either of you guys are too lazy.
5. Draw with your arm and not your wrist -You get more range moving your arm than just your wrist.
   
6. Study the great artists - Copy their artwork, it's a way of picking their brain. Be careful not make their style be your style only study them. You should find your own voice.
   
7. Go to art galleries - Trust me, this works. Observing art over and over again triggers something in your brain, it almost like your practising art and helps you improve. So looking at art and studying the brush strokes and line marks artist make helps the brain repeat and it's learning how to do things. I know it sounds bizarre but I truly think it works because it happened to me with painting. Plus, going to galleries is incredibly inspiring.
   
8. Use ink pens - It's works wonders, you'll make a ton of mistakes but improve faster. When using ink pens don't be afraid of making mistakes. Mistakes make you better.
   
9. Don't toss out your mistakes - If you toss out your mistake you are probably going to forget you made that mistake and make the same mistake again. Keep the good with the bad, it will show your growth and when you look back and see how much you have improved it's only going to motivate you even more.
10. Have fun!
    

I'll be posting up before and after pictures of my drawings when I move back home, most of my sucky artwork is in Nigeria.

Do you think there's more to add in this list or is there something in the list you disagree about? let me know.

Inspiration: Newspaper Blackout Poems

I was surfing the net the other day and I found this writer, Austin Kleon. He writes poetry without actually writing it. He gets a newspaper, uses a black marker to cancel out the words he doesn't want to use. It's a redaction method to writing. He posted videos on his website (Click here) An example of his work is below:

This one's called machines and memories. I think this is interesting, it reminds me of the film a beautiful mind (it's a must-see!) where John Nash tried to find hidden codes in Newspapers. In doing this you tend to find your own meaning, what words you think are important.

I was inspired by his work and decided to come up with mine as well.

Title: My Life
This one's called: Classic and Race.


It's interesting what you can come up with. You should try it. My question to you is do you think this is art? People may argue it's not because it's something the writer didn't create. What do you think?

Writing: You are the Author

Rating: Suitable for all readers
Word Count: 363
Genre: Fiction

You are the author. You control the story. You are so much in control because you know the beginning, middle and end. And it’s about you, your journey to this point you are at right now. I didn’t tell you did I, but you are a well-known author. People stand in lines to buy your new book. People sleep out the bookstore waiting for you to sign their books. You are invincible. You are The Author.

You don’t like being disturbed when you are in this room. Even if you aren’t on your typewriter you still hate people knocking at this particular door. It secludes you from the rest of the world. You like that feeling of loneliness. You embody it. You especially enjoy the fact you can light up the cigar and watch the sun rise or sun set through the three four feet windows that lay across the wall. This sets your mind at ease. It allows you to think. It inspires you to write.

Now you are inspired. You hesitate. Even though you’ve done this twelve times this one’s different. This story is based on your life, your experiences. It’s pretty much an autobiography but you don’t tell anyone that. You don’t want to appear narcissistic. You call the main character London because it’s your middle name.

This is harder than you thought. You should have known better. Good writing is never easy. There are going to be some joyous moments but then again... your mother’s suicide, your fathers struggle to take care of you and your four brothers. You are uncertain if you can take upon this task. Maybe this isn’t the right time to write this.

You place your hands on the typewriter. The paper is already on the roll. Take a deep breath. Let it out. Writing is always struggle people have gone through.You need to share your experiences. You can definitely write this. Once you’ve gotten it out on the page you feel so much better. Remember, you are the author most writers want to be. This fear urges you more to write. You like it. You want to confront those dark times. You are ready.

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A few months ago, I was 'happily' forced to write this for class. We were reading a book by Italo Calvino called if on a winter's night a traveler (did not enjoy that book one bit) but it made me write this. At least some good came out of it.

I've never really enjoyed writing in 2d person narrative, but this was an interesting take on things. I'd like to ask how it made you feel? I read this and it draws me into the character, I start to believe I am the writer in that situation. Do you feel the same way too?

Writing: Featured

A poem of mine was posted on a blog the other day. Rochelle's blog Say Sumthin. She is a writer too and a good one I might add. It felt awesome having it published on someone's website. Here it is click here.