Lilac Blossoms

A friend has asked me to meditate on an interesting question, well phrased, “What is the origin of originality?” As I prepare to look into this question with all its implications presented afresh by the inclusion of origin within originality opening up fresh avenues of inquiry, I’m led to go back over pieces I’ve worked

From Wood End…

Today, I’m inaugurating a new experiment. I’m posting my first non-essay, a poem, From Wood End… As I mentioned in the last post, while I am drawn to direct address, the essay form; I find creative writing, whether fiction or poetry, long or short, to carry meaning in a way that can be more powerful

Drawing Distinctions,

The following is an address to be given at the first session of a class at a school that as far as I know does not yet exist. Nor do I know who the students might be, or their circumstances. What I do know is that I’d like to be there, at the front of

In the Meantime…

It’s been too long since my last post.  That’s a common refrain on many blogs, I’m afraid, with haunting echoes of the confessional?  Life intrudes, inspiration wanes, there can be many causes.  Let me bring you up-to-date on my situation. Over the last weeks I’ve completed a short story.  I’m considering the best way to

Author, Authority

I keep returning to the questions surrounding these two terms. I’m a writer and therefore aspire to Author, have in a limited sense been one with my book on Design, but here I’m talking about the role of Author of Fiction, the capitals are semi-ironic, just as my thoughts on the subject are semi-muddled. I

The Age of Wishfulness

The Age of Wishfulness is winding down. The genii is running out of oil. Necessity approaching, as the power of oil to hold it at bay loses force. This is both a great tragedy, and a great opportunity, though not in the knee-jerk positivist way we have grown accustomed to finding Silver Linings behind every

First words…

Pete Culler always said, “Experience starts when you begin…”