Love this.
I believe I can safely say I read most all of the fiction in the Kapa`a Library on Kaua`i in the period from 1970-1982, noteworthy because reading was my primary action sport (though in fairness it is a very small library.) Nowadays I like fast-paced “entertainment” reads for my own consumption. Life is too hard, and in my line of work too sad, for me to want to dwell on that when reading.
Intellectual reads do also cross my bookpile beside the bed: Margaret Atwood, Joan Didion are favorites when I’m feeling highbrow. I’m also muddling through The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, by Rebecca Skloot, and feeling virtuous about it. I like humor too, like David Sedaris’ hilarious/cringeworthy essays and memoirs that make you laugh (and cry) like Augusten Burroughs’ Running with Scissors and Jeanette Walls’ Glass Castle.
It turns out my writing style is also eclectic. Besides my mystery novel-writing, I have literary moments—moments when I hunt for each word, stringing them together with bits of space between like the knots between pearls.
And then, there’s Fearless Writing. Fearless Writing is challenging to read, and even more challenging to practice. Fearless Writing stands before us and describes the Emperor’s New Clothes down to the last riveting, repellent pubic hair.
Fearless writing is alchemy, and change in the making.
Sometimes I can do it, like last week’s post… I know I’ve ventured into Fearless Writing when I’m feeling trembly and vulnerable because of the acuteness of living, writing about it, and being transparent while doing so.
Fearless Writing says the hard things. It examines the human condition without either rose-colored glasses or personal pathology. It’s the shades of gray that fascinate, in the end. They challenge and call us to reach higher and deeper as humans.
These are a few of the writers I’ve met on my journey who practice Fearless Writing.
You may not always agree with their politics or their slant on things… but you can’t help but admire their courage. At least I do.
http://casejackets.blogspot.com/
http://thatgirltyson.blogspot.com/
http://exmoorjane.blogspot.com/
Oh, and they couldn’t be more different from each other—a peripatetic gay woman, an ex-cop, a twentysomething Canadian, and a fitness freak Brit. I love their writing and what it brings to the world.
Huh? Er…wow. Nobody’s ever called me fearless before… Tyson – absolutely!! The other two are new to me and I shall shuffle off immediately to discover their brand of fearless…for, like you, I love brave writing – yes, even down to the last pubic hair!
Thank you. xx
Jane, you are so feisty, funny and fierce. Many times I’ve had tears in my eyes from something you’ve said. Appreciate!
Thank you for including me on your list of fearless writers, Toby. I couldn’t agree more that it’s the shades of gray that people find both frightening and compelling.
As for being peripatetic….oh sister, I’m seriously considering a move to your neck of the woods next.
If it happens, would love to meet you!
Absolutely! Hawaii is a great place to live and write…except when it’s not. Looks like Elephant Girl is doing well…what are you working on next?
Thank you Toby, for introducing me to these wonderful things today:
Fearless Writing – It is fuel for my meager courage.
Jane Devin’s Blog Post “I’m Not Over It – Are You?” – No I’m not, and she encouraged me.
The word “peripatetic” – my vocabulary will never be the same.
I enjoyed the fascinating peek into your world of words.
Aloha Philip and thanks so much for stopping by and taking a look! I had to look up “peripatetic” the first time I came across it, and now I take joy in stumping people with it whenever I can! *writerfun*
Fearless? Well, thank you. I try to be honest with everyone, including myself. It may come off as fearless, but it’s mostly just babble to organize the rampant thoughts. Will take a look at the other two. I know Jane well. She is an inspiration. x
Hard at work trying to birth a novel. After that, I’ll write the EG sequel.