Saturday mornings are generally quiet
times for me. After having to wake up at 5:30 for the last twenty or
so years, my body has been conditioned to wake up at the same time
each day. I like the chance for quiet reflection, reading, writing and
clearing my head from the hectic week before. This Saturday I was on
my third cup of coffee, catching up on blogs and emails when I found
myself thinking about where I am in regards to my poetry, writing and
where I want to go with all of this “artistic” endeavor.
This age of blogs and social networking
has made it easy to be a part of any community without actually being
in physical contact. I am part of a few poetry groups on Facebook. I
regularly check out what others are doing within the poetry scene
locally. Yet it has occurred to me that I do not get out and
physically network with people. Okay, networking sounds like a
selfish, look at me approach. What I am trying to convey here is that
I don't get out and interact with other writers and poets in my area
(and there are a lot of stellar poets and writers in Kansas City) In
the last year I have been to one poetry reading. Just one. I really
enjoyed it. I always have the intention of going to any of the
regularly scheduled readings, events and so on. Somehow life gets in
the way. (usually in the form of a twelve hour day, on call schedule
and everyday existence)
This got me to thinking about the
number one excuse people, who say they are writers, use when trying
to justify their lack of progress. The, “I don't have enough time
to write.” defense.
A lot of writers, those writing, have
full time jobs that have nothing to do with writing. They also have
families, bills and are forced to do the menial tasks needed for
everyday life. I know Bukowski had a shitty time suck job. I also
know he did his own laundry at the laundromat. (I watched Born Into
This the other night and he was filmed loading his laundry into his
car) I am pretty sure Vonnegut mowed his own lawn. Hell, he even sold
two stroke Saabs after his first published novel!
I write this with lofty aspirations of
being a full time writer one day. This may be realized on the day of
my retirement from plumbing. It may come sooner. I don't know. I have
never been good at reading the stars. Like any other occupation, I
know that I will have to get out and meet people, join a group or
workshop. When I decided to put more time and effort into writing I
knew it would be hard. It has paid off in, if nothing else, the
satisfaction in knowing that I am creating something. Knowing that,
in the truest sense, I am a Writer. Now I just need to get out and
present it.
So, to the poets and writers in Kansas
City I want to say thank you for inviting me to events. I ask that
you continue to do so. I also ask that, if you see me in a bookstore,
walking down the street or driving through Kansas City that you would
grab me by the neck and force me to attend something. I am easily
lured by whiskey, beer and sometimes cheese.
Also, after checking out my blog stats,
I have noticed that I have been getting hits from the U.K., Germany,
Lithuania, France and the U.S.A.. Let it be known, I like to travel.
Hit me up. As I said before, I am easily lured by whiskey, beer and
sometimes cheese. I am always lured by cash.
© Charles Scott 2014
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