Why Do I Write?

To me, writing is like a stray eyebrow hair that must be plucked, a sneeze you can’t hold in, an urge to use the restroom—some things just have to come out.

What I Like to Write About

I love redemption, transformation, a polar switch in perspective—and if I can deliver any or all of that with a bit of humor, I’m happy.

What I Like to Read

This changes according to some unknown force unleashed from my subconscious mind. Or maybe, I’m just fickle. I don’t think I’m fickle, but I could change my mind about that.

I go through strange phases that seem to have nothing to do with each other. And, I am *hides embarrassed grin behind hand* obsessive. I’ve been known to track down every book an author I like wrote.

I have had long journeys into historical fiction. A few favorites are: Pamela Kaufman’s The Shield of Three Lions (hilarious with a sweet ending); The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy (such delicious melodrama); Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice (not strictly historical, but close enough); and Green Dolphin Street, by Elizabeth Goudge (an absolute must-read). I’ve read zillions (at least) of other great historical novels. 😛

Flatland cover Edwin Abbot

Another phase which resurfaces periodically is theoretical cosmology, and cutting-edge science and thinking: Rudy Rucker’s entertaining and brilliant The Fourth Dimension; Aubrey de Grey’s paradigm-expanding Ending Aging; and Micheal Talbot’s thought-provoking The Holographic Universe, to name a few. Oh, and the ultimate and entertaining thought experiment, Flatland.

laughing planet hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy

When I’m in the mood to laugh, there is (thank the universe) Douglas Adams’ The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and its “increasingly innacurate trilogy” of five books, and the genius of Tom Robbins (Jitterbug Perfume, Fierce Invalids Home from Hot Climates) whose titles alone tickle the innards.Jurassic Park silhouette of t-rex

During a contemporary thriller phase, I invariably turn to Michael Crichton, whose flawless writing never ceases to entertain and impress me.

And…well there’s so much more. But you’re probably already bored, so let’s move on to….

Music

I might like ambient chill in the morning, The Decemberists in the afternoon, and Stevie Ray Vaughn at night (this week). On the other hand, I’ve been known to play the same song over and over‚ for days. I’m usually out of step with what’s popular. For instance, I discovered grunge over a decade after the fact. My current obsession is Buckethead. Long live Buckethead!

It’s a mood thing, really. I like everything from symphonic metal to classical, and a whole bunch of stuff in between. What I can’t seem to keep track of are the zillions (there’s that somewhat—but not entirely—inaccurate word again) of newly coined genres certain official nerds made up to categorize and sub-categorize songs. Skweee, for instance. Or how about crust punk?

But when humankind fails to look promising, the music it creates has the power to redeem. That may sound weird, as though humankind and I are not in the same category. Whether this is true or not is of no consequence.

Buckethead

Animal Lover

I love all animals, insects, birds, and creatures of Earth. I love trees and plants too. I know, soppy, right? But there it is.

Other Random Ramblings

To come 🙂

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