Bukowski takes a stand against poetic dilettantes. But not everyone writes like he did, or would want to. People write for many reasons not included in this vision of writing as desperation. First thought, best thought, etc. I agree there’s a lot of bad literature being produced—poetry in particular—usually out of a misapprehension of what actually constitutes good writing. However, one has to suck as a writer for a long time before it’s worth being read. This is all part of the writer’s passionate journey, and there’s nothing wrong with it. Everyone, including Bukowski, starts somewhere.
Personally, I'm extremely passionate as a writer. And I do want to be famous and great and well regarded and loved for my work. But I also do it because it's something that's always been a part of me. I have a tendency to not finish things, especially if they're not poetry (part of the reason why I'm committing myself to my own Substack newsletter, although it's brand new and barely has any content worth raving about yet). I both agree and disagree with Bukowski about pretty much everything he says. I think it needs to be a balance between something that happens because it MUST and something that happens because you will it to happen, through trial and error and repetitive practice. I'm so bad at practicing most things that, if I didn't love to write as much as I do, I would probably never do it, or only do it occasionally. While there are times in my life where I don't really write anything of note, and while I still haven't figured out what time of day is best for me so I can do it every single day, I know for a fact that I want to be a writer because I haven't stopped doing it, even after graduating! I pray to god and the universe that I don't stop any time soon.
Fair enough, Celeste. It appears there are as many definitions of the term writer as, well, there are writers. William Faulkner, no less, offered this telling nugget: A writer is someone for whom writing is very, very hard. Now obviously this contradicts received wisdom that tells us the opposite. In my experience this is most true. A writer cares about the written word to the point of agonizing reappraisal. That caring is what drives them to excel at their craft, making writing, in effect, a habit. Those who are not in that habit simply do not get it. So, you’re doing exactly what you ought to be doing: writing and writing hard. Keep it up.
That is post-modernism in a nutshell, except that there is nothing beautiful or romantic about it. Just desecration of everything that gives meaning and purpose to life, for the sake of being 'intellectual'
I think this gets misunderstood. To have a voice is to block everything else out, especially the petty parts. The action itself is the point, don't matter technique, reception, intention, etc. The scientific term for this is a fugue state, easier to recognize with manual activities such as music or sports. But speculation takes us out of the moment. Flowers aren't reaching for the sun, they have no sense of either self or light. They just know, instinctively, through perfect zen action, cell by cell by cell by cell.
Writing as a cultural artifact is speculative, elusive, a kind of self propelling ouroboros. Writing as whatever Bukowski is talking about is as natural as laughing or crying or emptying your bowels. I've read enough to know he didn't get there all the time, no one does, but to do it even once is pretty special. And to do it even once, you gotta get beyond the illusion that it matters, beyond the very personal experience of doing it. Then, eventually, it might matter. Which is contrary to all the propaganda of our megalomaniac bauble machine.
Anybody could be a Kardashian in America, that's the dream. But who is happy being a nobody? Bukowki did it for a decade, didnt write at all, just lived. The nobody can still hear clearly the beating heart of the truth, for they haven't built such an elaborate spectacle of ego to distract them. Write so that the words fill you entirely on the way out, and you won't worry so much about where they are headed. "Don't try." Or "if you're going to try, go all the way."
There are all kinds of writers from extremely deliberate to spontaneous, from some who gush like a torrent and some who coax it out slowly, some edit a great deal and some don't. But, if you have something you need to say, say it. I admire his point of view but don't ascribe to all of it. Thanks, always interesting. Here's a poem on this topic. https://westonpparker.substack.com/p/a-shy-start
Everything one needs to say isn't necessarily everything that needs being heard. Writers these days (very unusual times) are less and less authentic human beings. They tend to be (of necessity) the type that repeats what 'should be said', while fanatically avoiding what should not be heard. There's too much of this today, and too little 'Bukowski'.
You're absolutely right... but it has to crash everything else when it comes roaring out; no matter how hard you have to try.... some have to try less than others. Nevertheless, if it doesn't, there's no need to say it. It must be a life-or-death matter for you for it to make an impact. That's probably the only way to know. No reading to your girlfriend required....
I doubt many readers will click on your link but they should. So true. This same Bukowski poem inspired (impelled) me to write my own essay saying some of the same things your video link does. I will be publishing it here soon (after I finish editing and revising my so-called "burst").
I don't agree with the video. Professional writers and artists in general are expected to do that. Bukowski wrote instantaneously, but in fact, he did the same soul-searching as other artists. He just spent the time they spent in front of a blank page or screen, living his life to the fullest. Art is impossible to do without soul-searching; what Bukowski is trying to say here is that you shouldn't do it professionally with a contract binding you to a desk. It's a fact that he made money from writing, but he was never chained to a professional agreement in this way. This cost him a lot of money that he could've made if he'd stayed home staring at the blank screen like the professionally successful and rich artists that are quoted in the video.
Bukowski takes a stand against poetic dilettantes. But not everyone writes like he did, or would want to. People write for many reasons not included in this vision of writing as desperation. First thought, best thought, etc. I agree there’s a lot of bad literature being produced—poetry in particular—usually out of a misapprehension of what actually constitutes good writing. However, one has to suck as a writer for a long time before it’s worth being read. This is all part of the writer’s passionate journey, and there’s nothing wrong with it. Everyone, including Bukowski, starts somewhere.
I for one am glad not everyone writes like him.
.. "like HE", not "like HIM".
I, for one, am glad not everyone writes like you do.
Yikes
Personally, I'm extremely passionate as a writer. And I do want to be famous and great and well regarded and loved for my work. But I also do it because it's something that's always been a part of me. I have a tendency to not finish things, especially if they're not poetry (part of the reason why I'm committing myself to my own Substack newsletter, although it's brand new and barely has any content worth raving about yet). I both agree and disagree with Bukowski about pretty much everything he says. I think it needs to be a balance between something that happens because it MUST and something that happens because you will it to happen, through trial and error and repetitive practice. I'm so bad at practicing most things that, if I didn't love to write as much as I do, I would probably never do it, or only do it occasionally. While there are times in my life where I don't really write anything of note, and while I still haven't figured out what time of day is best for me so I can do it every single day, I know for a fact that I want to be a writer because I haven't stopped doing it, even after graduating! I pray to god and the universe that I don't stop any time soon.
Fair enough, Celeste. It appears there are as many definitions of the term writer as, well, there are writers. William Faulkner, no less, offered this telling nugget: A writer is someone for whom writing is very, very hard. Now obviously this contradicts received wisdom that tells us the opposite. In my experience this is most true. A writer cares about the written word to the point of agonizing reappraisal. That caring is what drives them to excel at their craft, making writing, in effect, a habit. Those who are not in that habit simply do not get it. So, you’re doing exactly what you ought to be doing: writing and writing hard. Keep it up.
a rocket……
murderous impulses…
sun inside you ...
and you might get the calling
He unromanticizes writing whilst romanticizing writing. Self-referentially refuting and confirming the holiness of the vocation.
That is post-modernism in a nutshell, except that there is nothing beautiful or romantic about it. Just desecration of everything that gives meaning and purpose to life, for the sake of being 'intellectual'
And this is why I don't do it. But I'm certainly grateful you did.
I think this gets misunderstood. To have a voice is to block everything else out, especially the petty parts. The action itself is the point, don't matter technique, reception, intention, etc. The scientific term for this is a fugue state, easier to recognize with manual activities such as music or sports. But speculation takes us out of the moment. Flowers aren't reaching for the sun, they have no sense of either self or light. They just know, instinctively, through perfect zen action, cell by cell by cell by cell.
Writing as a cultural artifact is speculative, elusive, a kind of self propelling ouroboros. Writing as whatever Bukowski is talking about is as natural as laughing or crying or emptying your bowels. I've read enough to know he didn't get there all the time, no one does, but to do it even once is pretty special. And to do it even once, you gotta get beyond the illusion that it matters, beyond the very personal experience of doing it. Then, eventually, it might matter. Which is contrary to all the propaganda of our megalomaniac bauble machine.
Anybody could be a Kardashian in America, that's the dream. But who is happy being a nobody? Bukowki did it for a decade, didnt write at all, just lived. The nobody can still hear clearly the beating heart of the truth, for they haven't built such an elaborate spectacle of ego to distract them. Write so that the words fill you entirely on the way out, and you won't worry so much about where they are headed. "Don't try." Or "if you're going to try, go all the way."
Yes!
There are all kinds of writers from extremely deliberate to spontaneous, from some who gush like a torrent and some who coax it out slowly, some edit a great deal and some don't. But, if you have something you need to say, say it. I admire his point of view but don't ascribe to all of it. Thanks, always interesting. Here's a poem on this topic. https://westonpparker.substack.com/p/a-shy-start
Everything one needs to say isn't necessarily everything that needs being heard. Writers these days (very unusual times) are less and less authentic human beings. They tend to be (of necessity) the type that repeats what 'should be said', while fanatically avoiding what should not be heard. There's too much of this today, and too little 'Bukowski'.
Well said. That's one of the main reasons I started this page. To revive the authentic. I appreciate you!
Oh man...sure makes me think of Bob Dylan
Isn't 'wanting to do it' enough to 'do it'? Aren't some people natural and others try hard? Correct me if I'm wrong:)
You're absolutely right... but it has to crash everything else when it comes roaring out; no matter how hard you have to try.... some have to try less than others. Nevertheless, if it doesn't, there's no need to say it. It must be a life-or-death matter for you for it to make an impact. That's probably the only way to know. No reading to your girlfriend required....
Though I do not agree with not rewriting (just not rewriting it to death), he makes a great deal of sense.
Writing is hard.
no pain no gain and the pain mostly comes from overthinking imo
Burn baby burn.
I love Bukowski
Actually dead wrong. Or at least: bad advice for most writers. I prefer this (which demolishes the Bukowski poem IMHO): https://youtu.be/1lTcgSzf0AQ?si=hcyDpQw5QwK1YsxR
I doubt many readers will click on your link but they should. So true. This same Bukowski poem inspired (impelled) me to write my own essay saying some of the same things your video link does. I will be publishing it here soon (after I finish editing and revising my so-called "burst").
I don't agree with the video. Professional writers and artists in general are expected to do that. Bukowski wrote instantaneously, but in fact, he did the same soul-searching as other artists. He just spent the time they spent in front of a blank page or screen, living his life to the fullest. Art is impossible to do without soul-searching; what Bukowski is trying to say here is that you shouldn't do it professionally with a contract binding you to a desk. It's a fact that he made money from writing, but he was never chained to a professional agreement in this way. This cost him a lot of money that he could've made if he'd stayed home staring at the blank screen like the professionally successful and rich artists that are quoted in the video.
“the libraries of the world have
yawned themselves to
sleep
over your kind.”
👆🏼
So true!
Everything I've ever written while I'm cackling has eventually been published, so this tracks for me.
He’s right. It either flows through you or it’s not the right path.
So appropriate!