I used to teach a writer’s workshop at the University of Iowa back in the 1960s, and I would say at the start of every semester, ‘The role model for this course is Vincent van Gogh—who sold two paintings to his brother.’ – Kurt Vonnegut
Van Gogh is one of my sanity triggers.
Whenever I am feeling darkly unsuccessful, think of One-Eared Vinnie, as he’s known on the streets.
Have lost count of the articles I have sold for three figures. Four figures even.
More than two, Vincent, more than two. So, there’s that.
There are years and even decades – not always the same ones – where I outproduced the legendary Hunter S. Thompson.
Possibly the luckiest artist ever. The Doc and I, turns out we are a lot alike.
Except for that lucky part.
One of the best pieces Hunter wrote – see “The Charge of The Weird Brigade” in Running magazine April ’81 – was my idea, but that’s another story.
Stay tuned.
All I am asking for, really, when you think about it, when all is said and done, is a ninety-minute PBS documentary.
Which plays repeatedly.
If you want to really hurt your parents,
and you don’t have the nerve
to be gay,
the least you can do
is go into the arts.
I’m not kidding.
The arts are not a way to make a living.
They are a very human way
of making life more bearable.
Practicing an art,
no matter how well or badly,
is a way to make your soul grow,
for heaven’s sake.
Sing in the shower.
Dance to the radio.
Tell stories.
Write a poem to a friend,
even a lousy poem.
Do it as well as you possibly can.
You will get an enormous reward.
You will have created something.
– Kurt Vonnegut, From A Man Without a Country
I really believe that everyone has a talent, ability, or skill that he can mine to support himself and to succeed in life.
– Dean Koontz
So, you’re saying, I wasn’t wrong to try.
Yeah, but
Yeah, but
Yeah, but
Do I still have a chance?
Do I still have time?