Writing In A Warzone

You know, most of the books out there are garbage: that's to say, they're just not needed. See, this is the crucial aspect a man must ask himself before sitting down with a pen: "Does the world really need this book?" Unfortunately, the answer is generally a big, bloated "NO!" I mean, just take a stroll through any bookstore and tell me that the world couldn't do without the majority of that crapola. In fact, in many cases, the world is much worse off for having such material. In particular, I'm referring to most all of the "Self-Help" genre. You know the false prophets of our day: Oprah, Dr. Phil, Stephen Covey, et al.

Really, what gives these folks the audacity to present themselves as the bearers of truth and answers. In this mysterious, vast universe does any mortal possess a definitive answer? Really! It's quite remarkable. Friends, if you want real wisdom, forget about these twentieth century charlatans and turn to, say, Jesus or the Dalia Lama. Why mess around with the guppies when the whales are right there waiting for you.

That having been said, I do think it's worthwhile and necessary for new books to be written: and I mean today; and, perhaps I'm an opinionated guy, but I'm talking about the right books: books that come straight from the heart, with a poignant urgency, because they must be written. Not too many books that weren't written in a warzone deserve to be published.

What's meant by warzone? See, I'm just the type of fool who can anticpate your questions. By warzone, I'm talking about strife, conflict, trouble. It's no small coincidence that many of our greatest artists and writers were also, generally, somewhat disturbed and dysfunctional people: the whole ear-chopping, alcoholic, suicidal trip. It may seem bleak, and I don't endorse such pessimism personally, but, history supports my claim. And, you'll notice, many of them beat back their demons with the candor of their pens and paints! That's important to note baby! Through candid art, one can triumph over adversity! Amen! Amen!

No, there is no coincidence in that observation. And, a real litmus test sort of question: "Do you think the world, generally, is troubled?" Ask that at the next cocktail party you attend. See what sort of answers you get. I'll tell you, the person who answers "Yes" is the woman I'd be most interested in reading.

So, to be more specific, what I'm really talking about is the subject you choose to write about. And, I'm advocating that you select a highly personal aspect of your life which troubles you. This approach is responsible for such writers as James Baldwin, Richard Wright, Albert Camus, Sylvia Plath, and Henry Miller: to name just a few.

Of course, there is a type of implicit irony, in that when you're in the midst of your troubles, it's quite difficult to write about them. And, that's what this is all about. That's writing in a warzone baby. We see that so clearly in the work of--to take one example--James Baldwin, who was so deeply disturbed by the racial inequalities of his day. In his novels, it's apparent that Mr. Baldwin was really struggling with life and trying to find an inner peace. And, he still managed to write the whole time. And, prolifically, I'll add. This is not an easy accomplishment. And, that's the point...many beautiful books, by nature, don't come into existence, because the troubled circumstances--which, should be the subject--prevent one from achieving the necessary concentration and focus.

The writer must remember why the potential book matters. It matters because it's going to change the world: nothing less! And, it will, as many authors have done before you...and, as many authors will do after. That's the beauty of sitting down, by yoursef, with a pen and a paper: you have the potential to change the future. And, that should be your goal! And, of course, you want to change the future for the better, because, deep-down, you're the biggest optimist on the planet, and, if you're not, you might as well stop reading this right this instant baby, because, you've got the wrong writer before you.

So, you want to change the world for the better. Good. What else? You have to maintain concentration on your material. You need to think about it all the time. When you look at the clouds, you've got to see the people you're writing about. You've just got to become overwhelmed by love baby! And, that love will lead you to prayer.

Uh Oh! Did this writer mention prayer? You're not supposed to do that! Too bad. You know, in this age and culture, which seems to be quite involved with religion, it's funny that somehow it's not cool to mention it. Too bad again. We're talking about writing a book which concerns a difficult, personal topic, while you're in the midst of the experience, and, besides staying centered on the material and seeing the people in the clouds, you better drop down to your knees and ask the Great One in the sky for a little assistance. There's nothing wrong with that. Ask to be guided and protected and for help with your work in which you're trying to improve the world. Books that result from a process like this are the books I want to read. You can view a lot of talented writers at http://www.artplop.com Thanks for your time friends and good luck!

Kemal Faruquee does the best he can with what he's got. He studied at various universities, but learned much more by talking to people that his larger society refers to as bums. Kemal runs a Creative Writing free-for-all, Love Poems and Harrisburg Web Design.

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