I've had two. Discovering classical music quite late in life, I also discovered that I had a decent ear for music. Being able to pick out a tune on an electronic keyboard led me to taking piano lessons for the first time in my life. It went well enough for me to imagine I might be able to become a classical pianist, but after a couple of years I realized I was starting about 35 years too late. The two years I spent learning that were not wasted, but I still have a tinge of regret for not having started as a child. The reality is that it would not have been possible, even if I had desperately wanted it.
The second is more recent. At the urging of Substack I decided to try writing for humans, after decades of writing for machines. The depth and breadth of talent here has proven that Linus van Pelt was right when he said "There is no heavier burden than a great potential." Being retired, I have no day job to not quit, but I'm at peace with where I am in the world. You can't do or be everything you want, but you can find a comfortable place. I'm there.
This: "You can't do or be everything you want, but you can find a comfortable place. I'm there." Oof, I felt that. I'm still looking for that place, but dammit that's inspiring.
I should point out that it's taken me 75 years to arrive at this place. I've made a plethora of mistakes of varying degree. My epiphany came at age 31 when a friend made me realize that I did not need to have a job and a career culminating in the gold watch and cushy retirement. Being free to do what motivated me was not always comfortable, and there were many times of stress and anxiety. I don't know how many years I have left, but I continue to enjoy each one to the max, doing what I like, and what may be of benefit to others.
I didn’t even read the book. For me it was Cliff’s Notes—I’ll read the summary. I’ve always naturally been more a philosophy guy and most novels bore me to tears, unless they’re philosophical (Jean-Paul Sartre, etc.).
Yeah, I've had to learn to put books aside when they became a drag. It's still not easy - I always wonder if I'm going to miss something great on the next page - but I'm getting better at it.
Maybe you just haven't found the right novel yet ;). (Though, now that I think about it, the novels that really stick with me tend to have strong philosophical undercurrents...)
For most texts, conversational is a really good style (well, depends on how you converse, of course ;)). Actually, I find that reading your writing aloud (or with your inner voice) is a good way to spot where it is 'off', even for more literary, complex writing.
From being trained primarily as a broadcaster, I always consider it good form to read something aloud before sending or posting it, if you can spare the time
I've had two. Discovering classical music quite late in life, I also discovered that I had a decent ear for music. Being able to pick out a tune on an electronic keyboard led me to taking piano lessons for the first time in my life. It went well enough for me to imagine I might be able to become a classical pianist, but after a couple of years I realized I was starting about 35 years too late. The two years I spent learning that were not wasted, but I still have a tinge of regret for not having started as a child. The reality is that it would not have been possible, even if I had desperately wanted it.
The second is more recent. At the urging of Substack I decided to try writing for humans, after decades of writing for machines. The depth and breadth of talent here has proven that Linus van Pelt was right when he said "There is no heavier burden than a great potential." Being retired, I have no day job to not quit, but I'm at peace with where I am in the world. You can't do or be everything you want, but you can find a comfortable place. I'm there.
Thanks for this wonderful comment, Jim!
This: "You can't do or be everything you want, but you can find a comfortable place. I'm there." Oof, I felt that. I'm still looking for that place, but dammit that's inspiring.
I should point out that it's taken me 75 years to arrive at this place. I've made a plethora of mistakes of varying degree. My epiphany came at age 31 when a friend made me realize that I did not need to have a job and a career culminating in the gold watch and cushy retirement. Being free to do what motivated me was not always comfortable, and there were many times of stress and anxiety. I don't know how many years I have left, but I continue to enjoy each one to the max, doing what I like, and what may be of benefit to others.
"I wanna be Bob Dylan." No, wait, that's a song.
I wanna be Carl Sagan, but for neuroscience.
Ooh, good one. We can use a brain research mythbuster.
I didn’t even read the book. For me it was Cliff’s Notes—I’ll read the summary. I’ve always naturally been more a philosophy guy and most novels bore me to tears, unless they’re philosophical (Jean-Paul Sartre, etc.).
Yeah, I've had to learn to put books aside when they became a drag. It's still not easy - I always wonder if I'm going to miss something great on the next page - but I'm getting better at it.
Maybe you just haven't found the right novel yet ;). (Though, now that I think about it, the novels that really stick with me tend to have strong philosophical undercurrents...)
Oh and I have. Marquis de Sade is good stuff. Thus Spoke Zarathustra. There are a few gems.
Definitely. Life’s too short for boring books.
I had a writing class one time tell me my writing style was conversational, and I have run with it, for better or for worse :)
For most texts, conversational is a really good style (well, depends on how you converse, of course ;)). Actually, I find that reading your writing aloud (or with your inner voice) is a good way to spot where it is 'off', even for more literary, complex writing.
From being trained primarily as a broadcaster, I always consider it good form to read something aloud before sending or posting it, if you can spare the time
(Or at least mouth it, if you’re around others :) )