so inundated with the myth of Talent, that I thought it was . Outstanding, superb and beyond all imagination. Opening your email this morning truly lifted my Spirit. I love your blog. A creative writing course provides experienced editors for inspired amateurs. View the contents and read select essays, articles, interviews, and profiles from the current issue of the award-winning Poets & Writers Magazine. This blog is a daily dose from an spiritually-oriented, artist, thinker, sage. Mechanics fix automobiles. I have had similar thoughts for some time. X x x. I read and feel the security of the hearth and home. Tell stories. Thank you for sharing its beauty. This has needed to be said for a while! A feast to the senses! Thank you Polly!! Your photos are so vivid and expressive and inspiring and artistic and alive! Kurt Vonnegut tags: talent, writing. Its encouraging me to find ways to express what God reveals in me. Perspective is everything and choosing a liberating one blesses everyone, as you point out! In the Literary Magazines database youll find editorial policies, submission guidelines, contact informationeverything you need to know before submitting your work to the publications that share your vision for your work. Harmony is going on all the time; weve just got, Pity and Praise are both Projections (Quote by Jena Schwartz), Gingery Sweet Potato Stew with Kale (Recipe), Blessing of Courage (Poem by Jan Richardson), Lengthening Our Days (New Abstract Conceptualist Painting in Pastel), Hike Photos from Huntington State Park (February 2023), Dont Feel Sorry for Yourself (New Poem by Polly Castor), Jen Evenhus Workshop in Saco, Maine (Photos), Pot-Roasted Celeriac (Celery Root) with Horseradish Sauce (Recipe), Agony (New Good Friday Poem by Polly Castor), Practicing Direction (New Poem by Polly Castor). Jobs People Learning . Thank you Polly, for saying what needs to be said. Thank you for this beautiful poem. I look forward to your positive thoughts and love. Ive taken all this glory into my heart today and am grateful for it. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features NFL Sunday Ticket Press Copyright . Kurt Vonnegut Junior was born in Indianapolis into a prosperous German-American family whose fortunes plummeted while he was young. Kurt Vonnegut's Magpie. You grow people. I recognized that Algren was the real deal. I was talking to one of the archeologists one day during our lunch break and he asked those kinds of getting to know you questions you ask young people: Do you play sports? Once again, you have come through for us with such clear and coherent thinking and put into words the feelings in our hearts. He has been a reporter for public radio, a . Thank you. I've grown to like George M. Helmoltz, Kurt Vonnegut's fictional Lincoln High band teacher. . document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Absolutely beautiful!!! Your blog has inspired me to get back into painting, cooking, prayer and meditation. Thanks, Polly, for listening so carefully and sharing so selflessly. Thank you for bringing such beauty into my every day. Strange, nothing surprising here. Love the abundance of exotic shapes and colours in the Autumn sunshine! (acrylic) by Polly Castor. Poets & Writers lists readings, workshops, and other literary events held in cities across the country. Im off on a refreshing direction. The Brussels sprouts were an exceptionally BIG hit here. Thank you so.much, Polly. "No damn cat, and no damn cradle." (Vonnegut 66). I agree with you on all points, Polly. This blog is colorful, beautiful, and edifying. Yes, lots of good flavor triggers in there. Thank you for being a motivator. Beautifully written, Polly captures my sentiments exactly.. I am touched by this well thought out, well written essay. Find a home for your poems, stories, essays, and reviews by researching the publications vetted by our editorial staff. You will get an enormous reward. I love reading your blog with its many insights. Really enjoyed your poem on Animal magnetism. Todays post was a Gift from God. I find the ideas you share on your blog very encouraging in having a sense of order when it comes to goals and priorities. Polly, I am absolutely amazed. Good advice for consultants too. Thanks, Polly. What a fine piece! "[Kurt Vonnegut's] best book . The Paris Review asked Vonnegut two fundamental questions for aspiring fiction writers: Interviewer: Surely talent is required?Vonnegut: I was a Saab dealer on Cape Cod for a while, and I enrolled in their mechanics school, and they threw me out of their mechanics school. report a missed issue; contact us. Kurt Vonnegut. Your blog is very interesting and insightful. Thank you for sharing. Wow, super powerful and definitely what I needed to hear today. Wow what a great way to approach life. Thank you for the constant good thoughts and beautiful expressions of love and joy that you share on your blog. I love your blog. Your work is always spirited and inspirational. Each year the Readings & Workshops program provides support to hundreds of writers participating in literary readings and conducting writing workshops. Excellent. Thanks for blessing my life and being such a shining light in the world! I had been raised in such an achievement-oriented environment, so inundated with the myth of Talent, that I thought it was only worth doing things if you could "Win" at them.". I found a couple of specific ideas expressed here that apply to a specific situation in my life. . Helps a lot! You capture so vividly the beauty of nature. Every thought you expressed so lovingly. The last day of the month on your blog is always a BIG treat . This poem really hit home. Ill be thinking about it all nightand tomorrow we will break out the paints! The Workshop held promise to transform the forgotten paperback writer into a famous literary author. It was a wonderful mix of beauty, humor, and thoughtfulness. It's not always easy and there are so many people already doing it. Twice nominated for the Pushcart Prize, her stories, essays, and poems have appeared in such publications asThe Huffington Post,Provincetown Arts,The Brooklyn Rail,The Water~Stone Review, Per Contra,The Hamilton Stone Review,The Saint Anns Review,Bellevue Literary Review,Calyx,Kalliope,Green Mountains Review,The Fiddlehead,Personal Fiction Writing,Earths Daughters,A Sense of Place, andPoets & Writers Magazine. ISBN: 0385333900. Polly! Thanks, Polly! . Top 10 brightest novels about the meaning of life !<br><br>1. so inundated with the myth of talent, that I thought it was only . I had been raised in such an achievement-oriented environment, so inundated with the myth of Talent, that I thought it was only worth doing things if you could "Win" at them.". I give thanks for you and the blog! Kurt Vonnegut's Magpie More on why it's okay to be interested in everything. A student of Vonneguts at the Iowa Writers Workshop from 1965 to 1967, during a time when the teacher was finishing his masterpiece Slaughterhouse-Five, McConnell draws on firsthand knowledge and extensive research to guide the reader through nearly everything the famous author ever said or wrote about the art of writing. A wonderful poem Polly! The Reading Venues database includes details about how to schedule your own reading, admission fees, audience size, parking and transit information, and more. Thank you for all you bring to so many . She works as a painter and has exhibited in galleries across the United States. New York: Delacort P/Seymour Lawrence, 1973. I heartily agree with them all now I have a bigger perspective on life. Thanks. Your art, your poetry, your philosophy, your religion, your book reviews, your photography, your husband! Whether you are looking to meet up with fellow writers, agents, and editors, or trying to find the perfect environment to fuel your writing practice, the Conferences & Residencies is the essential resource for information about well over three hundred writing conferences, writers residencies, and literary festivals around the world. Thank you Polly. These thoughts you shared are a keeper for me to revisit when in need. You don't have to draw like DaVinci to enjoy painting. Not nearly as many have the hang of telling a story. Oh my goodness Polly, this is absolutely magnificent and reaches so far deep into my soul. But they have not been writing stories all their lives. Thank you so much for this wonderful insight! Beautiful photos! You are such an inspirational person Polly! Thank you!! Love the photos, as usual. Thank you so much for your beautiful heart! Thanks for sharing your thoughts, and the helpful ones of others. Many, many students write well. Kurt Vonnegut. Your poem feels like a lesson, a treatment, and a love letter all rolled into one perfect package. There are several significantly strong postmodern concepts Vonnegut brings into view in this novel. The Asshole and the Proto-Emoji: The Visual Artwork of Kurt Vonnegut. Love opening your blog each day it is a treat that I save sometimes. Neither did he confuse life experience with craft. I feel such gratitude for the beautiful way in which you express God. My mouth was watering! Because I believed in the merits of this type of prose, I was quite teachable and so I worked hard to achieve as pure a style as I could. Thank you Polly for your radiant joy and embrace of each of us, wrapping us in your color and beauty of Soul. Everything you need to connect, communicate, and collaborate with other poets and writersall in one place. I am glad I came across these beautiful words. Thank you for sharing this quote. Flash Fiction Evening with David Gaffney and Tania Hershman. . He is most well know for writing Slaughterhouse-Five, which was published in 1969. Letting our true, authentic self come forth! I just have to say it. amerikai regnyr s esszista. I do theater, Im in choir, I play the violin and piano, I used to take art classes.And he went WOW. (Image courtesy of IFC . You are proving and sharing truth in a precious, creative, encouraging, and heartfelt way. Thanks for recommending it. Since our founding in 1970, Poets & Writers has served as an information clearinghouse of all matters related to writing. I am so happy to have your blog in my life! Polly lets her spirituality into her art as you can see in the many abstract paintings she creates. I work to amplify good wherever I find it. Kurt Vonnegut's classic Slaughterhouse-Five is adapted in graphic novel form for the first time this Wednesday courtesy of Boom! A friendship is forged between them, and soon the . I really do. because I showed no real talent. amaze me, Polly. You sure know how to cheer up a really old geezer (84) in his sunset years. It is always refreshing to see the loves, joys, challenges, and triumphs that you share on your blog. The blog post by Three Rings also quoted a letter purportedly written by Kurt Vonnegut, which contained this lovely gem in it: "Here's an assignment for tonight You truly have a way with words: warm; strong; inviting; enlightening; so substantive, and more. In between the lines I read that I had been raised in such an achievement-oriented environment, so inundated with the myth of Talent, that I thought it was only worth doing things if you could Win at them., Lets Have Fun! A different outcome than expected, in this case. Vonnegut: About the same way golf can be taught. Much of Vonnegut's work is marked by an . I love it! Polly your blog is simply a marvelously enriching, thought provoking part of the daily wonders of life! Placing himself in the third group makes for drama and an in-joke about his failure at chemistry. Brilliant!!!! Thank you so much for recommending it. I see joy and love expressed. 12, 2007(Kurt Vonnegut; b. He grew up in the Midwest and taught in a rural school in central Illinois for several years. I enjoy your strong, bold artwork there is so much going on in them that my imagination takes off. I just love your photos, Polly. https://lnkd.in/eiRkpFg This is relevant and an excellent way for me to look at some situations I have been in recently. Love this actually so timely for what I have been thinking about lately. You are a treasure! so inundated with the myth of Talent, that I thought . Love all you do and express. Youre an amazing role model!! Thank you for all the delightful imagery! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Glorious! Required fields are marked *. Im grateful for you opening my eyes to the wonders that surround us. I love your Blog, Polly!! The Time Is Now offers weekly writing prompts in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction to help you stay committed to your writing practice throughout the year. Thank you, Polly. Now available: The Poets & Writers Guide to Publicity and Promotion, The Poets & Writers Guide to the Book Deal, The Poets & Writers Guide to Literary Agents, The Poets & Writers Guide to MFA Programs, and The Poets & Writers Guide to Writing Contests. Quite unforgettable. Vonnegut poses the question . Thank you for your blog. Your eyes are keen and your photographs dynamic. Vonnegut's motivation is always a different flavor. some very funny but always with love. What a stunning place! The beautiful must wear hideous masks or disfigure themselves, the intelligent must listen to earsplitting noises . Im sharing your joy in our Source. Such a complete radiance of Soul you are demonstrating. Its a rare inspiration that can uncover an aching joy but those poems do that. This was always my criteria as my son was growing up and deciding on different sports & activities. Share this post. You continue to inspire, impress, and I cant tell you how helpful this has been to me today. Dance to the radio. In "Harrison Bergeron," Vonnegut portrays a dystopic totalitarian government that tortures and executes its citizens to achieve its goal of physical and mental equality among all Americans. Do it as well as you possibly can. Also, since I was a Chemistry major, I had very little instruction from the profoundly literary people. I love it! I love that you live such an active life, have so many interests, and share your insights with me. Kurt Vonnegut. Drawn to Jewish humor as a panacea, only two years after he attempted suicide in 1984, Vonnegut appeared in a comedy film, " Back to School ," starring Jacob Cohen, who performed under the . The Reason to Do Anything (Quote by Kurt Vonnegut). Your zest for the good things in life makes me feel happy too! I have to tell you that your spiritual to-do list was the springboard for a great talk with my older daughter. Copies of photos and artwork are available for purchase in my Gallery. 300 pp. could you direct me to more literature on spiritual healing? I do theater, Im in choir, I play the violin and piano, I used to take art classes. Lets all have a productive day and be joyful! You are doing so wonderfully at praising God with your talents. So the simplicity, and thats not a bad word for it, of my writing was caused by the fact that my audience was composed of sophomores, juniors and seniors. Thank you for all your uplifting daily contributions, wherever form they take photos, recipes, artwork, book reviews and smiley faces! I love the vitality of the city scenes and vibrant color palette. Thank you for your efforts. claudiatiefisher.substack.com. In addition to original material, Palm Sunday contains the following works (written by Vonnegut unless otherwise stated): "Dear Mr. McCarthy" (letter) "Un-American Nonsense" (essay) "God's Law" (speech) Polly always captures the balance between what I can do, and all the miraclesI am given. Your food is presented in such an artistic way that it looks beautiful, wholesome and totally delicious!! Thank you for being such a beautiful and prolific source of inspiration. Since 2006 she has been Fiction Editor for theBellevue Literary Review. Brava talented Polly. Thank you deeply, Polly! Whether its food or art or nature . Player Piano (1952) Buy on Amazon. like a bird, natural and beautiful, just singing out truth in her special song on a fine winter morning. Wes Green. But he said he wasn't traumatized by his experiences. When we asked what Poets & Writers could do to support their writing practice, time and again writers expressed a desire for a more tangible connection to other writers. Cat's Cradle. Twitter. Vonnegut Kurt Kurt Vonnegut Von Goethe, Johann Wolfgang Wordsworth, William. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright F.C. In a sense he " enlarges the scope" of the novel by showing the . Read select articles from the award-winning magazine and consult the most comprehensive listing of literary grants and awards, deadlines, and prizewinners available in print. Polly, what amazing and timely insight in these wise words! Thank you for focusing in on and capturing the little things we so often pass by and/or take for granted. Where does it end? Your email address will not be published. Yes!! Thats all very helpful for me today, Polly. Thanks for sharing this wisdom. It just turned out that I could write better than a lot of other people. I made your fabulous Fish Tacos and they were BEYOND delicious!! Polly! Vonnegut and his friend, the writer Sidney Offit, discussed that. You share so freely, with so so so much love and joy and an open-open-heart. Recommend to friends. He had an interesting story about ability the myth of talent. Thank you. To celebrate his life and career, here . More novels followed, including The Sirens of Titan (1959), Mother Night . Discover historical sites, independent bookstores, literary archives, writing centers, and writers spaces in cities across the country using the Literary Places databasethe best starting point for any literary journey, whether its for research or inspiration. I was a mediocrity in the anthropology department of the University of Chicago after the Second World War. Isnt It a Beautiful Day! Theres some backlash about the MFA-ing of writing. I had been raised in such an achievement-oriented environment, so inundated with the myth of Talent, that I thought it was only worth doing things if you could Win at them., F.C.Malby's debut novel, Take Me to the Castle, won The Peoples Book Awards. John, the novel's narrator, sets out to write a book about the day the atomic bomb was dropped, before becoming embroiled in the story of the bomb's ingenious creator, Dr. Felix Hoenikker. What about storytelling, as differentiated from writing? The outstanding photos and the amazing narratives made me feel I was on vacation for a few minutes each day. I am never disappointed. Find a home for your work by consulting our searchable databases of writing contests, literary magazines, small presses, literary agents, and more. Thank you for tending these lovely flowers together, and for posting on your blog, Polly. Helen Frankenthalers works were interesting, but I like your abstracts better. Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 1979. It is very appropriate for our times. In this book, Steve Gronert Ellerhoff explores short stories by Ray Bradbury and Kurt Vonnegut, written between 1943 and 1968, with a post-Jungian approach. Illuminating thoughts, thank you for sharing them. You truly are a polymath!! Everything on your site is so colorful, spiritual and alive! As Kurt alludes, achievement-obsessed environments have some down-sides. THEMES OF CATS CTRADLE. You have a great eye for beauty Polly. Thank you for the blessing of community that you provide. The image paired with the text was spot on! I encourage authenticity, nurture creativity, champion sustainability, promote peace, and hope to foster a new renaissance where we all are free to be our most fulfilled, multifaceted, and terrific selves. It's easy to get sucked into making measurable "winning" the goal. You have addressed many nuances that I have been espousing for years, and your words are powerful and thought-provoking. You are letting your light shine. Love it. Now the work required to make a lasting change is up to each of us! I cannot verify the attribution, however, and love it regardless. I did your tomato tart a few days ago, and it was fabulous! In addition, the idea of an uncomplicated style was very much in the air back thenclarity, shorter sentences, strong verbs, a de-emphasis of adverbs and adjectives, that sort of thing. one bite at a time. This blog is upbeat, progressive, sincere, colorful, metaphoric, and exploratory. shadows. In truth, he turned out to be a solid member of the second group, those using what they had learnedto good advantage in some other field. Chemistry provoked his interest in science. You inspire goodness, wholeness, contentedness and joy. With rare photographs and reproductions as well as a generous offering of the novelists aphorisms, short essays, articles, speeches, and interviews,Pity the Reader elucidates this imperative, offering insight into both craft and the human condition. Thank you for your spiritual calm, support for each of us, uninhibited creativity, and amazing paintings. I hope Im making this clear: these editors were neither tyrannical nor contemptible. Polly, I just love your spirit, innovativeness, receptivity to beauty and to Gods goodness expressed. Edith Vonnegut is the eldest daughter of Kurt Vonnegut, Jr., and Jane Cox. Thank you for bringing your beautiful great outdoors into my world. A powerful message. . As a result his interests took him from soccer, lacrosse and football to magic, juggling and circus arts. Yes, healing does happen when we deeply and humbly pray. The colors are so vibrant and I like that you notice Talent is excerpted from Pity the Reader: On Writing With Style by Kurt Vonnegut and Suzanne McConnell, published by Seven Stories Press on November 5, 2019. Read three decades of essays, articles, interviews, profiles, and other select content from Poets & Writers Magazine. Thank you for bringing your hydrangeas into my home via the internet. 1. When you get famous, I need to be the president of your fan club. Vonnegut repeatedly tells the reader to "Listen" throughout the novel. Thank you for revealing this idea youve been following. found: Author's Player piano, 1952. found: New York times WWW site, Apr. Find information about how Poets & Writers provides support to hundreds of writers participating in literary readings and conducting writing workshops. Your interpretation is helpful for my thought and Im sure many others. Download our free app to find readings and author events near you; explore indie bookstores, libraries, and other places of interest to writers; and connect with the literary community in your city or town. The Danger of Totalitarian Government. Thank you so much. This is one of the BEST explanations of ones understanding of God I have seen in a long time. Not top-drawer Vonnegut, then, but guilty/innocent Walter is a fine creation, and there's enough of the author's narrative zip to keep fans happy even while the novel fizzles into foolishness. Because I went from a failure, someone who hadnt been talented enough at anything to excel, to someone who did things because I enjoyed them. Try it as long as its fun and you enjoy it. It was never about being the best. Kurt Vonnegut . I love color, texture, beauty, great ideas, nature, metaphor, deliciousness, genuine spirituality, and exploring new territory. Carpenters build houses. And I sure do thank you for inspiring me to greater efforts along all lines of life! While the range of inquiries has been broad, common themes have emerged over time. [1] In a career spanning over 50 years, he published fourteen novels, three short-story collections, five plays, and five nonfiction works; further collections have been published after his death. Kurt Vonnegut Jr. was born November 11, 1922 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Wow! New York: Delacort P/Seymour Lawrence, 1973. Love these colours and the strong contrasts Polly! Polly, Im grateful for you, your prayerful work, your blog, your art, photos, words and colors. You are my favorite artist. Thank you! You are such an inspiring person, Polly, and I love the variety of your activities you share with us all! Below is an excerpt fromthe book, forthcoming from Seven Stories Press on November 5. I want to express my gratitude to you for such a well thought out essay. Im fascinated by all you do! He had an extra gear, language-wise, Vonneguts son Mark says of his father. You are terrific and amazing. You are a woman deeply filled to the brim. I recently I recommended your blog to a friend saying, Shes like a dear friend, she just doesnt know me. Thank you for all the delight you add to my days! Can you really teach anyone how to write? a New York Times editor asked Vonnegut, just as he was composing a piece for that very newspaper about that very subject. You put into words what I have been grappling with for a long time. Thank you for writing this opinion so eloquently, Polly. $17.95. Thanks for sharing! [it] was uplifting and instructive. Add to library. Without a doubt my life has been enriched and uplifted by my acquaintance with you through your blogs. Facebook fcmalbyauthor | www.fcmalby.com Because I went from a failure, someone who hadnt been talented enough at anything to excel, to someone who did things because I enjoyed them. It opens Nov. 19. Thank you! Life is so exciting we should limit ourselves less! Oh so beautiful! Im new to your site and I love todays post about being grateful! - Kurt Vonnegut. They made my day. Oh my gosh how did you know I needed this today? Thank you for sharing yourself and creativity in such a transparent way, it is very inspiring and humbling to me. Wow. Arts Social Arts Social Sci J 9: 392. doi: 10.4172/2151-6200.1000392 Im very thankful for your blog. Just beautiful, Polly. Copy link. She has also served as a contributing . But its only one of the components for creating good fiction. No talent. Below is an excerpt from the book, forthcoming from Seven Stories Press on November 5. Thanks so much! Richard Bach - "Illusions"<br><br>The fact that you are now holding this book in your hands is not just a coincidence; maybe there is something in all these adventures that you can remember yourself.<br>A pilot who earns his living by flying on an airplane meets a "colleague". Going through an unsure time. Learn more about this program, our special events, projects, and supporters, and how to contact us. He is in the last seat of the C band section which is the worst possible seat to be in. I for one want to thank you so much for writing this blog. November 11, 2022. Thank you for your ultra positive, upbeat, cheering and cheerful expressions in so many forms. Find information about more than two hundred full- and low-residency programs in creative writing in our MFA Programs database, which includes details about deadlines, funding, class size, core faculty, and more. Thanks, Polly! Your posts are treasure troves of your beautiful and giving heart. You are a blessing! In 2006 a high school English teacher asked students to write a famous author and ask for advice. They bring me such joy. WONDERFUL blog, Polly! New York: Delacorte Press. I so look forward to your daily offerings and rejoice in them all. Kurt Vonnegut, pictured in 1981, was a prisoner of war in Germany during World War II and survived the bombing of Dresden. This is absolutely magnificent. This couldnt possibly be more perfect, so reassuring, and so fully expresses in every way what we all are praying for. Get the Word Out is a new publicity incubator for debut fiction writers and poets. I have just started this book and am really loving it! From the outset, Vonnegut makes it clear that this is a book that goes deep into . Thats amazing! 3. I keep coming back to look at the paintings again. Monkey House: With Kurt Vonnegut Jr., Len Cariou, Kaj-Erik Eriksen, Miguel Fernandes. All of your work is eye and mind popping. Kurt Jr. was the youngest of their three children, along with . Thank you for the joy you share.