[Critique Group 2] Emailing: Staying True To Your Art (an essay)--For 2/26/19 critique session

[James]

Staying True To Your Art 
An Essay
C By Brad Corallo
Word count 932


Note: Approximately 10 months ago, I submitted a version of this essay to
the B.O.E. list. Since then much has happened to me and around me and my
lifelong practice of trying to understand myself and the world in which I
happen to be at any given moment, was put forcefully to the test. Some
clever wag (for some reason I believe he was French) said "the more it
changes, the more it stays the same." I have always resonated with this
concept. Consequently I set out to find consistent patterns in my writing
and to define the hopefully diverse mechanisms I utilize to convey them.
This second version of this analysis is I hope: more smoothly constructed
and contains more specifics and details about my writing. I believe that if
I understand what I write about and the ways I do so, I may be enabled to
expand both my voice and scope as a writer. I offer this piece to my writing
friends of Group 2 who have seen more of my experimental writing than almost
anyone. Consequently your input will I am sure be, interesting, educational
and perhaps even entertaining. 

***

I just finished reading "Never Look at The Empty Seats a memoir" by Charlie
Daniels. When I began it I pretty much knew that I was going to have mixed
feelings. In the early 1970s, I was an ardent fan of Charlie Daniels's work.
Specifically the albums: "Fire on the Mountain," "Night Rider" and "Saddle
Tramp" all spoke to me. Also his song "Uneasy Rider" from "Honey in the
Rock" (an earlier record) conveyed the type of musical personality that I
could admire, agree with and enjoy. 

As the 1970s moved on, the expressed beliefs in his music began to change
and move toward an attitude and belief system that I could not embrace. They
very much seemed to be approaching the opposite of what they initially were.
This continued throughout his career and I quickly lost interest in his
work. 

Charlie Daniels is an amazing musician and song writer who has made his
living as an artist and performer very successfully. I do believe however
that he chose not to be true to his initial message and thus jettisoned many
members of his original fan base.

I have made my living for over 34 years as a therapist and counselor. Like
Charlie Daniels I have pursued my career with dedication and commitment.
However though I have changed and grown with experience, my underlying
philosophy remains basically the same. 

In my writing I have also tried to be consistent and true to my expressions
and beliefs. 

Thinking about this in the light of my consideration of Charlie Daniels's
memoir, caused me to attempt to define what the themes and concepts in my
writing are. I came up with the below. It should be noted that I did not set
out to intentionally explore these concerns. I have only recognized them in
my writing as it has evolved over time.  I would be interested to know if my
fellow writers of Group 2 think I have accurately defined the themes and
concepts in the work I have posted and shared collectively.
I truly welcome your honest and sincere feedback. 

Themes and concepts in my writing 

Themes

1. The sense that once things were in harmony and the universe was a place
that made sense and all living beings were connected by mutual respect and a
common understanding. Restoration of this harmony may be possible and should
be attempted and pursued at all costs.

2. Humanity stands at a fork in a road. One way leads to the maximization of
our potential and the development of vast wisdom and our creation of a
paradise on Earth. While the other branch of the fork leads to the elevation
of greed, celebrities, shallow pop culture, a 2 level society comprised of a
tiny group of incomprehensibly wealthy and the rest of humanity struggling
to just survive. Unfortunately, the choice of our species seems to be moving
strongly toward the latter branch of the fork.

3. Life for this writer and many others involves internal battles of the
mind and heart which must be fought and won to survive in an insane world
while developing creativity and living with kindness and compassion. 

4. This theme has been added approximately eight months after this piece was
written as I have just recognized its presence in my writing. It is that we
are on an arduous journey that seems endless and wears one down until it
feels like little is left. However, it is at that point when we unexpectedly
are met by a being of immense compassion and healing who is always female.
She is perhaps the goddess from Celtic Paganism or some other divine being
who heals and renews the spirit in the manner of Isis or Guanyin so that
going on in some sense is possible and desirable.

Vehicles and Concepts

Science fiction, fantasy, mysticism, journeys and quests, deep contemplation
/introspection, the importance and beauty of music and trying to understand
one's place in the universe. The endeavor to elucidate the nature of
relationships, past and present. The wisdom, grace and awareness of Animals,
aging and time, humor and the meaning of life. Social commentary, memoir,
mythology, seeking and Celtic Paganism. Reverence for "our beautiful blue
planet" and how important our role to be "good stewards" is, and how we are
not fulfilling our trust which is very disturbing to me.

jamesstarfire at gmail.com  
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