Writing As An Art Form

Writing As An Art Form

As far as this writer is concerned, writing as an art form is second only to musical
composition, and there is simply no accounting for taste. Some, for instance, will enjoy reading my poetry; some not-so-much, while others will prefer my prose or perhaps even dislike my work altogether. I hope the latter is seldom the case, however, the patron is entitled to his/her preferences. As both artist and patron (anyone who has ever purchased a novel, painting, theater and/or concert tickets is a patron of the arts), I like to think I have discerning taste and that I can distinguish between earnest effort and actual ability. Talent cannot be forced or faked, it is a gift from God bestowed at conception which enables one to perform, with comparative ease, a task others must labor to accomplish. I believe all are born with at least one such gift. The following is an excerpt from my preface:

"The controversy that may result from a review on an artistic endeavor is decided by
the art lovers who constitute a majority, thus establishing popular consensus--which occasionally overrules the verdict of a noteworthy authority. It is the patron, then, who is the final arbiter on the quality and value of art; who pronounces the life or death sentence, as it were, on real or imagined talent."

I dropped out of school two weeks into the ninth grade (suffice it to say that I was
compelled to and that the decision was not entirely mine); I nevertheless managed
to obtain my High School Diploma, via a GED test. The Publisher offered to assign
me an editor but I declined, so I urge the reader to allow for my academic handicap
and, in addition to my errant punctuation, pardon any grammatical errors that might
exist. Clint Eastwood once said, "A man's gotta know his limitations." In response I
revert to my preface:

". . . in brief, I do not profess to be other than a minor talent (my ardor exceeds my
ability) . . . ."

It would probably be safe to assume that most writers, irrespective of educational
background, are likewise limited and that this imbalance is the rule rather than the
exception. If only I were as capable as I am passionate . . . but, sadly, that is not
the case and I therefore choose to rest on my laurels. Yet my work is not quite
finished, for I plan to enhance the aesthetic appeal of my collection by adding a
Foreword.

If I decide to write again it will be in another genre, poetry is too time-consuming
and sells poorly--one would be hard put to make a living at it, although sales have
apparently increased in the last few years.  In any case, poetry should only be
written for the joy and catharsis it brings, with no other expectation than that it may, when shared, be appreciated and perhaps even admired.

If you have a degree in English and you are interested in writing the foreword to my
collection then please query for further details at my e-mail address.  My Publisher
is amenable to the project. This is an opportunity to add a major publishing credit to your resume and further your career (or begin one) while honing your skills, and, who knows, you might discover an untapped wellspring of talent deep within yourself!

Mel
[e-mail]