Thursday, October 31, 2013

Day 298 of the 365 Days of Blogging

The author/publisher,
Dane F. Baylis

HAPPY ALL HALLOWED'S EVENING!

 
 
 
 
 
Real quick and to the point tonight. Having taken a good look in the mirror this morning  I couldn't think of a damned thing any scarier, so I'm going out as myself tonight. Actually, the Editor-in-Wife and I are heading to the Walt Disney Concert Hall in downtown Los Angeles to see the original silent movie version of "THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA". They play it accompanied by one of the most incredible modern pipe organs in existence! A bite on the way and we have an evening in the offing. So, to any who read this in places where the holiday is observed, have a fun and safe time of it. I'll catch up with you tomorrow.
 
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Remember to live, love, write.
 
 
Want to follow or subscribe to this blog? There are gadgets for that on the right side of the
page. You can leave comments in the form below. I can be reached directly at dbaylis805@gmail.com . You can also find links to some of the sites I visit from time to time on the right. I'm also looking for submissions to the Your Work/Your Love page. Authors retain all rights.
 
Tomorrow,
 
Dane F. Baylis
Author/Publisher.

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Day 297 of the 365 Days of Blogging

The author/publisher,
Dane F. Baylis

WHAT PRESSURE?

OR

WHAT'S ALL THIS BEEN, THE MUSINGS OF SOME DILETTANTE?

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Occasionally, someone will say something like, "So, you write, too. Isn't that burning the candle at both ends?" Actually, no, it's more like applying a blow torch right to the middle of the candle.
 
Take, for instance, last night's e-mail shocker. I'm attending a writer's conference this weekend. No big deal, right? Just take along a notebook, sit in the audience, and take notes. Unless the organizers of the event wait until four days out to inform you that there is homework to be done prior to the first day's festivities. Oh sure, bring your notebook and pen, or whatever it is you intend to use to record all the gems you'll hear. Oh, and by the way, also make sure you have a copy of two books that you have to order from Amazon and hope they arrive on time.
 
Also, bring along a copy of the NY Times Book Review, or any NYT Book Review Best Seller list. Then, if you would, bring along the first five pages of your current work in progress with five different one line descriptors for that work. Oh, and a one paragraph description, as well.
 
Four days out! Hey, this is my first EVER conference, so to say the whole last minute laundry list came as a bit of a shock would be an understatement! I've ordered the books and hopefully Amazon wasn't bullshitting when they gave a delivery date just two days later. We'll see about that one. The rest I've pulled together, despite being under the weather at the moment. Include in this my job, preparing for a poetry reading, upcoming release of my own chapbook, on-going projects in prose/poetry/commentary (uh, this blog), and my studies, and things get to feel just a little tight around the shorts!
 
So goes the writing life. I've been at it long enough to have dealt with deadlines and last minute changes in all kinds of situations. Does the last minute thing, even if it involved a change in presenters, make it more palatable? Baby, even Mary Poppins', "Spoon Full Of Sugar", wouldn't help with this one.
 
The next time you're contemplating the joy of writing, don't forget to take into consideration that the only part of it you control is just that - the writing! Every ancillary project, process, or prospective involvement is a distraction or just damned more work. That's the reality - one person's fantasy is the next guy's job. But I wouldn't trade it. Well, maybe for a winning Power Ball ticket!
 
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Meanwhile...live, love, write.
 
 


Want to follow or subscribe to this blog? There are gadgets for that on the right side of the
page. You can leave comments in the form below. I can be reached directly at dbaylis805@gmail.com
 
Tomorrow,
 
Dane F. Baylis
Author/Publisher.


Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Day 296 of the 365 Days of Blogging

he author/publisher,
Dane F. Baylis

HOW BUSY CAN IT GET?

OR

DAY BY DAY THINGS GET BETTER.

(A LITTLE STRANGER, BUT BETTER.)
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About nine and a half months ago, I started this blog with no real idea of what I was supposed to do. I was following some vague advice about developing a writer's platform. What exactly that was seemed to be a toss up, depending on who you asked. Never being one to be held back by a lack of knowledge, information, or guidance, I dove right in.
 
For a guy who started with little more than an e-mail account, boy, how things have changed! Today I have two e-mail accounts, this blog, a Facebook account, and a Twitter account. I have learned a good bit of arcane etiquette, including how to link to other people's pages, such as the first video of me reading one of my pieces that was posted to You Tube by Phil Taggart.
 
In the outside world, I have begun attending readings all over Southern California and signing up for every open mic available. I am getting ready for an appearance as a featured reader. This will be accompanied by the release of my first poetry chapbook, ever. I have joined and actively participate in the Ventura County Writer's Club, one of the oldest, continuous running clubs of its kind in the U.S. This weekend I'm attending my first, honest to god, WRITER'S CONFERENCE through that organization.
 
I have accepted an invitation to be an alternate host for a local poetry venue run by the above mentioned Phil Taggart of Askew Poetry Journal. I have started my own publishing imprint, Dane F. Baylis Publications, and have already had inquiries from other artists and writers about possible submissions. I have a concept for a second chapbook and am thinking in terms of a series to culminate in an actual book.
 
All of this because I took an honest look at the landscape and, instead of being intimidated by the barriers and difficulties I saw, simply chose what seemed to be the path of least resistance. So what if it tends to meander a bit. That's okay, not always knowing of the difficulties ahead, I mostly don't know what I'm not supposed to know and, consequently, can't scare myself out of the next step! This odd bit of reasoning allows me to take in the scenery and to better realize an old Buddhist teaching that, frequently, the summit is what we set out for, but the paths that crisscross the mountain are the true destination.
 
Do I have millions of visitors to my pages? Am I raking in a ton of money? Have I been able to leave my day-job behind? No. But I have made new friends and acquaintances, and reconnected with old ones. I have re-enforced something I learned a long time ago. I am the key to my dreams and it's not up to someone else to accomplish them. I have found that, if I truly follow my passion, there are innumerable individuals willing to help. Some will spread the word, some will help me find the way, and some will just be there at the right moments.
 
The Chinese Taoist philosopher and sage,Lao Tzu said, "The journey of ten thousand leagues begins with the ground you stand on." So where are you standing and what's your journey?
 
If you've been on this one with me for a while, thanks. If you're just discovering this page, stick around, it looks like it's going to get pretty interesting. If you are on your own course and need advice or encouragement, don't mind the gruff tone, I have rarely bitten anyone. (Well, the occasional sweet thing. But then only tenderly on the tenderest parts)....Just a little digression, and maybe a hint or two, from your Uncle Dane.
 
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Meanwhile...live, love, write.
 
Want to follow or subscribe to this blog? There are gadgets for that on the right side of the
page. You can leave comments in the form below. I can be reached directly at dbaylis805@gmail.com . You can also find links to some of the sites I visit from time to time on the right. I'm also looking for submissions to the Your Work/Your Love page. Authors retain all rights.
 
Tomorrow,
 
Dane F. Baylis
Author/Publisher.
 


Monday, October 28, 2013

Day 295 of the 365 Days of Blogging

The author/publisher,
Dane F. Baylis

SOMETIMES IT MAKES YOU WONDER.

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No, I don't have one of my witty, "OR", lines today. Mostly because I'm dwelling on an invitation I received by email. I turned it down because it was for Sunday and my entire weekend is tied up at a local writer's conference. But I probably would have said "no", anyway.
 
It involved taking part in something that just didn't really make sense to me. The intent, as I understood it, was to gather a group of writers in a hangout (the Google+speak for a chat). While in this hangout, we weren't to speak to each other with sound, but were to write to one another. The thought being, "That's what writers do". This was supposed to be a time when we would encourage one another to write.
 
Okay, let's stop right there. I understand that there are some, mostly novices, who need guidance and encouragement to find their way in a very competitive field. However, I'm a writer, I know because I spend a large part of my time writing. I don't need anybody cheering me on to get that done. Mostly I have people telling me to get away from the computer and go outside! I pretty much don't know how not to "write". When I'm not at this keyboard, I'm making my way through the world armed with as many as four notebooks, a sketchbook, a camera, and a damned IPhone. All of this is an extension of, and preparation for, writing.
 
I have pre-written this blog at times and posted it by phone while on the road. I have started my own publishing imprint so I could turn out chapbooks for myself and, hopefully, other poets and writers. I avidly pursue other writers, publishers, editors, artists so I can see, hear, read their work and hopefully share some of mine with them
 
I have a history as a writer that goes back almost four decades. In all that time, I didn't need somebody to encourage me to write, although I frequently endured being told to do it better. And there's the rub for me. Do I care if you get discouraged and fade away? Honestly, no, I don't. That's just the natural culling of the herd. You can either keep up or the wolves will get you. The one great caveat to that is the real dangerous scavengers of soul, inspiration, and drive are not external. They're your own doubts. Look, you either get that under control or you're hoist by your own petard. (Look it up.)
 
Yes, we all get discouraged, or busy, or distracted, or just damned lazy. It's not up to the rest of the writing world to take your hand and tell you to keep going. That has to come from inside. If it isn't a part of your make-up to believe you have something worthwhile to say, maybe you don't. I'd much rather deal with the kid who shows up at the readings and doesn't say a word the first two, or three, or half-a-thousand times, but eventually grows some and stands up at the mic. I love the ones that manage to get that piece published that is incredibly flawed, but has a gem at its core and continue to try just because they have to.
 
You want encouragement? Call home. Talk to your boy/girlfriend. Lay a healthy tip on your neighborhood bartender. You want to talk about the art and craft? Come look me up.
 
Just a helpful hint from your Uncle Dane.
 
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Meanwhile...Get on with it! Live, love, write!
 
Want to follow or subscribe to this blog? There are gadgets for that on the right side of the
page. You can leave comments in the form below. I can be reached directly at dbaylis805@gmail.com . You can also find links to some of the sites I visit from time to time on the right. I'm also looking for submissions to the Your Work/Your Love page. Authors retain all rights.
 
Tomorrow,
 
Dane F. Baylis
Author/Publisher.

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Day 294 of the 365 Days of Blogging

The author/publisher,
Dane F. Baylis

DO I LOOK THAT OLD?

THE ADVANTAGE OF A AAA PERSONALITY AND A MANIC ENERGY LEVEL.

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Twice in the last couple of weeks people have pointed out that it must be nice to have the time to write. I asked them what they meant and they explained that it must be nice being retired and having the time I needed. Retired? When I informed them I still had a forty hour plus job, things suddenly got quiet.
 
Do I actually look that old? I guess, at least to the other end of the damned food chain. But even so, I was a little put out. The old guy's pride got into it. I've been at this a while. It isn't something I picked up in my golden years as a hobby to fill all the empty hours. The longer I thought about that...Son-of-a-bitch, I've painted, written, worked at photography both as a trade and as an art! Jesus H. Christ on a crutch, where do they get these ideas?
 
I had to give this some thought and investigation. Like I said, there's a good deal of pride in it. Yes, I am officially in my seventh decade. (Don't spring a brain cell on that. It means I'm in my sixties...Not my seventies.) I'm closing in on the magic goal of retiring with the resources to spend full days in front of a keyboard or on the road to readings, or whatever else works for me artistically, without having to worry about when I can grab a few Z's. But it hasn't happened yet.
 
Then, as is so often the case, someone else provided the answer. It's not just my appearance, but that, combined with my output, that makes the younger bunch think I have all the time in the world at my disposal. It's the simple reality of my iron clad work ethic that escapes them. It's a granite hard discipline achieved in endeavors totally unrelated to the artistic side, but transferred over because - Well, because it just makes f***ing sense to me.
 
I set goals. I make demands of myself. I do not believe in "good enough". I do believe that the harder you live, the greater your access to the emotions and ideas that you need to create, fluently and with regularity. The deeper you love, the more you suffer loss, the greater your triumphs (over yourself or the world around you), the broader your artistic vocabulary.
 
This is the focal point in my existence and the fulcrum I use to get up off my poor, tired, OLD ass and write, draw, paint, compose, photograph...Whatever is the intent and focus of my desire at the moment. Hell, I keep adding to the list of projects that critically need my undivided attention because I understand what limited time is about. Think on that if you're on the other end of the scale. While you're thinking, DO SOMETHING. Quit waiting for the inspiration. It will find you faster if it thinks you're honestly trying to court it instead of sitting in a bar waiting. 
 
No, I have NOT retired! When I do, I would suggest you get your track shoes on, because that's when the real race will start, Baby! That's when I will honestly have the kind of time I have dreamt of. Anyone want to go a round or two?
 
Maybe I should invest in a hair transplant? What do you think?
 
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Meanwhile...live, love, write, a lot. You need to catch up to the old fart!
 
Want to follow or subscribe to this blog? There are gadgets for that on the right side of the
page. You can leave comments in the form below. I can be reached directly at dbaylis805@gmail.com . You can also find links to some of the sites I visit from time to time on the right. I'm also looking for submissions to the Your Work/Your Love page. Authors retain all rights.
 
Tomorrow,
 
Dane F. Baylis
Author/Publisher.
 
 

Saturday, October 26, 2013

Day 293 0f the 365 Days of Blogging

The author/publisher,
Dane F. Baylis

FROM THE MUNDANE TO THE PHILOSOPHICAL

OR

HOW MY MIND WORKS IN A DYSFUNCTIONAL WORLD

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If I haven't mentioned already, I am releasing a chapbook, SELF INFLICTED, under my own imprint, Dane F. Baylis Publications, on the 7th of November. It is going public on the same night I will be the featured reader at the Topping Room in the E.P. Foster Library in Ventura, CA. That's a Thursday evening and the reading starts at about 7:30 PM and is followed by an open mic. So, if you're scanning this because of some Internet search you just made, and are in the Ventura, CA vicinity on that night, drop by!
 
Next, I have a poem coming out in ASKEW #15 in a couple of weeks. The piece is entitled, SYNCOPATION, and is a bit of jazz referenced, semi-erotica. Many thanks to Phil, Marsha, and Friday for the chance. There is a reading and release reception/party scheduled for Beyond Baroque Literary/Arts Center in Venice, CA on the 7th of December at 4 PM. (Yeah, I know, Pearl Harbor Day. What can you say? It's poetry, you have to sneak it up on the masses.)
 
Those are the concrete developments at the moment. In the interim I have just finished LUNCH MONEY v.8, even though v.7 is still out there. I'm working on the third re-write of a bit of in your face, urban-grit erotica that hasn't gone out the door yet that has, IMHO, real potential. The tentative title for this one is, THE VOICE ACROSS THE ALLEY. In addition to all that, I have submissions out to fifteen other venues with varying reply dates of anywhere from the first week of November to April of next year. I don't believe in waiting around a lot.
 
What else does an author/publisher do with his time? Well, I'm already toying with the idea for another chapbook. This one will be comprised completely of erotica. Why not? I produce a good deal of it and it has had a "warm" reception across gender and age ranges, so it seems a natural progression to put it between the covers (Come on, loosen up. It was a pun!) of my imprint's next release.
 
My reading list is immense and varied. At the moment I'm back in Charles Bukowski's, WAR ALL THE TIME, POEMS 1981-1984. New titles are Albert Camus', NOTEBOOKS 1942-1951, and a wonderful anthology of short fiction, THE MAD SCIENTIST'S GUIDE TO WORLD DOMINATION for entertainment. For self-education, I'm in the middle three other how-to's. Yes, I'm reading all of this concurrently. No, I have no idea how I keep them compartmentalized in my mind, I have always read this way. It just works for me.
 
I recently opened a Twitter account. If you're interested at all, I can be reached there at @dbaylis805. Pardon my clumsiness, I have never done a thing with Twitter so my learning curve is a bit steep. I can also be found on Facebook and am reachable through either this page, (see below), or via e-mail, (also below).
 
I'm still soliciting advice on the use of PayPal for on-line sales of chapbooks and the like. Haven't heard diddly from anyone so far. Worse goes to awful, I'll figure it out, but I would really appreciate anything you might forward on the matter.
 
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Meanwhile...live, love, write. Oh, why are you just sitting there spinning the mouse-wheel? The first step to being a writer is sit up straight and type. The rest comes after a bit.
 

Want to follow or subscribe to this blog? There are gadgets for that on the right side of the
page. You can leave comments in the form below. I can be reached directly at dbaylis805@gmail.com . You can also find links to some of the sites I visit from time to time on the right. I'm also looking for submissions to the Your Work/Your Love page. Authors retain all rights.
 
Tomorrow,
 
Dane F. Baylis
Author/Publisher