Month: February 2017

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Famous Writers

Oscar Wilde – On Being a Nonconformist

Ladies and Gentlemen, let us all welcome the saint of all the hipsters! Seriously, this is every hipster’s idol. He writes like he doesn’t belong in his time. This writer is Oscar Wilde. There has been a movie about him starring Daniel Radcliffe, so yeah, I bet this didn’t come as a surprise to our old friends, the hipster geeks.

Who is Oscar Wilde, you ask?

Oscar Wilde was an Irish playwright, novelist, essayist, and poet. After writing in different forms throughout the 1880s, he became one of London’s most popular playwrights in the early 1890s. He is remembered for his epigrams, his novel The Picture of Dorian Gray, his plays, as well as the circumstances of his imprisonment and early death.

Now, we must ponder upon some of the notable quotations of Mr. Oscar Wilde;

“Those who find ugly meanings in beautiful things are corrupt without being charming. This is a fault. Those who find beautiful meanings in beautiful things are the cultivated. For these there is hope. They are the elect to whom beautiful things mean only Beauty. There is no such thing as a moral or an immoral book. Books are well written, or badly written. That is all.”
― Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Gray

“The books that the world calls immoral are books that show the world its own shame.”
― Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Gray

“Death must be so beautiful. To lie in the soft brown earth, with the grasses waving above one’s head, and listen to silence. To have no yesterday, and no tomorrow. To forget time, to forgive life, to be at peace.”
― Oscar Wilde, The Canterville Ghost

Oscar Wilde dared to not conform to the era he belongs. If you would write a letter to anyone about anything, read some of Oscar Wilde’s works and see how it changes the way you express yourself through words and sentences. Dare to be wild like Oscar Wilde.

 

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Famous Writers

Neil Gaiman – On Imagination

Neil Gaiman is the man who defined where our dreams come from. He has written every fabric of the creative structure in which all imagination failed comparison to. This is the epitome of the gregarious search for modern fantastical, but gritty, merge of the surreal and the unreal.

Neil Gaiman is an English author of short fiction, novels, comic books, graphic novels, audio theater, and films. His notable works include the comic book series The Sandman and novels Stardust, American Gods, Coraline, and The Graveyard Book.

Here are some of the quotes that Neil Gaiman has written for all his readers;

“I’ve been making a list of the things they don’t teach you at school. They don’t teach you how to love somebody. They don’t teach you how to be famous. They don’t teach you how to be rich or how to be poor. They don’t teach you how to walk away from someone you don’t love any longer. They don’t teach you how to know what’s going on in someone else’s mind. They don’t teach you what to say to someone who’s dying. They don’t teach you anything worth knowing.”
― Neil Gaiman, The Sandman, Vol. 9: The Kindly Ones

“Everybody has a secret world inside of them. I mean everybody. All of the people in the whole world, I mean everybody — no matter how dull and boring they are on the outside. Inside them they’ve all got unimaginable, magnificent, wonderful, stupid, amazing worlds… Not just one world. Hundreds of them. Thousands, maybe.”
― Neil Gaiman, The Sandman, Vol. 5: A Game of You

“When I was a child, adults would tell me not to make things up, warning me of what would happen if I did. As far as I can tell so far, it seems to involve lots of foreign travel and not having to get up too early in the morning.”
― Neil Gaiman, Smoke and Mirrors: Short Fiction and Illusions

The first step in writing whether a book or a letter is to exercise transcription of imagination to words. Neil Gaiman proves that there is no limit to imagination and it can be a powerful catalyst for others to write and be read.

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Famous Writers

Haruki Murakami – On Being Peculiar

Haruki Murakami is known for his eccentric form of writing. It is like the eccentricity of Asian Literature combined with the flow of Western Literature. Even the topics and themes of the books he writes are unique. This is why many are intrigued with what is going on with his books and the subject he tackles.

Haruki Murakami is a Japanese writer. His books and stories have been bestsellers in Japan as well as internationally, with his work being translated into 50 languages and selling millions of copies outside his native country.

Here are some of quotations from Haruki Murakami;

“I think you still love me, but we can’t escape the fact that I’m not enough for you. I knew this was going to happen. So I’m not blaming you for falling in love with another woman. I’m not angry, either. I should be, but I’m not. I just feel pain. A lot of pain. I thought I could imagine how much this would hurt, but I was wrong.”
― Haruki Murakami, South of the Border, West of the Sun

“And once the storm is over, you won’t remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won’t even be sure, whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in. That’s what this storm’s all about.”
― Haruki Murakami

“But who can say what’s best? That’s why you need to grab whatever chance you have of happiness where you find it, and not worry about other people too much. My experience tells me that we get no more than two or three such chances in a life time, and if we let them go, we regret it for the rest of our lives.”
― Haruki Murakami, Norwegian Wood

Don’t be peculiarly poetic. In every piece of word written for anyone you love or trust or respect, prove them how unique you can be and show them that you have written for them because they, too, are special.

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Famous Writers

JD Salinger – On Living and Existing

Have you ever heard of the infamous and legendary character, Holden Caulfield? If yes is your answer, then you might be one of the many that followed the work of JD Salinger. JD Salinger tested the minds of the young with his classic novel and proved his work is timeless.

JD Salinger was an American writer who is known for his widely-read novel, The Catcher in the Rye. Following his early success publishing short stories and Catcher in the Rye, Salinger led a very private life for more than a half-century. He published his final original work in 1965 and gave his last interview in 1980.

Here are some snippets of his works;

“Among other things, you’ll find that you’re not the first person who was ever confused and frightened and even sickened by human behavior. You’re by no means alone on that score, you’ll be excited and stimulated to know. Many, many men have been just as troubled morally and spiritually as you are right now. Happily, some of them kept records of their troubles. You’ll learn from them—if you want to. Just as someday, if you have something to offer, someone will learn something from you. It’s a beautiful reciprocal arrangement. And it isn’t education. It’s history. It’s poetry.”
― J.D. Salinger, The Catcher in the Rye

“That’s the thing about girls. Every time they do something pretty, even if they’re not much to look at, or even if they’re sort of stupid, you fall in love with them, and then you never know where the hell you are. Girls. Jesus Christ. They can drive you crazy. They really can.”
― J.D. Salinger, The Catcher in the Rye

“I was trying to feel some kind of good-bye. I mean I’ve left schools and places I didn’t even know I was leaving them. I hate that. I don’t care if it’s a sad good-bye or a bad good-bye, but when I leave a place I like to know I’m leaving it. If you don’t you feel even worse.”
― J.D. Salinger, The Catcher in the Rye

Every letter has an effect on someone. The letter from his school to his parents changed his perception. It might be just a letter but it became a beacon of Holden’s immersion to the world.

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Famous Writers

Edgar Allan Poe – On The Darker Side of Poetry

Edgar Allan Poe has always been seen as the weird and dark one in the poetry department. Although he has gloomy metaphors and musky themes, Edgar Allan Poe made a mark on the world for the allegorical meaning of his poetry.

Edgar Allan Poe was an American writer, editor, and literary critic. Poe is best known for his poetry and short stories, particularly his tales of mystery and the macabre.

Here are some quotes from this notable author;

“The true genius shudders at incompleteness — imperfection — and usually prefers silence to saying the something which is not everything that should be said.”
― Edgar Allan Poe, Marginalia

“Men have called me mad; but the question is not yet settled, whether madness is or is not the loftiest intelligence– whether much that is glorious– whether all that is profound– does not spring from disease of thought– from moods of mind exalted at the expense of the general intellect.”
― Edgar Allan Poe, Complete Tales and Poems

“I have absolutely no pleasure in the stimulants in which I sometimes so madly indulge. It has not been in the pursuit of pleasure that I have periled life and reputation and reason. It has been the desperate attempt to escape from torturing memories, from a sense of insupportable loneliness and a dread of some strange impending doom.”
― Edgar Allan Poe

The theme should never be a hindrance in writing. People can call you names and say anything but the truth of the matter is – the pen is mightier than the mouths of those who cannot express through writing. The true essence of a certain piece of literature or letter comes from what the writer manifests through his organized yet jumbled thoughts that only appear on paper.

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Famous Writers

JK Rowling – On Inspiration

J.K. Rowling is a British novelist, screenwriter and film producer best known as the author of the Harry Potter fantasy series. The books have gained worldwide attention, won multiple awards, and sold more than 400 million copies.

Her success with the Harry Potter series has made a fire in the hearts of many aspiring authors. Fan-fiction books became a thing after her Harry Potter series. She is also known for her charitable works and an active voice against political issues.

Harry Potter was a novel that shows how the oppressed and discriminated fought against a force that stops the equality of wizards, witches and muggles alike.

Here are quotations from the Harry Potter series that became an inspiration to many:

“You care so much you feel as though you will bleed to death with the pain of it.”
― J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

“I’m going to keep going until I succeed — or die. Don’t think I don’t know how this might end. I’ve known it for years.”
― J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

And the most iconic…

“A breeze ruffled the neat hedges of Privet Drive, which lay silent and tidy under the inky sky, the very last place you would expect astonishing things to happen. Harry Potter rolled over inside his blankets without waking up. One small hand closed on the letter beside him and he slept on, not knowing he was special, not knowing he was famous, not knowing he would be woken in a few hours’ time by Mrs. Dursley’s scream as she opened the front door to put out the milk bottles, nor that he would spend the next few weeks being prodded and pinched by his cousin Dudley…He couldn’t know that at this very moment, people meeting in secret all over the country were holding up their glasses and saying in hushed voices: “To Harry Potter – the boy who lived!”
― J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

So if you ever need inspiration in writing a letter to anyone, never think that it wouldn’t matter cause you don’t know what effect or inspiration it can give to the recipient or the reader. Just look at how Harry’s life has changed from the moment he received his acceptance letter from Hogwarts.

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How-To Write

Zodiac Letters: How to Write To a Leo

Leo is the sign of pride and drama. Sometimes, they can overlook a thing such as a letter. Although that may seem, Leo is also a patron of the arts. They could be into your letter with just simple algorithmic-like techniques. Here are some of the tips you can follow if you want to impress a Leo in your writing.

THEY LOVE DRAMA

Of course, if they were to receive a letter, Leo would very much appreciate good content. As we’ve discovered, this is a sign of grand gestures and drama. A picture, a stamp, anything that you could add to your letter will be very much appreciated by a Leo letter recipient. Also, a good content is Leo’s weakness. Be more poetic with your style of writing. They want to see how personal it is for you that you had to make it strictly for them. You will stroke the inner lion in them and they will totally dig your letter.

REPEAT THEIR NAME OVER AND OVER AGAIN

They like the attention. If they see their name over and over again, they will feel that this letter is especially for them. If this happens, there is a very high chance that the Leo would want to communicate with you and send you letters too.

HEIGHTEN THE LETTER EXPERIENCE

Make the letter scented or put something in it that would make the Leo remind them that you remember them in small things. This could be any token of reminder, from a pressed flower to a piece of candy. Your Leo recipient would definitely like this because they will feel special with such mementos.

With a little bit of dramatic flair and attention, the Leo recipient would give you his attention too. Be patient and persevering. Even the lion can be tamed.

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How-To Write

Zodiac Letters: How to Write To a Gemini

This sign is by far the best one to send letters to. Gemini is the sign of communication. They are readers and are fine writers in their own right. They have the gist in anything conversational. Excellent debaters and are interested to the perspective of others. If you want to write to a Gemini, it is not hard but here are excellent tips to spice up a conversation with a Gemini.

THEY KNOW WHAT TO SAY

If you want to write to a Gemini, the best way to start your letter is to ask them a question. They are not feeble-minded so they would automatically have an answer if you ask the right questions. Their duality makes them converse more precise in their position or opinion. It is also good to ask them if they have anything to say about the current pressing issues and events. They sure would reply to you with a novel.

YOU HAVE TO KNOW THEM AND THEY WILL LET YOU

If you want to know a Gemini, all you have to do is ask them. They would open up to you faster than a mussel on boiling water. They are very much approachable so if you ever plan on writing to a Gemini, be straight up and casual. Don’t forget that they appreciate politeness and courtesy, so you have to keep that in mind. They are very social people and that can make it easier for them to be your pen pals of the modern age.

IF YOU NEED ADVICE, THIS IS THE TIME TO WRITE TO GEMINI

If you ever ask anyone, they have the highest number of word bank in the whole zodiac. This is because they always and can express themselves. They are not afraid to give you their two cents on anything. If you have any problem about any sort, just ask a Gemini and your Gemini will surely comment and give you an advice that they have thought about.

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How-To Write

Zodiac Letters: How to Write To a Libra

Librans are known for their peaceful nature and appreciation of beauty. They are peace loving creatures who have an involuntary flirtatious flare. They are friendly and sociable people making them one of the signs that are easy to befriend.

Here are some of the tips to help you write to a Libra:

FLIRT BUT DO IT SUBTLY

Librans love the game; they just won’t admit it to you. If you can charm them through flirtatious words, you can surely make a Libra want to talk to you even more. Of course, don’t make it too obvious cause he’ll shy away or be uncomfortable. Use the smooth talk technique, be low profile and be subtle in charming your Libra through the use of creativity of words.

BEAUTY IS THEIR WEAKNESS

Librans are attracted to something beautiful. They are not shallow but also values beauty as it shows them a certain kind of comfortable status. If you plan to write to a Libra, direct them to locations where there are fashion shows or art exhibits. Libra, although appreciates beauty, also wants to see beauty in the perception of the masses.

THEY ARE SENSITIVE INSIDE

A little sweet gesture like sending a letter to a Libran is very much appreciated. They may not show it to you but most of them like being pampered; every effort is counted if you do it for a Libran. They would be especially nice to you if they see you exerting effort to pleasure them.

Sending Librans a letter would very much stroke their heart and they will be very touched. Make sure you make it a heartfelt letter so they would detect your sincerity in each and every word that you would write for them.

 

 

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Famous Writers

David Sedaris – On the Humor of Truth

Have you ever felt like your life is an episode of a comedy series? Do you sometimes feel as if the weirdest things, not alien weird but like coincidental weird, are happening to you? Have you ever felt peculiar within your peers? If you do then you can take a writing advice from David Sedaris.

David Raymond Sedaris, also known as David Sedaris, is an American humorist, comedian, author, and radio contributor. He was publicly recognized in 1992 when National Public Radio broadcast his essay “SantaLand Diaries“. He published his first collection of essays and short stories, Barrel Fever, in 1994.

Here are some David Sedaris quotes that would surely put you at the edge of your seat, writing wise;

“When asked “What do we need to learn this for?” any high-school teacher can confidently answer that, regardless of the subject, the knowledge will come in handy once the student hits middle age and starts working crossword puzzles in order to stave off the terrible loneliness.”
― David Sedaris, Me Talk Pretty One Day

“For the first twenty years of my life, I rocked myself to sleep. It was a harmless enough hobby, but eventually, I had to give it up. Throughout the next twenty-two years I lay still and discovered that after a few minutes I could drop off with no problem. Follow seven beers with a couple of scotches and a thimble of good marijuana, and it’s funny how sleep just sort of comes on its own. Often I never even made it to the bed. I’d squat down to pet the cat and wake up on the floor eight hours later, having lost a perfectly good excuse to change my clothes. I’m now told that this is not called “going to sleep” but rather “passing out,” a phrase that carries a distinct hint of judgment.”
― David Sedaris, Me Talk Pretty One Day

“Every day we’re told that we live in the greatest country on earth. And it’s always stated as an undeniable fact: Leos are born between July 23 and August 22, fitted queen-size sheets measure sixty by eighty inches, and America is the greatest country on earth. Having grown up with this in our ears, it’s startling to realize that other countries have nationalistic slogans of their own, none of which are ‘We’re number two!”
― David Sedaris, Me Talk Pretty One Day

As a humorist, David Sedaris teaches us that paragraphs can have a whole lot of meaning than just stacking up words to create an idea. It is more of expressing one’s uniqueness. A long paragraph but leads to a point, another writing method that all of us can learn something from.