Here’s another list. In no particular order, of sources of inspiration outside of the realm of magic. Books, books, books. Of course a list of this nature could go on forever, but instead I’ll just choose five more recent ones off the top of my head. Keourac says “first thought, best thought,” and in this case I agree.
On the Road: Jack Keourac
A deep source of inspiration for me ever since I read it. I’ve been called the Beatnik magician by some people. Not particularly for my scripting style, but I think more so for my traveling habits. Though all things must evolve, especially self. I once heard he wrote the entire book in 2 days. He locked himself in a room with a typewriter and didn’t come out until it was done. True or not, it would explain the feel of the book and of his style. He also wrote other great books Desolation Angels, Dharma Bums, and The Subterraneans. One of those guys who has directly inspired some of my work and continues to do so.
Complete Works: Baudelaire
I’m a fiend for some good poetry. If you’ve been reading this little thing of mine you’ll have noticed some of the influence from this cat. His stylizations are interesting and I’ve adopted some of them. My copy was given to me by a friend in New Orleans. Also I’ve noticed, looking at his work that he tends to favor certain structures. He often plays with the same structure slightly altering it to get a different effect. Overall, just an aesthetic type of joy to read.
Picture of Dorian Gray: Oscar Wilde
This one makes me sound basic, I know. But classics are classics and sometimes there’s a reason. His witticisms and play with words is what makes it. Conceptually interesting, morally void. Sometimes that’s a good thing. Chekhov often tells a story without emotion. He leaves you to decide whether what happened was good or bad or whatever, without inflicting himself upon you. So as with the previous it’s an aesthetic choice. Because after all, who can teach you morals? Who is fit to teach you Ethics?
Ethics: Baruch de Spinoza
The answer to my previous question. (Too on the nose?) Ethics is perhaps the greatest philosophical work ever written. Addressing every truly pertinent question. A man once excommunicated for his beliefs. Genius is a word I don’t like, but here it is fitting. Einstein was once asked “Do you believe in God?” His answer: “I believe in Spinoza’s God.” Well put. Spinoza redefined man’s position in the universe, who/what God is, and so much more. No joke, a life-changing book. I first came across it from a biography about him and his relationship with Leibniz (the co-creator of calculus, often known as one of the smartest men to ever live) titled The Courtier and the Heretic. Also highly recommended.
Complete Works: Anton Chekhov
I mentioned him before, it wouldn’t be right to leave him off of the list. One of my all time favorite writers. Chekhov taught me a lot; masterful construction, economical attitude, and especially how to dance on a page. Too often writers write “purple”. A jargon writers term I learned 2 days ago. But they want to dance on the page and end up writing vomit-inducing work. It’s “purple prose”. Chekhov can dance with grace. “Glowed like burning coals”. Some will recognize the above quote from Bob Dylan’s Tangled Up in Blue. But if you read Chekhov you’ll see where it comes from. He’s been an inspiration to most great writers and his work speaks for itself.
Side note:
Apologies for my absence. I’ve been working on big things. And this blog will start dropping weekly starting now. At least weekly. I thank all for the support.
I took a peek at my subscribers recently and I must say some very cool people are on here. Also some of the greatest magicians in the world are reading what I put out. I thank you all. It is because of this balance, some magi, some not magi (who I’m sure don’t care to read only magi things) that I try to vary my output. The three categories can be seen in the subtitle. For the Magi, Story from the Road, and Something Different.
Also I had some analysts run the data. It is a scientific fact that the people who read this are 65% more intelligent and beautiful than the rest of the population. Just thought I’d share.
Much Love,
James
Nice article. I especially like your reflection on Chekhov. I have to register one disagreement: Oscar Wilde wasn't morally void. The Picture of Dorian Gray is highly moralistic. Don't let Wilde's wit fool you.
I have nothing to declare but my own retardation.