Comments on: the quiet life of a writer yak yak yak

By: Keith Combs

Keith Combs — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 08:47:30 +0000

WARNING: Texas is going to seduce you if you don’t watch out. Looks like the west Texas voodoo is working a spell. There’s magic all over the state. Right now through the end of May is my favorite time of the year. Spring rocks.
When are you going to dump the urban knit hat an go felt or straw? Straw season is coming and if you’ve worked in west Texas, you know what I mean. Until then, go get yerself a Resistol felt like the one I’m wearing in http://keithcombs.members.winisp.net/images/keith_combs.jpg and blend with the locals. Who knows, some cowgirl may come sit on your lap. )

By: Catherine

Catherine — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 00:14:44 +0000

Hello you! Delighted to see and hear you so happy!!
Take care, C

By: Glenn Miller

Glenn Miller — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 00:18:32 +0000

Today id expect younger crowds to replace booze with weed… While both destroy your brain cells, booze also affects your liver.. but i digress.
All in all sounds lovely to be able to do what you are doing.. But would you still be able to do so without the Internet, as a means to keep in touch with the World?
And don’t you miss your friends whenever you go about you travels?
Take care
Your partner in crime
Glenn

By: Crawford

Crawford — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 23:03:25 +0000

Serenity it where you find it, Hugh.
Sounds like you have.
Enjoy.

By: Michael Beymer

Michael Beymer — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 03:07:49 +0000

Hemingway only spent 9 of his 61 years in Key West. In a particularly gruesome suicide, he rested the gun butt of the double-barreled shotgun on the floor of a hallway in his home, leaned over it to put the twin muzzles to his forehead just above the eyes, and pulled both triggers. If it's any consolation to you, he bought the shotgun at Abercrombie and Fitch. That's what I call marketing. Greene, also did not spend the majority of his writing life in Antibes. Both were avid travelers, both suffered from depression, what we now call bi-polarism. Since you show no particular skill in writing, I can't help wondering if it's their penchant for drink and susceptibility to depression that you relate to. And I always liked hearing the true-life stories about the authors who penned them. Lots of people like to write and lots of people like to drink, but that doesn't make them good at either. Don't make me get out the red pencil or bull.

By: Michael Beymer

Michael Beymer — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 03:03:13 +0000

By: robert john ed

robert john ed — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 23:10:54 +0000

Sounds about right Hugh. I think writers naturally yearn for that simplicity that allows one to express more freely. The problem is that the job isn’t readily available to most people. Something I coined the the simplicity complex, we want to be able to not worry about anything and so we worry our lives away to get to the end destination…
Perhaps the answer was in the question all along.
Hemingway was king of simplicity. Beautiful, unadulterated simplicity.

By: Pat

Pat — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 09:52:52 +0000

Creativity fuel = booze. Dreadful news to those hoping for inspiration from their new Mac. Great pics of the lone star state. Enjoy your peace!

By: communicatrix

communicatrix — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 08:05:44 +0000

Eight shades of green with envy. But I don’t begrudge you single quiet moment–you’ve earned it, friend.
Stay off the hooch. We need your ornery, old ass around as long as possible.

By: vinny warren

vinny warren — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 05:18:49 +0000

sounds idyllic. i envy you your freedom.

By: Steve

Steve — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 05:08:35 +0000

That’s great! Few people get the chance to retire to the country and write. Have a Shiner Bock on me.

By: Alice Bachini-Smith

Alice Bachini-Smith — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 02:43:36 +0000

The part I’m wondering about is how Hemingway and Greene managed to get all that women, children, friends money and fame, in their little quiet places.
Nice work if you can get it, I’m sure!

By: Connie Reece

Connie Reece — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 01:35:47 +0000

I’m happy for you, Hugh. Glad to hear you’re enjoying the quiet life as a writer, and Alpine seems like the perfect place for you right now. Sorry I didn’t get to meet you while you were here in Austin. Come back soon — when you need a break from writing and solitude.

By: beth

beth — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 01:29:33 +0000

I have friends that beg me to move to the “big” city, because they feel I’d have more opportunity. I always turn them down, “All that opportunity is just a distraction.” Speaking of distractions I think that the rest of the day will be spent soaking in the sun marinading in beer. ahhhh spring

By: Anthony

Anthony — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 01:18:57 +0000

Is this the good end of the ‘sex and cash’ theory?
I grew up in the country, always wanting to break out into the big city, glamorous life. Looking back (not too far, mind you) I realize the quiet life isn’t so bad. Especially if you write.
However, I know the experiences I’m gaining away from the quiet, humble writing life will fill up my well once I get back to it. I may only write three pages every morning, but I know those three pages are just super-charged, and the rest of my day the same.
I hope your experience in the madding crowd fuels you now… good luck!