Why write?

Especially now

Writing is tough. I rarely enjoy it. Sometimes it hurts. So why write? Especially in the face of the world as it is. Yet here I am, out of frame, out of order, trying to write anyway. Fishing in my stream of consciousness, such as it is.

This allows me to connect things which may seem like they don’t connect, while stepping outside of infinite boxes, committing strange juxtapositions, and not knowing in advance what’s around the next corner, or comma, or what may land perhaps in the next paragraph.

Sometimes this takes a story that doesn't belong and throws in another story that doesn't belong plus a character that doesn't belong with another character that doesn't belong in strange intersections I somewhat like.

You know the “no makeup” look often favored by models and stars? It looks like it took no time at all to do nothing at all — but actually took lots of time to do a lot so it would look “natural.” In fact, it tends to take more time to “create” a look that looks like it took no time at all. No stylists, no gurus, no airbrushing.

My writing is a bit like that. It combines the writer — me — and versions of a character. Sort of like paper dolls or Barbies I played with as a child. But instead of “seeing” the characters in perfect Barbie couture, I imagine them in strange attire that doesn’t match while carrying multiple tote bags that also don’t match. They never know what's in them and neither do you.

I’m not just a fish out of water, but a fish out of water in my own mind on my own stack. Plus an odd bird, an outside observer, a time-traveling antique from a pre-digital land. Off-kilter, quirky, yet down to earth.

Which more or less brings us to the topic of health. Have you noticed that 71-year-old orange-brown RFK Jr, the married guy now in charge of health was exchanging nude photos with a former reporter during the months she was profiling him.

Her personal — very personal — profiling included nude shots of RFK Jr. in the shower. She was fired and disgraced and 31. He is still married and is now the czar of wellness working for Musk and an orange man. I haven’t answered why write, but will try to do so soon. In the meantime, here’s a pic.

wooden angel with paint