Ray Bradbury has always been the author that inspires me most. Not only that, but he truly writes books that have changed the way the world thinks, like Fahrenheit 451 or the Martian Chronicles. His first book, Dark Carnival was released in 1947. His most recent, Now and Forever, was released last year-a sixty year span. Sixty years!
In Zen In the Art of Writing, he captures the true joy he feels at being born a story teller. He relates a story where, as a child of about twelve, he entered a carnival tent. A mysterious magician tapped him on the shoulder with a sword of electric blue flame. "Live forever!" he roared. Ray tells us that at this very moment he new what he would do with his life. He would be a writer and live forever! He's never looked back.
If you haven't read him, you should. If you have, pick him up again. To feel the inspiration of a writer who has such excitement and love for the art of the story is a wonderful thing. May I suggest the vintage Dandelion Wine? It's a fabulous summer blend. Once you decant it, you'll find it as sweet and tangy to the palate as a life of words well lived.
On the occasion of his 80th birthday in August 2000, Bradbury said, "The great fun in my life has been getting up every morning and rushing to the typewriter because some new idea has hit me. The feeling I have every day is very much the same as it was when I was twelve. In any event, here I am, eighty years old, feeling no different, full of a great sense of joy, and glad for the long life that has been allowed me. I have good plans for the next ten or twenty years, and I hope you'll come along."
In Zen In the Art of Writing, he captures the true joy he feels at being born a story teller. He relates a story where, as a child of about twelve, he entered a carnival tent. A mysterious magician tapped him on the shoulder with a sword of electric blue flame. "Live forever!" he roared. Ray tells us that at this very moment he new what he would do with his life. He would be a writer and live forever! He's never looked back.
If you haven't read him, you should. If you have, pick him up again. To feel the inspiration of a writer who has such excitement and love for the art of the story is a wonderful thing. May I suggest the vintage Dandelion Wine? It's a fabulous summer blend. Once you decant it, you'll find it as sweet and tangy to the palate as a life of words well lived.
On the occasion of his 80th birthday in August 2000, Bradbury said, "The great fun in my life has been getting up every morning and rushing to the typewriter because some new idea has hit me. The feeling I have every day is very much the same as it was when I was twelve. In any event, here I am, eighty years old, feeling no different, full of a great sense of joy, and glad for the long life that has been allowed me. I have good plans for the next ten or twenty years, and I hope you'll come along."
You can visit Ray at http://www.raybradbury.com/ .
6 comments:
Susan--I share your passion and respect for Bradbury. Thanks for reminding us of his brilliance and endurance.
I periodically reread DANDELION WINE, which never fails to evoke strong images and emotions. It strikes as profound a chord about what makes us human as any piece I've ever found.
Nina
I wrote about Bradbury and Dandelion Wine (as well as its sequel Farewell Summer) on my blog yesterday. Bradbury is one of those writers that deserves repeated looks.
The seller of lightning rods arrived just ahead of the storm.
For me, that is one of the most compelling if not the best first line of any novel I've ever read. It's from Ray Brabury's SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES. Years ago, when I first read it, I was instantly drawn into his world of shadows and mystery, and never stopped being a fan.
I've had the pleasure and honor of not only meeting Ray Bradbury, but of being at author events with him. When you first meet him, you see this elderly, frail man in a wheelchair. But when he speaks, especially about writing, he reminds you of a redwood - strong, stately and nearly immortal.
Not too long ago, I gave my newphew a signed copy of The Martian Chronicles. He was afraid I'd been ripped off, that the autograph wasn't real. I let Tom know that I'd watched the man sign it himself. His response: "I thought Bradbury was dead."
Ray Bradbury will never die, not even when his body is all used up.
Thanks for your posts everyone. I agree, Joe, that is one of the best first lines ever. Every image he invokes in that story is amazing.
I have yet to read Farewell Summer, Paul. You've inspired me. Love your comment Nina, about Dandelion Wine and the chord it strikes. And Sue Ann--You've met him--I'm jealous!
Bradbury - another genre writer who is anything but. P.D. James is another. So is Ruth Rendell.
Post a Comment