“We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospect.”
–Anaïs Nin
Writing can be cathartic, through expression and introspection. For some of us, writing is even better than meditation.
To get into my writing space, I read some Haruki Murakami, and let the subconscious go wild.
If you’re into it, try 750words.com.
If you’re really into it, shoot a movie
The more I create, the deeper my appreciation for others’ art. A virtuous cycle.
If you want a happy ending, that depends, of course, on where you stop your story.
— Orson Welles
Our first stories were probably grunts, like “bear that way!”
As time passed, we moved from practical to mythic. And just why do our dreams seem to match the ancient myths? Joseph Campbell pondered the question as he witnessed storytelling transform from the written word to the screen.
Today, we are obsessed with screens and video. When the story is right, we can have profound experiences sitting in front of a liquid crystal display.
For me, it’s the movies. In 1999, I walked into a matinee show of The Matrix just weeks before it was out of theatres. There were only a handful of people in the place. I sat center-middle. I was changed. For three days, I delighted in the contemplation of a simulated universe.
How and why can stories affect us so powerfully? Jung’s theories are fascinating — you may have heard of archetypes. His work also informed Campbell’s work, so the pair is great to read in parallel.
Things I Make
I enjoy creating radio plays, short skits and short films.
- I write and shoot skits with Almost Trying Super Hard
- I shoot personal videos at Seeneilv.com
- And some client work with Insightful Productions
almost trying super hard mixtape from Insightful Productions on Vimeo.
Some Recommendations
Rushmore
The Squid and the Whale
Dazed and Confused
The Big Lebowski
Captain Fantastic
Annie Hall
Rashomon
Back to the Future
The Wrestler
The Breakfast Club
The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness
Neon Genesis Evangelion
Love
The Wind-up Bird Chronicles
Ready, Player One