Good day, readers. Today is April 28th, the 118th day of the year 2024, with 248 days remaining.
“Books are the mirrors of the soul.”
Virginia Woolf
Today in Literary History:
On this day in 1789, the famous mutiny on the Bounty occurred. This dramatic real-life event aboard a British ship has inspired numerous literary works and adaptations, exploring themes of authority, rebellion, and survival in extreme conditions.
Notable Birthdays:
- Harper Lee (April 28, 1926-February 19, 2016), one of America’s most cherished novelists, was born on this day in Monroeville, Alabama. Her novel To Kill a Mockingbird is a profound narrative on racial injustice and moral growth, and remains a fundamental part of literature discussions worldwide.
- Terry Pratchett (April 28, 1948-March 12, 2015), a beloved English author of fantasy novels, particularly famous for his satirical and witty Discworld series, was also born today. His books blend humor with sharp observations on human nature and societal norms, offering both entertainment and insight.
Today’s Readings:
From To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee: “Until I feared I would lose it, I never loved to read. One does not love breathing.”
Literary Fact of the Day:
On April 28, 1926, the first edition of Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne was published. This charming collection of stories about a boy named Christopher Robin and his teddy bear has become a cornerstone of children’s literature, celebrated for its gentle humor and philosophical depth.
Reflection:
As we near the close of April, a month filled with literary and historical milestones, we are reminded of the enduring power of stories. Whether recounting the adventures on a distant sea or the struggles within a small town in Alabama, these narratives help us understand the broader human experience and our own place within it.
Poem of the Day:
“Morning at the Window” by T.S. Eliot:
They are rattling breakfast plates in basement kitchens,
And along the trampled edges of the street
I am aware of the damp souls of housemaids
Sprouting despondently at area gates.
Advice for Writers:
Taking a leaf from Terry Pratchett’s book, infuse your narratives with humor and wisdom. Remember, a well-timed joke can be as revealing of character and society as any earnest exploration. Embrace the full spectrum of human emotion in your writing, and allow your unique voice to shine through.
Have a reflective and joyous day, dear readers. Until tomorrow, may you find new stories to explore and old favorites to revisit.
I appreciated your advice to writers. I’m trying to remember to work with joy and not to make it “hard work.” Often a well-timed joke is impactful, and memorable, compared with pages of earnest, serious text. Bring on the full-spectrum of emotions!
Writing my most recent book was genuinely a labor of love, marked by an extensive range of emotions throughout the process.
I think I may be posting a lot more photography this year.
Thank you for your wonderful comment, Caroline!