Good day, readers. Today is October 16th, the 290th day of the year 2024, with 76 days remaining.
My eyes still see colors, I still feel the wind and the rain, and believe in things unseen. I still see and appreciate the art of everyday life. Yet faced with my seemingly overwhelming success, I was not looking for fame and fortune, nor adorers to show up in hoards; my dream was simply for someone to listen to the stories I tell. Now that I have come to the realization that I belong, I now need to belong somewhere I feel free.
Thomas Slatin
Today in Literary History:
On this day in 1854, Oscar Wilde, the famous Irish poet and playwright, was born. Wilde’s works, including “The Picture of Dorian Gray” and “The Importance of Being Earnest,” are celebrated for their wit, satire, and exploration of societal norms.
Notable Birthdays:
Eugene O’Neill, born on October 16, 1888, was an American playwright and Nobel laureate in literature. O’Neill’s plays, such as “Long Day’s Journey Into Night” and “The Iceman Cometh,” are renowned for their deep psychological insights and powerful drama.
Today’s Readings:
From “The Picture of Dorian Gray” by Oscar Wilde: “The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it. Resist it, and your soul grows sick with longing for the things it has forbidden to itself.”
Literary Fact of the Day:
On October 16th, 1793, Marie Antoinette, the last Queen of France before the French Revolution, was executed. Her life and death have been the subject of numerous historical and literary works, exploring themes of power, revolution, and tragedy.
Advice for Writers:
Thomas Slatin’s quote speaks to the desire for genuine connection and the search for a place of belonging. In your writing, delve into the themes of authenticity, the appreciation of everyday beauty, and the quest for freedom and acceptance, crafting stories that resonate with the human experience.
Wishing you a day of authentic writing and inspired creativity, dear readers. Until tomorrow, may your literary endeavors be as freeing and heartfelt as the stories you long to share.
