Good day, readers. Today is October 31st, the 305th day of the year 2024, with 61 days remaining.
All that we see or seem is but a dream within a dream.
Edgar Allan Poe
Today in Literary History:
On this day in 1926, the legendary escape artist and magician Harry Houdini died in Detroit, Michigan. Known for his incredible escape acts and illusions, Houdini’s life and career have been the subject of numerous books, exploring his impact on the world of magic and entertainment.
Notable Birthdays:
John Keats, born on October 31, 1795, was an English Romantic poet whose work has been celebrated for its vivid imagery and emotional depth. His notable poems include “Ode to a Nightingale” and “To Autumn,” which continue to influence and inspire readers and writers.
Today’s Readings:
From “Ode to a Nightingale” by John Keats: “Thou wast not born for death, immortal Bird! No hungry generations tread thee down; The voice I hear this passing night was heard In ancient days by emperor and clown.”
Literary Fact of the Day:
On October 31st, 1985, the first issue of “The Sandman” by Neil Gaiman was published by DC Comics. This groundbreaking series has since become a classic in the graphic novel genre, blending mythology, history, and horror in a unique narrative style.
Advice for Writers:
Edgar Allan Poe’s quote reminds us of the illusory nature of reality and the power of the imagination. In your writing, explore themes of perception and dreamlike states, creating narratives that challenge readers to question the boundaries between reality and illusion.
Wishing you a day of imaginative writing and inspired creativity, dear readers. Until tomorrow, may your literary endeavors be as hauntingly beautiful and thought-provoking as the dreams you weave into your stories.
Houdini was born in 1874, twenty-six years before the turn of the century and died twenty-six years after. It’s a coincidence that there are fifty-two cards in a standard deck. He also once performed his shackled water escape in the Charles River near Harvard. He took off his coat revealing blue swim trunks. When Harvard students cried out that he should wear their school’s crimson he stripped off the trunks and dove in with only a large padlock covering Little Houdini.
Wow, I had no idea! Thanks for your comment!