C.M. Black

Dear God, you are right. I can write literal resumes for others, write beautiful odes to people, pet obituaries, make jerks look great...but when it comes to myself...

This, this, this! I've always struggled to explain the novel I finished ages ago in a way that makes sense. Yikes.

Its human uniqueness and ability to tell us something new, about ourselves or about the human condition. And especially if it can tell that in a way that stands out from the crowd. And trust me, there are manifold variations of this.

Angela Davis: Marxist Feminism in Action! We discuss the life work and activism of Angela Davis, an American Marxist icon and philosopher, who continues her activism into the 21st century.

For Marx Madness this year, I start the month off by writing this article on Angela Davis, one of the most famous living Marxist philosophers. Check it out here.

#philsky #philosophy

the-philosophers-shirt.com/blogs/philos...

I received my first grad school rejection. I expected it, but it doesn't hurt the ego any less. I've dreamed of academia for ages, but I suspect I will have to explore another path. I just don't know what.

You can find philosophy in the strangest places, even outside the academy. I always appreciate it when I do.

Much obliged to you for sharing this post. Others tell this better than I do, but it's so important to know this wasn't always a thing and why it IS a thing.

Race: It's a Social Construct but It Matters We discuss the history of race theory, its impact on our contemporary society, and how postcolonial and critical race theorists strive to move beyond old ideas.

For The Philosopher's Shirt, I wrote an article on the history of the theory of race. It is longer than the usual punchier fare I write for TPS, but I invite you to read it thoughtfully.

#philosophy #philsky

the-philosophers-shirt.com/blogs/philos...

I first encountered it when I was working as a library assistant. It was translated into a children's picture book. I found what was translated so compelling that I've wanted to learn more.

Cheers!

Thank you so very much!

I am too, vicariously! I would not be able to go (US here) but my eye is certainly twitching that I can't. :)

Thank you for sharing. Ubuntu is still on my list of philosophies to study, so it's nice to see it noted here.

That sounds amazing! I hope you have a splendid turnout!

Oh I had no idea! I might put that on my list. I love weird and rare books, and though I'd probably not have enough to purchase anything I'd want, just being around them would be enough.

A poem in white text on a black background, decorated with a vintage ghost and haunted house graphic: I Fear Poetry The way others fear ghosts I search for Sylvia Plath's Haunted House (looking for that empty oven) And I shiver The vibrato and the pain Beautiful words On A Page It's a wordier murder Poe's beating heart Oh wait...That wasn't a poem.

An older poem. I used to write a lot of poetry but fell out of the habit because of bad times. #poetry #writing

There is no instance in which condescension is necessary.

If someone acts condescending toward you, consider this a mental health issue on their part, and nothing to do with you.

You can correct someone without being condescending. Wrongness does not mean you get to treat them as less than human.

It seemed to pointless after that, in grad school a few years back. I am glad I didn't listen to him.

And thank you very much for your kind words. Fuck them all!!!!!!

I sincerely appreciate that. It's weird that writing has been tied up in my identity since I was a kid, but I never pursued it professionally until fairly recently.

I took a class about publishing under a NYT author, who chose to use the entire class to tell us how we were failures.

She started out as a researcher of Victoriana, if I remember correctly, and had pieces published in some respectable places. Romance isn't my genre, but I like her novels because the detail is exquisite and accurate.

Throw in 20th century undergarments and I just throw the book across the room.

At 40, I've written eccentric content for a philosophy t-shirt company for over a year, have been published in an academic journal, two anthologies, and have started submitting to conferences and anthologies outside of my comfort zone.

Am I terrified? Yes. But I know that there is no time limit.

I practically begged to write, for free, for little pay, etc., etc. I was told by people I respected that I would get nothing from writing professionally, that I am nothing.

It's a sad world that relies on demeaning others to show how great a writer you are. Is that greatness or bullying?

It is odd coming into professional #writing at the age of 40. I've secretly practiced writing and academically studied it for years. I let so many fears hold me back from submitting pieces. The voices of others telling me it would be pointless, that I will never be good enough. My own anxieties.

Oh my gosh, me too. I can't tell you how many times I was on the verge of tears and went into a bookstore to "fix" it. I'd love to have my own bookstore one day. That would be the coolest thing.

But books are more than just reading. They are liiiiiiiifeeeee!

As someone who struggles with bipolar stress spending, the library is a way to feed that same urge, but not have to worry about consequences, unless you end up turning them in late. And you can also access books outside of your price range. I feel it's a win win for adjacent stuff.

Oh my gosh, I feel that because I totally went through that phase. I will always try to buy books when I meet authors, though. I love me a signed book!

I like the library because you can "book binge" and not feel bad at all, because they won't stay and you won't pay.

In addition, those who will appreciate your genre best will appreciate that you did do the research. There is a historical romance novel writer who literally wrote articles on 19th century garments, beauty practices, etc. Your audience will care and know. No matter what the genre.

In addition, I don't let that stop me from trying new things. I borrow books from the library so I can read them without fear of having spent too much money (unless I get fines!). And books that I don't need after reading I just sell in my Pango store.

I'm a book fiend, but had to downsize.

Personally, I try to keep what I will return to and what displays well. I purchase books I will use as reference for things I write about (philosophy, goth, etc.). If they have an aesthetic quality, even better.

I had the gothiest of weekends. Atlanta is apparently known for having a pretty darned decent goth scene. (Who knew?) Danced to music I appreciate on Friday and then volunteered at the Days of the Dead con today. I peopled far too much for my own good. I will retreat to my coffin.

It really does. Famously, Anne Lamott says you have to sit with your inner demons a while before getting into the depths of writing. I chew on what I am going to write sometimes for days before I actually set my fingers to the keys.