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Finding My Groove

At some point I convinced myself
I could write poetry,
Considering poetry books on my shelf
Why would the world need more?
So, I tried my hand at short stories,
What could be easier?
Then the fountain ran dry!
The next step, naturally, writing novels
After seven with lots of rejections
I had no more heart to try.
Now, I have discovered it’s a compulsion
To put words down on the page
And what else is to be discovered?
What writing is now all the rage! 

Written July 8, 2022

Copyright © L Milton Hankins | Year Posted 2022

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Marco Chies Date: 7/12/2022 12:33:00 PM Every person who writes feels a kind of unspeakable anguish and perhaps that is exactly why he writes. I think you should post the novels on some site, I think it's not your right to keep what your brain has produced in a drawer. FIRST, BECAUSE THERE IS ALL THE INTRINSIC VALUE IN THESE TEXTS, AT THE WORST CASE. THEN BECAUSE IT WOULD BE UNFAIR TO PEOPLE WHO REALLY LIKE YOU AND THE WAY YOU WRITE. Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 7/12/2022 1:01:00 PM Thank you for your encouragement, Marco. I wrote them probably forty years ago now. They'd need extensive up-dating and re-writing because the times have changed so much in that time. I'll leave it to my heirs! But, I do thank you.

Caren Krutsinger Date: 7/11/2022 9:01:00 PM " it’s a compulsion To put words down on the page" It sure is. 7 novels! You know you can upload them and publish them yourself for free on www.lulu.com right Hank? Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 7/12/2022 7:45:00 AM I never thought of that, Caren. I'll look into it.

Michael Tor Date: 7/10/2022 10:33:00 PM Seven Novels quite an achievement Milton. Who rejected them and why? Many times Milton it is who you know. Not taking anything away form your writing talent. They could have been great writes but maybe they werent advertised enough, maybe the publisher was biased, maybe they werent sexual enough because they say sex sells and I know you wouldnt compromise your talent for what sells. So many factors go into this rejection you speak of. Don't let anyone stop your dream Milton! (continue) Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 7/11/2022 9:47:00 AM At my age, I simply don't have the energy to pursue writing novels any longer. They were good stories, and they were good therapy for me. I learned so much from writing those manuscripts, and I've tried to apply much of what I learned in other writing I do. I appreciate your kind and affirmative response, Michael. Thanks! Michael Tor Date: 7/10/2022 10:40:00 PM Remember this saying my friend. " It is better to try and fail, then it is to fail to try." and I applaud how you have gotten up seven times in the ring and getting up before the count. You have tried seven times. No one knows how many times it will take but one thing is for sure if you dont try, it wont take. Don't give up Milton, follow your dream and get to the root of why this is happening, seek advice, learn from writers who have also been rejected and then triumphed. Your smart enough to figure it out...

Jim Slaughter Date: 7/9/2022 10:21:00 AM I think your writing is quite "groovy", L M. I really dig it! Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 7/9/2022 12:03:00 PM Thank you, Jim. I really appreciate that.

Paulette Calasibetta Date: 7/9/2022 6:43:00 AM You write with your heart and soul; your words reflecting depth of spirit and an insight with a universal message. I think you found your groove! :)Paulette P.S. I am enjoying your short stories! Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 7/9/2022 9:47:00 AM Thank you so much, Paulette. I'm so happy you are enjoying my short stories. Perhaps you'll leave me a review?

Shirley Hawkins Date: 7/8/2022 5:22:00 PM I think words that are put on paper to make the reader think and feel with more emotion (as in poetry) can be therapy for both the poet and the reader. Your Poetry does this and more, Milt. Informative, compassionate, amusing and clever. Your compulsion to write has and will give pleasure to many. Take care. Shirley Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 7/8/2022 5:27:00 PM Shirley, your comments on my poems are always so positive and uplifting. I appreciate you so much!

Robert Gorelick Date: 7/8/2022 10:37:00 AM Keep it up, posthumously you may wind up the next Herman Melville! Robert Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 7/8/2022 1:52:00 PM Hmmm...posthumously doesn't appeal to me at all, Robert. Thanks for the tip!