WhateverWorks

Let’s begin with why I chose “WhateverWorks” as the title of this blog.

I liked the open-endedness it suggests. “Works” is another name for written pieces, different types of writing, such as novels, poetry, short stories, ad copy, song lyrics. Of course I’ll be interested in some works more than others. I’m less attracted to fantasy and experimental writing than say, to detective stories, stories with a cross-cultural theme, or anything that is really funny.

Now that last statement could be a blog post in itself! People find different things funny. Maybe I’d post diverse examples of humor, to provoke a discussion of them and of humor in general.

Do I have biases I should post up front? Few that I’m aware of. Oh yes, one for sure. I hope for a blogging community that does not wallow in narrow disputes and certainly not in hate. I’d rather see a lively discussion of what could work. Ideas more than complaints, support more than negative criticism, openness more than shuttering. But I’m after more than a floating pink cloud. Helpful criticism and friendly dispute are welcome sparks to keep the conversational fires alive.

Who’s at the center of WhateverWorks? My hope is that whoever joins in feels central. Perhaps the true center will be a sense of collectivity we form together.

Okay, but who is the guy who hosts and who, to some extent, controls the flow? That’s me, Charles, the guy who never escaped being a generalist. Yes, I studied history and international relations and taught those subjects. Yes, I had several university and government jobs. But I also played music, read a lot, and later wrote novels and poetry. I like to read and converse in other languages. Some of my interests are semi-permanent, replaceable; and there’s always space for more.

Join me in browsing through books, poems and personal experiences – yours and mine – so we can converse about whatever works.

Until the next post, then. In the meantime, you can find my books Hard Cache, Hidden Impact, and  Dire Salvation and others at Click here.

You can also find poems at Click here , some of which I will bring into future blog posts.

Catch up with you again soon, I hope!

Charles