Today is the day on which we remember the birth of William Styron, the award-winning American author of such works as The Confessions of Nat Turner, Sophie’s Choice and Lie Down in Darkness.
Among so many things, he has said:
A great book should leave you with many experiences, and slightly exhausted. You should live several lives while reading it.
I get a fine warm feeling when I’m doing well, but that pleasure is pretty much negated by the pain of getting started each day. Let’s face it, writing is hell.
The good writing of any age has always been the product of someone’s neurosis.
Reading – the best state yet to keep absolute loneliness at bay.
And so we came forth, and once again beheld the stars.
Today is also the day we remember the birthday of Richard Strauss, who once said:
Which shouldn’t be confused with all the cussing coming from the orchestra having to play this piece. Don Juan is (or was) almost a sure bet to be on the audition list for every major orchestra on the planet.
A quite a few of the minor ones, as well…
Happy (*rackum* *frackum* *mumble* *grumble*) birthday, Richard…
And you, too, Bill.
Styron image found here.
Strauss image found here.
