A Writer’s Manifesto

Every self-respecting writer has a manifesto these days, so here’s mine. Feel free to cover your mouth before laughing.

I. Beginning

1. This manifesto is not a rule book and there is nothing wrong with hypocrisy.

II. Life

1. I live. I experiment. I write.
2. I don’t need any props for this life. I can even write without pen and paper.
3. The world is big enough for us all.
4. This isn’t a game and money isn’t the score.
5. I’m not going to be a doctor, a lawyer, a businessman or an engineer. Survival isn’t enough.
6. I will push my physical and mental capabilities. “Our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate, but that we are powerful beyond measure.” Mandela.
7. I am responsible for my own experience. Nobody else knows what is good, meaningful or worthwhile for me.

III. Writing

1. A book is just a book. I’ll write hundreds of them.
2. My creation is independent of me. I just show up and put in the hours.
3. Success and popularity are independent of my creation. They are whims of fortune.
4. I’m not dependent on suddenly being ‘discovered’.
5. Publishers are only middlemen.
6. Bob Dylan can’t sing or play the guitar.

IV. The Audience

1. There is an audience. They might not be listening, but they are there.
2. I will not be afraid to engage the audience.
3. The audience will see themselves in what I write because I am human also.
4. I will inspire the audience with new ideas, perspectives and sensations.”What I began by reading, I must finish by acting.” Thoreau.
5. I will entertain the audience.

V. End

1. This too shall change.

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What do you think? Big fat self-indulgent piece of tripe? A worthwhile exercise to keep me on the straight and narrow? You ever thought about writing your own manifesto?