Good day, readers. Today is December 23rd, the 358th day of the year 2024, with 7 days remaining.
“Every day brings new choices.” — Martha Beck
Today in Literary History:
On this day in 1823, the poem A Visit from St. Nicholas, commonly known as ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, was first published anonymously in the Troy Sentinel. This beloved poem, attributed to Clement Clarke Moore, has become an integral part of Christmas traditions, shaping the modern image of Santa Claus and filling the holiday season with a sense of magic and wonder.
Notable Birthdays:
Harriet Monroe, born on December 23, 1860, was an American editor, poet, and founder of Poetry magazine, a publication that played a crucial role in promoting modernist poetry in the United States. Her efforts helped bring the work of poets like T.S. Eliot, and Ezra Pound to a wider audience, leaving a lasting impact on the literary world.
Today’s Readings:
From ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore: “He had a broad face and a little round belly, that shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly.”
Literary Fact of the Day:
On December 23rd, 1888, Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh famously cut off part of his ear, an incident that has since become one of the most well-known stories in art history. Van Gogh’s life, filled with passion, turmoil, and creativity, has inspired numerous works of literature exploring the connection between genius and madness.
Advice for Writers:
Martha Beck’s reminder that “every day brings new choices” encourages us to think about the decisions our characters face and how these choices shape their journeys. In your writing today, focus on the pivotal moments where your characters must make decisions—big or small—that impact their paths. How do these choices reflect their growth, struggles, or desires? Let the power of choice drive your narrative, creating stories that are dynamic and true to the complexity of life.
Wishing you a day of thoughtful writing and creative decision-making, dear readers. Until tomorrow, may your words reflect the endless possibilities that each new day—and each new choice—brings.