Good day, readers. Today is December 30th, the 365th day of the year 2024, with 1 day remaining.
“There is a wide, yawning black infinity. In every direction, the extension is endless; the sensation of depth is overwhelming. And the darkness is immortal. Where light exists, it is pure, blazing, fierce; but light exists almost nowhere, and the blackness itself is also pure and blazing and fierce.” — Carl Sagan
Today in Literary History:
On this day in 1922, Russian poet Anna Akhmatova completed her poem Requiem, a powerful work reflecting the immense suffering of the Russian people during Stalin’s purges. Akhmatova’s vivid portrayal of grief and despair in the face of overwhelming darkness remains one of the most poignant and haunting works of Russian literature.
Notable Birthdays:
Rudyard Kipling, born on December 30, 1865, was a British author and poet best known for his works of fiction, including The Jungle Book and Kim. Kipling’s stories, often set against the backdrop of British colonial India, are filled with adventure, morality, and the complexities of the human experience.
Today’s Readings:
From The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling: “For the strength of the Pack is the Wolf, and the strength of the Wolf is the Pack.”
Literary Fact of the Day:
On December 30th, 1916, the Russian mystic and holy man Grigori Rasputin was assassinated. Rasputin’s mysterious life and controversial influence over the Russian imperial family have inspired numerous works of fiction and nonfiction, exploring themes of power, mysticism, and the darkness lurking behind the veil of history.
Advice for Writers:
Carl Sagan’s evocative words remind us of the vastness and mystery of the universe, and the stark contrast between light and darkness. In your writing today, explore these themes—how do your characters navigate the darkness in their lives, and where do they find the light? What does the darkness reveal about them, and how does the light challenge or change them? Let this cosmic perspective guide your narrative, adding depth and intensity to your story.
Wishing you a day of profound writing and inspired creativity, dear readers. Until tomorrow, may your words blaze with the intensity of light in the endless darkness, illuminating the vast landscapes of your imagination.