Good day, readers. Today is January 13th, the 13th day of the year 2024, with 353 days remaining.
Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.
Desmond Tutu
Today in Literary History:
On this day in 1941, James Joyce, one of the most influential writers of the 20th century, passed away. Known for his complex narratives and pioneering techniques in works such as Ulysses and Finnegans Wake, Joyce’s exploration of the stream of consciousness deeply shaped modernist literature.
Notable Birthdays:
Horatio Alger (January 13, 1832 – July 18, 1899), an American writer known for his “rags-to-riches” stories during the Gilded Age, was born on this day. His novels, such as Ragged Dick, emphasized the themes of hard work and perseverance leading to success, resonating with the American dream.
Today’s Readings:
From Ulysses by James Joyce: “A man of genius makes no mistakes. His errors are volitional and are the portals of discovery.”
Literary Fact of the Day:
On January 13, 1128, Pope Honorius II granted a papal sanction to the Knights Templar, declaring it to be an army of God. This historical event has inspired numerous fictional accounts and historical analyses, exploring the mysteries and legends surrounding the Templars.
Poem of the Day:
“The Peace of Wild Things” by Wendell Berry
When despair for the world grows in me
and I wake in the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
I come into the peace of wild things
who do not tax their lives with forethought
of grief. I come into the presence of still water.
And I feel above me the day-blind stars
waiting with their light. For a time
I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.
This contemplative poem by Wendell Berry speaks to finding solace and liberation in the natural world, reflecting on the tranquility and effortless existence of wild creatures as a contrast to human anxieties and fears.
Advice for Writers:
Inspired by James Joyce’s complex narrative structures, consider how you can challenge conventional storytelling techniques in your own writing. Experiment with different narrative voices, nonlinear plots, or intricate character developments to create a unique and engaging reading experience.
Have a resilient and hopeful day, dear readers. Until tomorrow, may your literary endeavors illuminate the darker corners of human experience and offer new insights into the complexity of life.