Good day, readers. Today is January 28th, the 28th day of the year 2024, with 338 days remaining.
Creativity is a wild mind and a disciplined eye.
Dorothy Parker
Today in Literary History:
On this day in 1813, Jane Austen’s novel Pride and Prejudice was published, marking a significant moment in English literature. This beloved novel combines romance with social commentary, critiquing the British landed gentry of the early 19th century while engaging readers with its sharp wit and vivid characters.
Notable Birthdays:
Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette known mononymously as Colette (January 28, 1873 – August 3, 1954), a pioneering French novelist known for her novel Gigi, which was later adapted into a popular film and stage productions. Colette’s work often explored themes of gender, sexuality, and identity, pushing societal boundaries with her frank and nuanced portrayal of romantic relationships.
Today’s Readings:
From Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen: “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.”
Literary Fact of the Day:
On January 28, 1938, the first edition of the comic book Superman was published. This marked a major milestone in popular culture and the birth of a new genre in literature—superhero fiction, which would go on to dominate 20th-century comics, film, and television.
Poem of the Day:
“Miracle Ice Cream” by Adrianne Rich:
Miracle’s truck comes down the little avenue,
Scott Joplin ragtime strewn behind it like pearls,
and, yes, you can feel happy
with one piece of your heart.
Take what’s still given: in a room’s rich shadow
a woman’s breasts swinging lightly as she bends.
Early now the pearl of dusk dissolves.
Late, you sit weighing the evening news,
fast-food miracles, ghostly revolutions,
the rest of your heart.
This reflective poem explores themes of fleeting happiness and the contrasts between mundane daily life and the deeper, sometimes melancholic reflections of personal experiences.
Advice for Writers:
Inspired by Jane Austen’s use of dialogue and character development, focus on how you can enhance your own characters through their interactions and the societal settings they navigate. Rich, believable dialogue can bring characters to life and advance the plot in subtle but impactful ways.
Have a thought-provoking and creative day, dear readers. Until tomorrow, may your explorations in writing deepen your understanding of the human condition.