Good day, readers. Today is July 3rd, the 185th day of the year 2024, with 181 days remaining.
Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.
Winston Churchill
Today in Literary History:
On this day in 1961, Ernest Hemingway, one of the greatest American novelists, passed away. Known for his terse prose and profound themes, Hemingway’s works, such as The Old Man and the Sea and A Farewell to Arms, continue to influence writers and captivate readers worldwide.
Notable Birthdays:
Hermann Hesse, born on July 2, 1877, was a German-Swiss poet, novelist, and painter. He is best known for his novels Steppenwolf, Siddhartha, and The Glass Bead Game, which explore themes of self-discovery and spirituality, earning him the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1946.
Today’s Readings:
From The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway: “But man is not made for defeat. A man can be destroyed but not defeated.”
Literary Fact of the Day:
On July 2nd, 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act into law, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. This landmark legislation has inspired countless works of literature, highlighting the struggle for equality and justice in America.
Advice for Writers:
Inspired by Winston Churchill’s quote, think about how perseverance and courage can be central themes in your writing. Explore characters who face challenges and setbacks but find the strength to continue, revealing their depth and resilience.
Wishing you a day of insightful reading and courageous writing, dear readers. Until tomorrow, may your literary endeavors be as steadfast and inspiring as the words you create.
I love Hemingway’s work. We visited his house in Key West and I took inspiration from his Underwood, bought one for myself that sits above my writing desk. Also saw the 6 toed cats but you’re not allowed to pet them, which was a real struggle!
Thank you for your comment, Suzanne. One of the most memorable moments of my senior year in high school was sitting before the original manuscript of Mark Twain’s Tom Sawyer. Though I wasn’t permitted to touch it, the experience was profound, despite Twain’s notoriously poor handwriting.
Additionally, I apologize for the duplicate comment on your blog post this morning; Jetpack had one of its usual glitches. 🙁