Category Archives: Writing

Randomness Follows

Posted on February 2, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

This wild-looking mechanical contraption is a typewriter. It was designed in 1867 and then patented in 1870. For the time, the Malling Hansen Writing Ball was a technological marvel and years ahead of its time. The unique functionality of this … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Books, Tech, Uncategorized, Writing | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

My AI Tale

Posted on January 28, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

To say that I am ambivalent about the rush to use AI in the arts would be an understatement. In many instances it seems more like an automated plagiarism machine than cutting edge technology. However, I was game to give … Continue reading →

Posted in apps, Books, ebooks, Tech, Writing | Tagged , , , | 9 Comments

“what I said was that writing makes everything clearer and worse.”

Posted on January 27, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

“Not His Best” by Joy Williams from 99 Stories of God Franz Kafka once called his writing a form of prayer. He also reprimanded the long-suffering Felice Bauer in a letter: “I did not say that writing ought to make everything … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Books, Europe, Writing | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Stephen King Rules

Posted on January 26, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

Stephen King is widely considered to be royalty when it comes to popular fiction writing. In recent years, he has also become a voice for political sanity in the U.S., as well. So when King shares writing tips, we all … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, USA, Writing | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Around the world in just 72 days, 6 hours, 11 minutes, and 14 seconds

Posted on January 25, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

On this day in 1890, New York City police cleared a path through a cheering throng for reporter Nellie Bly as she stepped off a train just 72 days, 6 hours, 11 minutes, and 14 seconds after setting sail east … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Europe, History, Public Transport, Tourism, Travel Writing, USA, Writing | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

And so much satisfaction when a train goes by.

Posted on January 24, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

Living at the End of Time –Robert Bly There is so much sweetness in children’s voices, And so much discontent at the end of day, And so much satisfaction when a train goes by. I don’t know why the rooster … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, USA, Writing | Tagged | Leave a comment

Who reads what where

Posted on January 23, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

I’m a sucker for a clever infographic, especially if it pertains to books or reading. The graphic above shows which reading genres are most popular in 36 countries around the world. To collect the data, the folks at Study In … Continue reading →

Posted in Africa, Asia, Books, ebooks, Europe, USA, Writing | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Edgar Allan Poe Philadelphia Travel Guide

Posted on January 19, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

              Morning on the Wissahiccon                                                  by Edgar Allan Poe The … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Travel Writing, USA, Writing | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Winter mornings are made of steel

Posted on January 18, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

Winter mornings are made of steel; they have a metallic taste and sharp edges. On a Wednesday in January, at seven in the morning, it’s plain to see that the world was not made for Man, and definitely not for … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Writing | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

The Promised Land

Posted on January 16, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

 

Posted in Art, Books, History, USA, Writing | Tagged , , | Leave a comment