Category: Authors

Kenji Miyazawa was a Japanese author, poet, and farmer who passed away in 1933. His works, even after his death, continue to inspire and motivate many. Most of his writings revolve around the idea of living a mindful, simple, and fulfilling life. Miyazawa’s teachings and philosophy are still relevant and can be applied to our lives today. In this post, we’ll explore the ideas and principles that Miyazawa believed in and how we can learn from them to lead a better life.

Find joy in nature – One of Miyazawa’s primary beliefs was that nature can heal us and keep us grounded. He often wrote about agriculture and nature in his works, emphasizing how farming is not only about growing crops but also about nurturing the earth. Today, with urbanization, many of us have lost touch with nature. Miyazawa’s writings can help us find joy in little things in nature like trees, flowers, and animals.

The power of empathy – Empathy was another crucial aspect of Miyazawa’s philosophy. He believed in understanding how others feel and using that understanding to help them. He often wrote about kindness and caring for others. Miyazawa’s work can teach us to be more empathetic and compassionate towards others, helping us build strong relationships.

Life is full of contradictions – Miyazawa often wrote about the contradictions of life and how they contribute to its beauty. He believed that accepting these contradictions is crucial for us to live a fulfilling life. Life is never perfect, but by accepting its imperfections, we can learn to appreciate it more. This perspective can teach us to focus on the good in life instead of obsessing over the bad.

Constant self-improvement – Miyazawa believed in constantly improving oneself, physically, and mentally. In one of his works, he wrote, “Nurture one’s own being and never let it go to waste.” Miyazawa’s works can inspire us to examine ourselves, find our weaknesses, and work on improving them. We all have room to grow, and even small steps can lead to significant progress.

Live in the moment – Miyazawa often emphasized the value of mindfulness and being present in the now. He believed that living in the moment was the key to a fulfilling life. Life is fleeting, and we shouldn’t waste it by dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. By appreciating the present, we can find joy and satisfaction in life.

Kenji Miyazawa may have been gone for almost a century, but his ideas and teachings are still relevant and can be applied to our lives today. In his work, he encourages us to live more mindfully, find joy in nature, be empathetic, accept life’s contradictions, continuously improve ourselves, and live in the moment. By following his teachings, we can find a more fulfilling and satisfying life. So, let’s take inspiration from Miyazawa and work towards leading happier, healthier lives.

Are you interested in creating your own literary masterpiece but feel stuck or unsure of how to get started? Author Hilary Mantel might just be the inspiration and mentor you need to awaken your inner writer. Mantel, a two-time winner of the prestigious Man Booker Prize, has a captivating writing style and a wealth of experience in the field of literary arts. In this blog post, we will delve into her life and works and explore how her journey can inspire and guide you in your writing quest.

Hilary Mantel was born in Derbyshire, England, in 1952. Her early life was not easy as she suffered from a debilitating illness that kept her bedridden for most of her childhood. Instead of allowing this setback to limit her, she spent most of her formative years immersing herself in books and writing. This early start allowed Mantel to develop a disciplined writing routine which paved the way for her successful literary career. So, if you are serious about writing, start by reading widely and developing as much discipline as you can.

Mantel’s writing style is characterized by strong character development, vivid imagery, and unparalleled attention to detail. Her most famous work, the ‘Wolf Hall’ trilogy, chronicles the rise of Thomas Cromwell, an advisor to King Henry VIII during the 16th century. Her works masterfully blend history and fiction, creating rich and rounded characters that feel completely alive and relatable. Her attention to detail is reflected in her use of language, which is precise, unadorned, and full of depth and meaning. This style of writing encourages the reader to engage more deeply with their inner selves, and to mine for deeper meanings beyond what appears merely on the surface.

Another aspect of Hilary Mantel’s writing that sets her apart is her meticulous research. To create the vivid and detailed worlds she is known for, Mantel immerses herself in the minutia of historical records, artifacts, and customs. Her research extends to her own personal experiences as well. Mantel has been affected by disabling illness like her protagonist in ‘Ralph and Ensri’, and the lessons learned in that experience taught her to apply what she learned to her writing. She has also lived in Africa, an experience that enriched her understanding of human nature and society, ultimately making her a better writer.

So how do you unleash your inner writer using Hilary Mantel’s life and works as a guide? The key is to start with yourself. Use your experiences, whether good or bad, to inform your writing. Draw on what you have internalized about human nature and society. Embrace your passions and interests, and channel them into your writing, whether it is fiction or nonfiction. Discipline yourself to write every day, however, much you can spare, and whatever comes to mind.

Hilary Mantel’s story is a reminder that we all have the potential to write and create works that touch people’s hearts and minds. To reach that potential, we have to be brave enough to pursue our passions and push past our fears, limitations, and setbacks. We hope this blog post inspired you to start your writing journey, and that the insights gleaned from Mantel’s life and works, will help you unleash your inner writer and create works that resonate with and inspire others.

When it comes to self-help and inspiration, one of the most important things is to find role models who share similar experiences and challenges. For LGBTQ people seeking words of encouragement and wisdom, perhaps no author is more beloved and relatable than Armistead Maupin. His iconic Tales of the City books, which follow a diverse cast of queer and straight characters living in San Francisco, have been praised for their warmth, humor, and honesty – and have inspired countless readers around the world. But beyond his literary achievements, Maupin’s life story and principles can offer valuable lessons for anyone seeking to live more fully, love more bravely, and embrace their unique identity.

Embracing Change and Growth: Maupin began his career writing straightforward news stories but soon realized that he wanted to explore more complex human experiences and emotions. He took a leap of faith and started writing about his own life, including his struggle to come out as a gay man in the conservative South. By embracing vulnerability and authenticity, he created a body of work that resonates with millions of readers. In our own lives, it can be difficult to take risks and pursue our passions, especially when it means facing rejection or uncertainty. Maupin’s example reminds us that growth and fulfillment often come from stepping outside our comfort zones and staying true to ourselves.

Celebrating Community and Connection: One of the most cherished aspects of the Tales of the City series is its portrayal of vibrant, diverse communities of artists, activists, and misfits who find meaning and strength in each other. Maupin himself has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ rights and social justice, using his platform to fight against discrimination and hate. He also acknowledges the power of personal relationships in his own life, including his long-term partnership with photographer Christopher Turner. For anyone seeking to build a sense of belonging and purpose, Maupin’s example shows the importance of seeking out supportive, loving relationships – both within our own communities and beyond.

Learning from Adversity and Pain: As a writer and a person, Maupin has faced his share of challenges and setbacks. In addition to navigating the prejudices of his upbringing, he has also dealt with addiction and other personal struggles. However, rather than letting these experiences define him, he has used them as fuel for his creativity and empathy. He has written openly about his own healing journey and has spoken out about the need for compassion and understanding for those who struggle with addiction and mental illness. In our own lives, we can learn from Maupin’s resilience and courage in the face of adversity. By reframing our struggles as opportunities for growth and using them to deepen our empathy for others, we can create beauty and meaning out of even the darkest moments.

Honoring Our Past and Our Legacy: Throughout his career, Maupin has paid tribute to the LGBTQ pioneers who paved the way for his own freedoms and successes. He has honored the likes of Harvey Milk and other trailblazers who fought for equality and dignity and has used his platform to uplift marginalized voices. As he approaches his own senior years, he also reflects on the lessons he has learned and the legacy he hopes to leave. For anyone seeking to live a life of purpose and impact, Maupin reminds us to honor those who have come before us and to use our own talents and resources to create a better world for future generations.

Armistead Maupin may be a celebrated author and beloved LGBTQ icon, but his example holds valuable insights and inspiration for anyone seeking to navigate life’s challenges, find their identity and purpose, and create meaningful connections and contributions to the world. From embracing authenticity and vulnerability to celebrating diversity and community to using our struggles as opportunities for growth and empathy, to honoring our past and shaping our legacy – Maupin’s principles continue to resonate and inspire. Whether through his timeless Tales of the City books or his own personal journey, we can all learn from his wisdom and values. So let’s celebrate Armistead Maupin – and celebrate ourselves, as we continue along our own unique paths.

Self-help literature is now a booming niche in bookstores and online retailers. It caters to people’s desire to better themselves and their lives. But did you know that the self-help genre has been around for a long time? One of the earliest practitioners, and perhaps one of the most interesting, is George Meredith – a Victorian-era novelist, poet, and essayist. In this blog post, we’ll explore how George Meredith became the self-help guru of his time, and how his teachings can still be applied in our modern world.

George Meredith started his literary career in the mid-nineteenth century, a time when Victorian society was experiencing rapid changes. The Industrial Revolution was transforming the country, but it was also creating new social problems. Many people were struggling to cope with the changes, and this gave rise to a new interest in self-improvement. Meredith recognized this need and began incorporating advice on how to live a fulfilling life into his novels and essays.

One of the most famous examples of his self-help philosophy can be found in his novel, The Egoist. The central character, Sir Willoughby Patterne, is a wealthy and successful man, but he is also selfish and egotistical. Through the course of the novel, Sir Willoughby receives a series of wake-up calls that force him to reexamine his life and become a better person. Meredith’s message is clear – true happiness can only be achieved by living a life that is good and just.

Another example of Meredith’s self-help philosophy can be found in his essay, “On the Idea of Comedy and the Uses of the Comic Spirit.” In this essay, Meredith argues that comedy has a therapeutic effect on the human psyche. By laughing at our own mistakes and shortcomings, we can learn to accept them and move on. This is an important lesson for anyone who wants to live a happier life – by embracing our flaws, we can become more resilient and better able to deal with life’s challenges.

Meredith also emphasized the importance of living in the present moment. In his poetry, he often wrote about the beauty of nature and the joy of living in the now. He believed that people should not be obsessed with either the past or the future, but rather should be fully present in the moment. This is still relevant advice today, as many people struggle with anxiety and stress caused by worrying too much about what has already happened or what might happen in the future.

In addition to his literary works, Meredith also wrote a series of essays specifically on self-improvement. These essays covered a range of topics, from the importance of physical exercise to the need for humility. These essays were widely read during Meredith’s lifetime, and they continue to offer valuable advice to this day.

George Meredith was one of the first writers to recognize the importance of self-improvement in the Victorian era. His message of living a good and just life, embracing our flaws, and living in the present moment is still relevant today. His works offer practical advice and inspiration for anyone who wants to live a better life. A true self-help guru of his time, George Meredith’s legacy continues to live on.

Paule Marshall is a name that might not ring a bell for most people, but her contributions to literature and African-American culture are noteworthy. She was a prolific writer, a teacher, and an advocate of black writers, particularly women. Her life and work offer a wealth of inspiration for those seeking to grow as writers, as well as anyone looking for guidance on how to navigate the challenges of identity and belonging. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at Paule Marshall’s life and work, and explore some lessons we can learn from her example.

Paule Marshall was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1929, to parents who were immigrants from Barbados. Her upbringing in a multilingual, multicultural household inspired much of her writing, which often explored themes of hybridity, diaspora, and the intersection of race and culture. Marshall’s work includes novels, essays, and memoirs, which have earned her numerous accolades, such as the John Dos Passos Prize for Literature and the Anisfield-Wolf Book Award. One of her most famous works is “Brown Girl, Brownstones,” a semi-autobiographical novel that follows the life of a young black girl growing up in a West Indian immigrant community in Brooklyn. The book has been praised for its vivid portrayal of the complexities of race and identity and its relatable depiction of family relationships and community dynamics.

Marshall’s work is not only notable for its literary merit, but also for its advocacy of black writers and intellectual culture. Throughout her career, Marshall worked tirelessly to promote the work of fellow black writers, particularly women. She co-founded the Feminist Press at City University of New York and served as a board member of the Authors Guild, where she advocated for the rights of writers and promoted diversity in the literary world. Marshall’s example reminds us of the importance of community and solidarity in advancing our craft and causes.

One of the most powerful lessons we can learn from Paule Marshall’s life and work is the power of voice. Marshall’s writing was characterized by a strong and distinctive voice that was rooted in her own experiences and identity. She never shied away from difficult topics or challenging the status quo but rather used her voice to shed light on important issues and perspectives that were often overlooked. As writers, we can learn from Marshall’s example by embracing our own voices and experiences and using them to create work that is authentic and memorable.

Another inspiring aspect of Marshall’s career was her persistence and perseverance in the face of obstacles and rejections. Marshall’s writing career spanned several decades and faced numerous setbacks and rejections, yet she never gave up on her passion or her vision. She persisted in honing her craft and seeking out opportunities to publish and share her work, even in the face of institutional and systemic barriers. Marshall’s example reminds us of the importance of resilience and tenacity in the face of rejection and adversity and the value of pursuing our passions regardless of external factors.

Paule Marshall’s life and work offer a wealth of inspiration and guidance for writers and anyone seeking to navigate the challenges of identity and belonging. Her exploration of themes such as hybridity, diaspora, and race and culture intersection offers an insightful perspective on the human experience, while her advocacy and promotion of black writers and intellectual culture remind us of the power of community and solidarity. We can learn from Marshall’s example by embracing our own voices and experiences, persisting in the face of obstacles, and pursuing our passions relentlessly. In doing so, we honor Marshall’s legacy and contribute to a more diverse and vibrant literary landscape.

Erica Jong was an American novelist, poet, and essayist who captured the hearts of many with her fearless attitude in writing about female sexuality and feminism. However, only a few people know that her writings also incorporate spiritual themes. Not only does her literature depict an empowering perspective of female sexuality, but they also offer a new outlook on spiritual enlightenment so readers can draw inspiration from it. In this blog post, we will delve deeper into Erica Jong’s spiritual musings and see how her literary works can spark a positive shift in your life.

Erica Jong’s spiritual journey began in her forties when she went through a divorce. Her search for healing led her to explore spiritual traditions such as Buddhism and Kabbalah, which eventually influenced her writing. Her book “Inventing Memory” explicitly conveys her spiritual journey and how she incorporates meditative exercises in her daily life. Her other works, such as “Fear of Flying” and “Seducing the Demon,” have hidden spiritual gems that can help readers find a connection to their inner selves. Her writing style is conversational and relatable, making her books an inviting read for anyone looking for inspiration.

One of the most prominent spiritual themes of Jong’s work is self-love. She believes that true spiritual enlightenment begins from within, with one’s self-worth and self-love. In her book “Fear of Flying,” the protagonist, Isadora, embarked on a journey of self-discovery, where she learned to accept and love herself unconditionally. Jong’s writing style emphasizes the importance of self-love and affirms that aspiring to live a life true to oneself begins with learning to love oneself, which paves a path toward growth and spiritual transformation.

Another notable spiritual lesson in Erica Jong’s works is how embracing our sexuality can lead to spiritual growth. Jong writes in a way that celebrates female sexuality, as she believes that embracing our sexual desires is a gateway to spiritual awakening. Her book “Fear of Fifty” offers a new perspective on female sexuality in midlife, emphasizing how embracing our sexual desires can help us lead a fulfilling life. Jong’s stance on sexuality also highlights the importance of being in tune with our bodies and the connection we have with the divine feminine.

Erica Jong’s spiritual writings offer an amalgamation of Eastern and Western spirituality, cultivating a unique perspective on spiritual practices. Her experiences with meditation, mindfulness, and breathing exercises led her to create numerous meditative exercises in her books to help readers reach a state of harmony and inner peace. Her book “Inventing Memory” is a collection of meditative exercises that combines poetry, prose, and spiritual practices, which may help readers connect with their inner selves and feel a sense of spiritual awakening.

In conclusion, Erica Jong’s literary works provide a refreshing perspective on spirituality, sprinkled with feminist themes and a focus on female sexuality. Her books offer readers a chance to experience a spiritual awakening and understand that true spiritual enlightenment can be achieved by embracing one’s self-worth and inner desires. Her writing style is authentic and relatable, making her books a perfect read for anyone interested in spiritual self-help. So, the next time you’re looking for inspiration to tap into your spirituality, don’t forget to pick up a book from the renowned spiritual writer, Erica Jong.

Ruth Prawer Jhabvala, also known as the ‘Queen of Expat Fiction,’ was one of the most underrated writers of the 20th century. She led a life that was both miraculous and inspiring, having won an Oscar, a Booker Prize, and a BAFTA award. Despite her numerous accolades, her story remains mostly unknown, and her works remain underappreciated. Born in Germany but raised in Britain, Ruth Prawer Jhabvala’s journey was nothing short of extraordinary. Her story teaches us about perseverance, dedication, and the importance of self-belief. Let’s dive into her life and learn about her impressive achievements.

Ruth Prawer Jhabvala was born on May 7, 1927, in Cologne, Germany, to a Jewish family. In 1939, her family fled Nazi Germany and immigrated to Britain. Ruth attended Queen Mary’s College in London and later earned a degree in English literature at Cambridge University. In 1951 Ruth got married and moved to India with her husband, Cyrus Jhabvala, who was a Parsi businessman. India became Ruth’s home for the next 24 years, and it was here that Ruth honed her writing skills and wrote numerous works that beautifully captured Indian society and culture.

Ruth’s writing style and her characters were unique and seemed to come to life on the pages. Her works have been translated into 15 languages, and it is said that her stories are some of the most accurate depictions of Indian life. Her early works, such as To Whom She Will and The Nature of Passion, explored themes of love and longing, while her later works, such as The Householder and Heat and Dust, dealt with the cultural clash between India and the West. Her works won over critics and readers alike.

Ruth’s literary achievements didn’t stop there. In 1975, she won the Booker Prize for her novel, Heat and Dust. In 1983, Ruth adapted E. M. Forster’s novel A Passage to India into a movie that won two Academy Awards and a Golden Globe Award. Ruth’s success as a screenwriter continued with movies like ‘Howards End’ and ‘Room with a View,’ which went on to become classics in their own right.

In 2002, Ruth Prawer Jhabvala received the Padma Bhushan Award, one of India’s highest civilian awards, for her contribution to literature. Her writing has inspired generations of writers and has had a profound impact on Indian literature. Even with all her success, Ruth reflects that she continued to write “untethered by praise or blame.”

In conclusion, Ruth Prawer Jhabvala’s story is one of resilience and perseverance. Her journey from Germany to India, her extensive work, her incredible awards, and her contributions to literature are nothing short of miraculous. Her works continue to inspire generations of writers to this day. Ruth’s story reminds us that we are capable of achieving our dreams if we work hard and believe in ourselves. Her words have and will continue to resonate with readers around the world. Let us take a moment to celebrate the legacy of Ruth Prawer Jhabvala, the ‘Queen of Expat Fiction’.