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Charles Bukowski - So You Want To Be A Writer?

A Cautionary Poem About The Writer's Life

Apr 9, 2009 Martin G. Wood

Charles Bukowski wrote from experience, a poem that perfectly illustrates the burning desire, the unconscious physical need, writers as artists have to put pen to paper.

so you want to be a writer? was originally published in Charles Bukowski's posthumously released 2003 collection of poems entitled sifting through the madness for the Word, the line, the way.

Often referred to as The Poet Laureate of Skid Row, Charles Bukowski wrote poetry and prose in a decidedly honest and blunt manner; expunging beauty and lyricism from the darkest depths of society.

The following excerpts illustrate the insight, and the instinctive grasp, Charles Bukowski had on what it really takes to live the life of the mind, especially when faced with the constant tide of resistance, within and without.

The entire poem can be read at poets.org

Bukowski On What It Really Takes To Be A Writer

Right off the bat, Bukowski warns those who may be flirting with the idea of becoming a writer, to consider the perils that lay ahead; to understand, that without the unstoppable will to write, the difficulties that require great intestinal fortitude, will overcome a weaker soul.

unless it comes unasked out of your

heart and your mind and your mouth

and your gut,

don't do it.

The Pursuit of Fame And Fortune is a Fool's Game

If for some reason, you can't find inspiration, or if the unmistakable signs of obsessive compulsion disorder are absent, Bukowski says, don't do it; and forget greed or hedonistic longings for fame, fortune, or amorous adoration, Bukowski begs, don't do it.

Writing as an Addiction

If writing is like going to the gym, and after the first day of waking in pain, there's no will to continue, don't do it; unless writing is an addiction, like cigarettes and heroin, don't do it.

Inspiration is a Natural Phenomenon

Bukowski continues by warning against the dangers of waiting too long for inspiration to strike; the pointlessness of reading your work aloud to friends and family in order to know if it is complete; to not be pretentious and boring; to know that unless the poetry or prose bursts out like a rocket, it's a waste of time.

and if you have been chosen,

it will do it by

itself and it will keep on doing it

until you die or it dies in you.

Charles Bukowski - Wisdom And Will

Sage words of advice from one who knows of which he speaks, as a poet who wrote prolifically and passionately for nearly 40 years; all the while suffering through poverty,alcoholism, and desperate living; never for once stopping, because he couldn't.

sifting through the madness for the Word, the line, the way by Charles Bukowski

ISBN: 9780060527358; ISBN10: 0060527358; Harper Collins

Also, read a review of Bukowski's Friends Within the Darkness

The copyright of the article Charles Bukowski - So You Want To Be A Writer? in Poetry is owned by Martin G. Wood. Permission to republish Charles Bukowski - So You Want To Be A Writer? in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Charles Bukowski