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Each time I visit Lit.org, I encounter scores of intriguing vignettes that allow me, as a reader, insight into the lives of many. These stories convey wide ranges of emotion, from elation to desolation, through descriptions of incidents, most of which we have all experienced, though some, thankfully, we have not. Every text is as varied as the multitude of authors; thus, each selection on this literary smorgasbord expresses a world of differences and similarities. Unique and interesting bonds are formed as a result these vast diversities. Unfortunately, such understanding relationships exist, in most cases, only within the realm of literature.
This week’s “Exposed!” writer, Casey Howard (shefallssoftly), is a young writer, only seventeen years of age. Her writings tell of the struggles, conquests, and defeats of today’s youth, all with an air of sophistication and poise. Certainly, the young people of today face many different challenges than most of us did when we were their age—but parallels still remain. In graciously allowing us into her existence, she brings back thoughts of early romances, uncertainty, and great internal and external conflicts. Through this portal, generations are bridged, while the memory and sensation of yesterday’s youth is imparted, even to the aged.
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Q. As someone only seventeen, you express your thoughts very clearly; additionally, your writing is quite polished. How are the writing classes at your school and how have they affected your style?
A. My writing classes have never really been writing classes. I've read a lot of different types of literature, and I think this may just be the single best way to encourage a writer. My teachers, though, never coached me personally. My beginnings of writing were as early as first grade; I took to poetry quickly and passionately, always trying to express myself.
Q. Have any of your writings been published?
A. I'm much too attached to my writing to allow it to be published, and much too young to believe that it is the best that I can do. I doubt I'll be published any time soon.
Q. You are also an artist. What types of media do you use? Have any of your creations been exhibited or published?
A. My medias are highly variable; I work best with pencil and pastel, but I'm teaching myself to paint in acrylics and oils right now. I am definitively opposed to clay and watercolors, although I've worked with both successfully before. I have placed first in the National Duck Stamp Contest in my state, and was subsequently published in a few different places with that. In addition I won the "Winter Wonderland" contest for the Las Vegas Review Journal, and was published in the paper. I placed second in a national calendar competition with a watercolor piece. I also placed second in one of those silly public transportation art contests. Right now I'm working on a different contest, I've posted about it elsewhere. I'm sure it will be rather interesting.
Q. Your poem, "My Sacrifice," is quite different from your other writings. What was your inspiration in writing this piece?
A. I've recently been looking into religion again, after letting it slip away from me years ago. The religious imagery was haunting me, along with some disturbing events in my past. I thought of "My Sacrifice" as an adequate description of what revenge felt like to the victim.
Q. In "I Will Not Forget," you write of family separation and pain. In the biography you submitted, you made mention of this event. How has this affected your life and work?
A. "I Will Not Forget" is not, first of all, one hundred percent autobiographical. A few of the occasions are true, but to my recollection my father never laid hand upon my mother. There was much tension, and this tension led to a very prosperous time of writing in my life when I was about 13. It was then that I really began to understand what poetry was; a portrayal of emotion in words.
Q. You have written of a very active childhood and a demanding life, as witnessed through "Definition of Cacophony" and "When I Grow Up." With directives to resume dance instruction or face "repercussions," and the strain of being an "over-achiever" on your school's debate team, how do you maintain sanity and create time for yourself?
A. I try to comfort myself with the knowledge that time is only an illusion, and to move past my father's demands without meeting them. My debate season has recently ended with another trip to nationals, leaving me a bit more time. All in all, I've learned to utilize my time differently. I reserve evenings for myself, do school activities in afternoons, and homework in mornings. I also have a very supportive boyfriend, and many supportive friends that help me cope with all of the stress. Really, it's not too much to deal with comparatively speaking, and my personal conviction makes it much easier.
Q. From your relationships come the inspirations for many of your writings. What are your true thoughts on love and friendship?
A. I believe that love and friendship are very nearly the same thing, although friendship is much more logical. I believe that anyone should be allowed friends, but love should be reserved only for those who are ready not to bring harm to their significant other. I do not believe that race, sex, or creed should affect love or friendship, and I do believe that gay marriage should be allowed, as should gay friendships. I believe that a true friend and a true love are of equal worth on bad days, and can take equal cause in bad days. However, I feel that in a relationship there is always more capacity for real damage. Relationships take a sort of trust that when broken causes rifts in the soul. Friendship does not tend to be that intense. Love is a much greater risk, in my opinion.
Q. Which of your writings on lit.org would you recommend to a reader as your best and most inspired and why?
A. This question is entirely too difficult-- I am never satisfied with anything I write, and when I am it's a very fickle satisfaction. If I had to choose, I'd say "My Calamity." A second draft is on the way, and I really think I portrayed what I was getting at as I wanted to, thanks to all of William's (co.Konspirator) help.
Q. How would you describe yourself (as a writer and a person) to someone who has not read your posted material?
A. I would tell them that I am passively honest, that I never keep a secret when asked, and that I believe truly in love and pain. In the end, I think I have no secrets to hide and no truth worth giving away.
Q. Has this site, through the comments on your writings, improved your writing skills?
A. Most definitely! With help from individuals like Philo and Andyhavens, I have rewritten several pieces and learned to be a touch more concise. I'm very glad that I was introduced to this page.
Q. For newcomers, what advice would you give about posting on lit.org?
A. Be honest with your pieces, and don't take any criticism personally. A big ego is hard to write around. The hardest thing in writing is to let the piece go enough that you can change it, even when it is very close to you.
Q. In "When I Grow Up," you seem unsure about what the future holds. This is understandable, as people of all ages have difficulty settling on specific goals. What would you consider viable aspirations for yourself?
A. My real goal in life is to have a happy, functional, well provided for family. As far as career goals go, I think there's a good chance I'll go into law, and learn to write as a leisure activity.
Q. In the biography you submitted, you stated that you were not allowed to watch television until the age of twelve. How do you believe this impacted your life? Do you think that today's children are being robbed of their creativity by their incessant focus on television from an early age?
A. I'm not entirely sure this is true; the reason I think my creativity developed so quickly was that I was taught to have my own opinions. I never read a book as a child that told me the moral of the story, my mother would always ask me what I thought the meaning was. I don't think there is any inherent evil to television; I just think there has to be some real parenting mixed in with it.
Q. In "When I Grow Up," you mentioned chastising your father for sexist remarks at a young age. You now have an interest in feminism. How have you viewed sexism in our society and do you foresee equality in the future?
A. I don't believe that true equality is a realistic goal. This is because different sorts of equality can be highly contradictory; if we base equality on mental prowess, more intelligent people would either be more advantaged or disadvantaged. If we based it on race, everyone would have the same rights but not necessarily the same ability to exercise them. There are simply too many people to please and no way to please them. However, there are issues in society that do bother me as blatantly unequal. High heels, for instance, appear to me as a sort of Chinese foot binding activity. I also believe that a "power suit" is a sign of patriarchy and white supremacy. It was originally worn only by the rich white men (think back to Grecian times-- that's when the neck tie came about) as a sign of power. Today, the suit is still worn by individuals attempting to look powerful. There
are a lot of things I believe about feminism, too many to say here. I suppose that if any of you wanted to argue or discuss this with me, a private message might be the best way.
Q. Which writer (or writers) has influenced you the most?
A. Sara Teasdale, Oscar Wilde, Ray Bradbury, and George Orwell, without question. They have influenced my ideologies and writing style without question. If we're speaking purely socially, they would be Foucault, Nietzsche, Derrida, and Woolf.
Rapid Fire Questions:
Favorite quote: "You must stay drunk on writing so reality cannot destroy you." Ray Bradbury
Favorite book (whether fiction or non-fiction): The Picture of Dorian Gray
Favorite musical genre and artist(s): The only genre I categorically like is Classical. My favorite artists are Bright Eyes, Sara McLachlan, and Vivaldi.
Favorite pastime: Writing
Favorite art - music, dancing, visual arts, etc: Ballet
Something about you that would surprise your readers: I actually do smile sometimes!
If I had more time, I would: learn Spanish, Russian, and German, read and write more, paint, and dance.
Where I see myself ten years from now: Three years into a law practice, madly in love, and hopefully with, or considering, children.
How I envision the world ten years from now: I don't believe that anything every truly changes; things rearrange, but that's all. The world will still be corrupt, international politics will still frustrate the hell out of me, power politicking and all that jazz will still be happening. In the end, all that really looks different is the names.
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As she writes on her Lit.org profile, “Everything you will ever need to know about me can be found in my poetry.” In the vein of most heart-felt writings, reading her works opens multiple doors—one into the life of the author, and the other into the lives of each of us. A wondrous learning experience awaits.
“The arrogance of age must submit to be taught by youth.”
Edmund Burke
1729-1797
Irish Philosopher, Political Writer, Statesman.
From a letter dated July 29, 1782, to author Fanny Burney.
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