DEATH IS ETERNAL #400

2,500 words.

Maybe because this is the 400^th installment of DEATH IS ETERNAL, or perhaps because I finally got my shit together—doubt—but today, unlike every other week, I’m starting to write the newsletter on Monday (May 6, 2024). I’ve been planning to do this for a while now but have never found the will to do it. Well, today, I found it, and here I am! Because of that, as you can see in the subtitle, I removed the day on which I’m writing it because it makes no sense to have it when I’m writing it throughout the week. And the day isn’t the only change. Can you spot the others?

Contents

1. ECHOES OF CREATION

2. Writing: DEATH IS ETERNAL

3. Bye!

4. Life (from May 6 to 19, 2024)

5. Death is eternal review #276: THE CROWN

6. The end

1. ECHOES OF CREATION

The day unfolded beneath a crisp, wintry sun, its rays casting a cold but invigorating light upon the landscape. It was a day of transition, unmistakably marking the shift from the icy grip of winter to the promise of spring. Though some had already declared the arrival of spring with eager proclamation, the lingering chill in the air and memories of recent rainy days tempered such declarations with a sense of cautious anticipation.

Yet, while setting the stage, the weather was but a backdrop to a narrative yet to emerge fully. In its current state, this piece could be likened to a prelude—a tentative exploration seeking its purpose amidst the vast expanse of creativity. It serves as a canvas upon which the strokes of inspiration begin to take shape, a gentle introduction to the symphony of ideas waiting to be orchestrated.

Though not yet polished, this preliminary writing carries within it the seed of something greater. It is a journey into the unknown, a voyage of discovery where the destination remains obscured by the mist of uncertainty. And yet, it demands to be shared, for it possesses a vitality, a raw energy that beckons others to bear witness to its unfolding.

Some may dismiss it as mere preparation, a warm-up exercise before the main event. But to those attuned to its rhythms, it is the very essence of creation itself—the genesis from which all else shall flow. For creativity knows no bounds, no constraints of logic or reason. It is the sovereign ruler of this realm, guiding our steps with an imperceptible hand.

In the end, it matters not whether this narrative finds its point or voice, for within the realm of creativity, such distinctions are but fleeting illusions. What truly matters is the journey itself, the act of creation unfolding before us like a blossoming flower, each petal unfurling in its own time, guided by the unseen hand of inspiration.

In the vast expanse of creativity, even the absence of purpose, rationale, or a distinct voice holds its own significance—a silent reverberation echoing through the corridors of imagination. Creativity, that enigmatic force, dances on the edge of possibility, capable of birthing both breathtaking beauty and unremarkable banality. Yet, within the realm of the latter lies a quiet wisdom, a reservoir of lessons waiting to be unearthed through the practice of perseverance.

For even in the creation of what some may deem unworthy, there exists a hidden worth—a value not measured by acclaim or recognition but by the nourishment it provides to the creative spirit. Every stroke of the pen, every word committed to paper, contributes to the cultivation of skill and the refinement of vision. In the grand tapestry of creation, even the threadbare patches serve to enrich the whole.

It is a truth whispered in the hallowed halls of artistic endeavour: the pursuit of perfection is a noble quest, but it is the journey itself that yields the greatest treasures. To write, even in the face of self-doubt and uncertainty, is to honour the sacred pact between creator and creation.

With each hesitant step forward, the nebulous forms of purpose and voice begin to coalesce, taking shape amidst the tumult of expression. This process of birthing worlds from the void may not be elegant, but within its chaos lies a quiet alchemy—a transformation of nothingness into somethingness, of refuse into revelation.

And in those rare moments of synchronicity, when the muse deigns to smile upon us, there is a peace that settles over the creative soul—a recognition that in that moment, we have given our best, flawed though it may be. Doubts may linger, and whispers of inadequacy may gnaw at the edges of our consciousness, but still, we press on, for to silence the voices is to stifle the very essence of our being.

Regardless of the outcome, irrespective of the reception it may receive, we hold fast to the knowledge that we have dared to create—to breathe life into the void and to leave our mark upon the world, however fleeting it may be. For in the end, it is not for the world that we create, but for ourselves—for the joy of creation, for the solace it brings, and for the infinite possibility that lies within each blank page, waiting to be filled.

The end

2. Writing: DEATH IS ETERNAL

Photo by Markus Krisetya on Unsplash

Writing my 400^th edition of DEATH IS ETERNAL is a monumental milestone. Have you ever repeated something so many times? I have. Otherwise, this wouldn’t be DEATH IS ETERNAL #400! Reflecting on this journey, it’s intriguing to realize how time has flown by. The last time I delved into discussing the newsletter was probably during its 350th edition, approximately a year ago (it wasn’t; I just checked). Likely, you don’t recall what I wrote back then, allowing me to revisit or diverge from my previous topics.

It’s curious to ponder what initially prompted me to embark on this endeavour. To be honest, the memory has become somewhat hazy over time. I recall the mechanics—I transitioned from daily blogs to a weekly format, which proved more sustainable. However, the exact impetus behind starting DEATH IS ETERNAL eludes me. If I were to hazard a guess, I’d say it was a blend of honing my writing skills and drawing attention to my other literary works, such as novels and short stories.

Regardless of the initial spark, what remains significant is the consistency with which I’ve produced this newsletter week after week. Save for a brief hiatus after relocating to Canada—navigating the challenges of settling into a new environment and temporarily surrendering my aspirations as a writer—I’ve faithfully crafted each installment of DEATH IS ETERNAL weekly for more than eight years. It truly feels surreal to contemplate this steadfast commitment.

In essence, reaching this 400^th edition is a testament to dedication and resilience. It’s a reminder that amidst life’s flux and uncertainties, there are anchors I cling to—creative pursuits that endure, evolving alongside me.

But why do I continue to write DEATH IS ETERNAL? It’s a question that has lingered in my mind, especially as I mark its 400th installment. There’s no simple answer to this query, particularly at a juncture where I find myself contemplating the value of my time and whether redirecting my creative energy towards other endeavours might better serve my dream of becoming a published author.

The truth is, the newsletter has become a comforting constant in my life. It’s a space where I feel utterly at ease, regardless of the outcomes it yields. DEATH IS ETERNAL has woven itself into the fabric of my identity, becoming an integral part of who I am. Despite the inherent stress that accompanies meeting weekly deadlines, it serves as a touchstone of accountability, compelling me to remain faithful to my craft. Without it, I fear I would cease to exist altogether—a prospect that, while not literal, holds profound philosophical weight.

In essence, DEATH IS ETERNAL isn’t just vital to me as a writer; it’s essential to my personal growth. It has sculpted me in ways I couldn’t have anticipated, shaping my identity for better or worse. Each edition represents a triumph—an affirmation that I am capable of producing meaningful content spanning from short story to review, from essay to journaling, and everything in between. It’s a testament to my versatility, demonstrating that I can don various hats and execute them with precision and punctuality.

So, here’s to you: DEATH IS ETERNAL! You stand as one of my most significant achievements, and I anticipate our journey together for many years to come.

3. Bye!

Here’s where we say our farewell to the free subscribers. If you want to read the rest of DEATH IS ETERNAL, consider becoming a paying subscriber. If you already are a paying subscriber, first of all, thank you very, very much! And second, I’ll see you on the other side of the paywall.