So You Wanna Be A Writer by Charles Bukowski

[@leeyounghee9786]

"The libraries of the world have yawned themselves to sleep over your kind." I have never heard an insult this beautiful ever in my life.

[@number7417]

Yeah same, don't add to it ☠️

[@agotahorvath]

😂Exactly ! sublime !

[@BeegirlsHoneyHouse]

👑

[@intelligencebeforeboys]

@@number7417 dont to it

[@DCc-s1q]

Gary Kauf went to his students and a black kid said you don’t like black people Gary was like I love you and your people so much I helped a black student from where you are get to a bachelors degree level in San Francisco and there for his graduation of college from your seat and now he works for TikTok. Black kid was like woooooow

[@ronaldfitten8764]

He's not writing to the reader. He's writing to himself. Reminding . . . himself.

[@charliesmith_]

E X A C T L Y ❤ _Narcissism will_ _steal it and fight_ _with it, reinterpret it_ to fit itself.

[@ReubenStrickett]

While there is a certain beauty in the concept of creativity being unstoppable, and only worth pursuing if it consumes you entirely, this is an all too romanticised perspective. In reality, creativity and inspiration ebbs and flows, and sometimes you do have to search for words, or struggle to express yourself. This merely idealises unattainable perfection, something none of us can attain, and perpetuates the idea that if you aren't a born natural, there is no purpose in the pursuit of that which creatively challenges you - ultimately one of the most rewarding things that life can offer.

[@bbilal111]

my thoughts exactly

[@virginiapasanante7714]

me going through the entire video like: huh!?! writing takes time and effort too

[@annalisahansford1722]

!!!!!!

[@carrieanderson2262]

You’re definitely right it’s almost near impossible to attain this level of creativity I must say, he also adds that individualism fuels creativity and would be helpful on the long run if you don’t plan to give up when being threatened by one social influence or the other, if you’re going to doubt yourself don’t do it..lol so you get the point 😀

[@CyberTitan-dy3gy]

Like bro I'm typing in my notes app... 😦

[@hormishrimp]

honestly feels like he‘s challenging us to…do it

[@only_nonymous1141]

agree

[@Sisyphus.p]

Thats the beauty

[@silentkaine9352]

The point of the poem is to speak to anyone who does feel this way while isolating thw wannabes

[@hotshot104]

He came on strong with this challenge

[@lampyrisnoctiluca9904]

I feel challenged too. We can do it! I believe in us!

[@revatijadhav9768]

I read the topmost comment that says creativity has ebbs and flows. I do completely agree with it. But I also agree immensely with Bukowski. While it may seem discouraging and brutal. What he means to say in the end is, let creativity engulf you. Let it free, set it free. Don't force it, don't be mediocre. Don't do it unless you are sure of it. Don't set restrictions on it. Let it flow and become a part of you. You can always improve by struggling. You can always find newer words and better perspectives. But there should be a voice suffocating inside you that wants to burst out and finally tell it's story. That's what he's trying to say. It's okay to struggle. It's okay when we don't find words. But it's not okay when we write for the sake of it. That's nothing but a misery that even you are unaware of.

[@unnamed.............]

Exactly. I only write when I feel like I could die otherwise. It will keep in a lower level bc I don't get as much practice but people say when I eventually do write I write in a very euphoric way. So I guess the authenticity is what makes my writing beautiful and I write only for the sake of writing so I've promised to myself to never force the words out of me when they don't escape their way on to the page. Because to me that's the only way to write, I might never finish a book, but so what at least I know that every word that comes out of my mind has a heavy weight attached to it and I too know that others feel it too.

[@revatijadhav9768]

@unnamed............. True...We write for the passion not the validation or to call ourselves a writer. So happy to have this community..... Hope u do well buddy!

[@DEADLYDRIBBLER]

"... until you die or it dies in you. there is no other way, and there never was... " 🔥🔥

[@birdman9091]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/emS8p3lofc-CsLs

[@malgallegos1209]

Don't write for the sake of writing but for the sake of expressing yourself.

[@pantherheartthedruid4134]

But for telling the story you are blessed with Expression wouldn't do

[@anamairy_k]

@@pantherheartthedruid4134 Even when writing a story, you are expressing yourself. We write our stories, and those stories have a part of us hidden in them.

[@pantherheartthedruid4134]

@@anamairy_k 🤓

[@thefifthaceassociation]

I write for the fun of it. I don't ever think its any good in the moment, but then I read it later and I almost forget that it was me who wrote it, and yet im still enjoying it. It makes me happy at the end of the day, it will only be a plus if it ends up making others happy as well.

[@GUFIO99]

I write for both. It brings me joy, catharsis and allows me to express myself.

[@Allaboutstory]

What he said in this poem has meaning when you study his life. He was writing when he had not enough money or fame. He got fame in his 50s and he was still writing. What he is talking about the Spirit of writing including struggles and avoiding cliches. His words are not depressive, mostly misinterpreted.

[@redsol3629]

His words are harsh for people in love with the idea of writing.

[@davidroyl2241]

​@Red Sol and that is exactly what this poem is about.

[@George2647g]

respectfully sir - who the f is misinterpreting this?

[@hemanthkotagiri8865]

"When it is truly time, 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. There is no other way, and there never was." To me, this is the most profound collection of sentences I've ever read about writing.

[@debsholander4291]

I like to believe that not all good writers have ever been published.

[@earlpipe9713]

That's just the logical way the cookie crumbles, unfortunately. Publishing houses chase trends, like the music, tv and film industries, in hopes of having a hit. Also like those industries, they have deeply entrenched preconceived notions and strict gatekeeping of what should qualify for prestige releases or literature. The best, most original, innovative or relevant writing would be lucky to not be immediately thrown in the trash by them

[@fizzysh4rk]

i’d wager that great writers who have been published are in the minority.

[@theintrovertedaspie9095]

​@@earlpipe9713Its kinda funny they have these standards and yet the often criticize books for being "too predictable," "too formulaic", or "bland."

[@Gilbert_Dice_Gottfried]

Not all great minds have chosen to write

[@cinnamonbun5530]

It's not about being passionate 24/7 it's about letting you own emotions out or creativity out just for the sake of it. And nothing else. When you are writing a book yes it's a long process but I think what he means here is don't be the commercial writers who pick up on the trend. Know what people will buy and write stuff about it. It may be good. It may be a bestseller. But you are not a writer. It has come from inside you and you would have done it even if nobody reads it. I think he emphasised Writing not for people but writing what you feel and just letting people know this is what I feel

[@Jadencfilms]

This is a way better interpretation

[@alaskabane5340]

I think weirdly enough, it reminds me of fanfiction. People who write those, generally don't gain anything form it but they write because it comes roaring out of them, they change characters and write what they want despite it being looked down upon by mainstream writing. I have read a 106 chapter long sci-fi fanfiction and it was one of the most soul touching things I have read. It was wild, beautiful and maddening, I read it in like four days straight, taking a pause every now and then to breathe because it just gripped me in a chokehold.

[@Jadencfilms]

@@alaskabane5340 agreeed! Fanfics can be amazinggg

[@alaskabane5340]

@@Jadencfilms yeah! Some people are missing out on it's genius!

[@redsol3629]

3 questions for all the writers, Would you write if nobody knew you? Would you write if nobody cared? Would you write if you never made a penny from writing? If you are doing it for money Or fame Or love Dont do it.

[@ikpergerard7558]

If this discourages you from being a writer, then you really ain't ready, don't do it

[@lemonade6_652]

I think I shouldn't do it

[@selfimprovementfromwithin8599]

Well said!

[@chloetic]

If anything it should motivate your passion to write more

[@poiema247]

@@chloetic I completely agree

[@evermoremystic17]

True words have never been spoken! This poem is unfortunately pessimistic!

[@vinesdesign]

Part of me thinks he may have written this as a kind of "test". Like he knows that most of this is really horrible advice, but that the authentically desirous writer (or any other creative for that matter) will hear this and think "Kick rocks, old man. I struggle to write and I still love it and I'm still going to do it." As if the wisdom he's trying to *actually* impart can be reduced to "If anyone can convince you that you ought not write . . . don't do it". Otherwise, if he wrote all of this genuinely at the surface level, then I disagree with almost everything he says. haha!

[@morgan3994]

Right!

[@ethananderer4343]

I agree!!

[@fira3381]

First part so precious

[@caleismfollower746]

woah that's a very interesting way of thinking!! I agree!!

[@sarahs4292]

damn yes

[@thej.spirejournal]

“If you have been chosen, it will do it by itself.” Beautiful.

[@tylertheleper8468]

I want to do it, but nearly everything he described was me. This kinda made me feel like it's ok not to do it. I thought that maybe I was just lazy, bouncing ideas around in my head while at work, only to get home and be too tired to go through the strain of writing. The thought of sitting in silence while putting down words that I know that anyone with 'real' talent would pick apart with cynical scrutiny is like crawling on all fours over shards of glass. Asking people to read my work and hear back only what I did wrong and how they would change it to suit their style. Begging friends and family to see what I killed myself for only to receive vague responses of lukewarm praise, or they simply never have time. I'm angry. I'm disappointed. I thought that writing something entertaining would be something that people could want from me. No one really cares. True, my dad likes my stories but I don't think he understands anything I put down. His son is putting words together that just sound like 'something'. I've heard the phrase "write for yourself" thrown at me over and over again. Why? So I can sit in silence and read it to myself knowing that it isn't good enough for anyone else. I know whoever reads this is likely a writer, one who doesn't understand my whining. Just move on. Treat me like a wounded dog on the side of the street and steer clear of me. I'm foaming at the mouth and I am contentious, I want to bite you. Hard. Because I want what you have. I want to write and prove that I am a force to be reckoned with, that I am worth everyone's time. That I can touch a heart, excite the mind, encourage the soul. I can. It will be on my time though. It will be by my rules. By my style. I will do it the way I want to do it because life has given little of what I want. I can make this choice and follow through with my ideas... And I suppose after typing this rant I now see what he meant. I appreciate you for reading this. I know it was bitter. I'm sorry. It wasn't against you. It was against myself. My heart is in these paragraphs and I hope you can see that it was honest.

[@bryhaven]

I agree with all of this. Not having enough fuel, or the fuel you want to actually write is discouraging. And when one feels discouraged, it's easy to feel like not doing it. It's always a struggle. This video also made me feel that it's okay not to do it. Because sometimes no matter how much inspiration or ideas we have, there really is a time when we can't write anything down. And it shouldn't be treated as a bad thing. And sometimes, if it really is bound to happen, it will happen, in its own time. I actually don't agree with the "write for yourself" or "create for yourself" idea as well. We already have the idea, and basically created it in our minds. We already know what's going to happen, in our own minds. So if it's only for ourselves, why bother writing it down? But we bother because we want others to see what we had in our minds.

[@mikoajmichalik7010]

Bleed it into the blank page and you will move everyone

[@SyoDraws]

That was very moving. Thank you.

[@monharris28]

the only thing thats helped me is writing bits and pieces on my onedrive at work. this way I'm not totally exhausted by the time i arrive home and too tired to write

[@princetoblerone8230]

Ironically this might be the best thing you've ever written. Do write for yourself so you can sit in silence and read it with a smile or atleast a sense of content. Nothing else really matters, if you really want to write.

[@MindofMeowOfficial]

Every time I watch this, I cry. I can feel every word that he speaks. I am a writer. It has been burning in my soul since I was nine years old. I have tried to forget it. I have tried to do something else. It always comes back, burning hotter, every time.

[@wanderingsoul1189]

Then do it.

[@kenzieh419]

Been writing like crazy for the past 6 months and I can’t even describe what this feels like. I feel like I’m drowning and taking my first breath all at once. It’s all I think about. And when I’m supposed to be thinking of something else, I can’t. I am consumed by writing, my own and others. I don’t know how not to write, even when I shouldn’t.

[@TomorrowWeLive]

Amen, sis, I feel you

[@greatnnawuchi4282]

You seem like a poet yourself.

[@myrabhalla6498]

i love u

[@a.m.scape_5133]

I love this because it applies to anyone and anything someone is doing with their life. Hold it to this standard and if you do, do it. You can’t possibly fail.

[@birdman9091]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/emS8p3lofc-CsLs

[@lorenagagamonster]

Nah, not really. Some people just need to hone a skill in order to make a living. Writing is art, it's different.

[@victorakinola9871]

@@lorenagagamonster No it's not

[@victorakinola9871]

@@lorenagagamonster I you hone the skill and you still don't feel like that, find something else to do.

[@lorenagagamonster]

@@victorakinola9871 That's what capitalism wants you to believe buddy, so you can be permanently unhappy and unsuccessful. Sometimes a Mc Donalds manager is only trying to make a living.

[@JoshuaHemming-dy5yv]

The simplicity of the words, in combination has so much power. One of the greatest writers.

[@jessicabeca1234]

“When it is truly time, if you have been chosen, it will do it by itself “

[@Bottledogg]

This is one of the scariest, yet inspiring writings I’ve come across. It’s haunting, like a inevitable curse. But despite the fear it illicits… it comforts. God, it’s so comforting.

[@fabricofdreams.]

I don't really agree with what he says though. It is work to write a book, no matter what he says, and you ARE a real writer if you're struggling in the process. Believe in yourself because you can do this and it doesn't have to come to you easily for you to achieve it.

[@johnsrome8459]

I think Bukowski is earnestly trying to disabuse people of their attachment to an appealing label, rather than focussing on the work itself. Struggle is often used as a synonym for progress. It can also a be a lie of the mind, to quote Sam Shepard. Bukowski is simply warning us against arrogance, which breeds mediocrity. He’s not denying the existence or value of creative talent.

[@ShajuKaju]

You're not ready for it

[@emisbutapoem9503]

Second this

[@syedaabidi7838]

you are definately not ready to be writer if you dont agree

[@leticiaaugusto9794]

The phrasethat got me was"If you are a chosen one" ????? Shut up???

[@immortalcorvid1741]

i am a person who absolutely loves writing, yet i can never force myself to write when i don’t want to. it always comes to me out of nowhere and i find myself suddenly looking for a pen and paper to write it down before i lose it. other times when i feel overwhelmed the words just overflow from every part of me, and there’s no stopping it until i’ve gotten every word out; in times like these ,when i am nearly at the verge of breakdowns, i tend to create works of art not just words on a page, yet i’ve never shared those with anyone. Bukowski’s words always speak to me so loudly, i can’t fully explain how they feel.

[@sorim790]

In my honest opinion he's right. He isn't talking about becoming a writer that we see everywhere he's talking abt that certain person who's writings draws you in your first glance that writer which we all would look up to the perfect embodiment of a perfect writer. This might sound foul to you all but seriously I believe everyone of us has already been brought into this world looking up to great people, whether it's in the field of sports or academics or philosophy we are all looking up to great people, and this man in a way of words is telling us to stop looking at others because their life has never and will never be the same as ours, so he encourages us to wait and to find ourselves our own values and talents our roar and chase ourselves to that perfect image of our own selves. He's saying a very important lesson that we tend to forget in this connected world where it's so easy to compare and lose ourselves. And it's nothing special or ground breaking it's just this " be yourself " or "be different " or " believe in yourself " any of these actually. Ofc you should not chase self perfection it's an absurd thing to do but then again that doesn't mean you can't. But that's something you should consider once you have a stable mindset

[@user-qb3gm4pu2m]

Yeah. While it could discourage ir infuriate you... I get what he says. Anyone seems to get to write now. And writing suddenly turns into a way to sell fast

[@tommytwo-times9053]

every single thing he mentioned as a reason for ‘not doing it,’ is something every writer faces.

[@prashantkumar4217]

Exactly. This Charles guy takes himself for a divine agent sent on the earth to preach about what one should and shouldn't do. Sigh!

[@Venerable_of_great_love]

Then you are not doing it to express yourself

[@Venerable_of_great_love]

But for a work

[@julesmkr]

“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” This is honestly a purely blunt and raw line. I don’t think anyone could write it like Bukowski.

[@mxtthxw511]

It's a very striking line. I love the switching of words "until you die, or it does in you". A very beautiful, and honest way to put it

[@kitkatvanilla]

billions people on eath and everyone wants to be chosen. pff

[@randomness200]

@@kitkatvanilla ok karen

[@malichimedina861]

But.. but you did. Right there.

[@Km0577]

Yes they could. Anyone can write well. Once they learn.

[@loading7496]

Nah man. Writing (or any other kind of art, for that matter) is hard. All my life I've been told that I have a gift for words, and you know what? IT'S STILL HARD. I spend a lot of time stating into space looking for the words; I spend a lot of time frustrated. But I keep doing it anyways, because it's important to me. Important things are usually hard. There might be some times when the words do flow, but more often than that, it's gonna be a fight. Good writing doesn't necessarily come naturally. It comes from not giving up.

[@vevvenennevvev5945]

Your gift for words must have been malfunctioning when you wrote this comment.

[@Speculumlisha]

I agree. In my opinion, the best part of writing or doing anything creative in general is the process of improvement and getting inspired. If everything we made turned out perfect on the first try, then what's the point doing it? Sure, it'll be "perfect", but that sounds boring to me. You'll always know what happens next. And I think that we understand the true value of what we do when we work hard on it.

[@prashantkumar4217]

I was looking for this comment! Well said. The speaker sounds so condescending. Sure, as a human everyone falls prey to base desires like the dream of getting a beautiful partner, getting rich, etc., but we can also separate ourselves from this. Brandon Sanderson says that even successful writers stare at the screen for hours when their inspiration runs dry. But when you're in the zone, the creativity flows. I gave a dislike to this video. 👎🏼 But all the best to you, my friend.

[@carolinaapintoo]

I think you guys missed the point of the poem... its meant to sound condescing as to test you to actually do it... its reverse psychology kinda. Hes just explaining to you (in his own brutal words) that being a writer takes gut, courage and being able to tell apart of critics meant to tear you down. To sum it all up: he wants you to do it.

[@BrazyBlazer]

Cope lol

[@johnaythehuman]

My take is, "Maybe if I point out all the things every writer has to go through to eventually actualize their dream & tell them NOT to do something, they'll actually pick up their pen, typewriter, keyboard etc and get it out." Cause writing is thinking & we are all capable or critical thought. So, with that said: DO DO IT

[@thoughtfuldevil6069]

"Anyone who can be dissuaded from writing, should be." - Harlan Ellison.

[@tet8236]

there is this advice that if you want to be good at writing, write everyday. So I think we need to practice writing first, experiment, and when that time comes when we feel writing fully with our hearts and soul, we can write something better. I think as long as you are happy doing something, it is always worth it.

[@peidobunda]

pode crer mano

[@redsol3629]

Happy writers are boring Be reckless

[@nothanks5162]

I find this to be very accurate with poems. But for a long book...like, every sentence can't possibly burst out of you for the entirety of the book. There would be just emotional packed content with no chill time, description between how a got to b, or like really minute descriptions that would help the reader imagine would never come out of you. The parts where nothing's happening, even if it s the calm before the storm... that can't possibly be a passionate writing moment cause the scene itself is not.like so much would be missing that you as a reader, would have to read it like it s a puzzle and figure stuff out that you ve never read because it's boring..even if it's two sentences, those are necessary. And people who keep rewriting, they don't plort, they make up stuff as they go so of course you should rewrite, you didn't know at chap 1 what you know when you re at chapter 12. That's the whole: setting things up and making it look like you knew all along and yet it all flows naturally because it's not forced plot. And so much more.. and if it suddenly feels like work, you're just burnt out...take a break. But giving up cause it's not fun...idk that rubs me the wrong way. Sometimes your life just sucks even if your book is going great, it might have nothing to do with it But that's just my humble opinion. But when it comes to poems, i agree to all of it 100 percent.

[@harshitjaiswal5529]

agreeed i feel people cant be passionate 24/7 they need some rest too even from the things they love

[@cinnamonbun5530]

It's not about being passionate 24/7 it's about letting you own emotions out or creativity out just for the sake of it. And nothing else. When you are writing a book yes it's a long process but I think what he means here is don't be the commercial writers who pick up on the trend. Know what people will buy and write stuff about it. It may be good. It may be a bestseller. But you are not a writer. It has come from inside you and you would have done it even if nobody reads it. I think he emphasised Writing not for people but writing what you feel and just letting people know this is what I feel

[@emisbutapoem9503]

Exactly

[@alaskabane5340]

I think what he means is thinking and constructing it, not being "passionate" about it. I don't find any passion from writing about a world I created, it's not about the inspiration it's about the building itself. It comes to you in dead on night, and you figure out plot holes in the shower and you know it's good and interesting and you know that it's something you want to write just to read it in a few years and that's the feeling you're chasing

[@vanessakpln]

For me; no matter what anyone says I should do or should not do, what I can and can not, I call myself as a writer. Since I was a kid my heart was filled with joy when I wrote. It was truly my greatest wish to become a writer. When I grew older this passion I had was gone but it never really disappeared. I don‘t know what happened but when I started having really hard times to express my feelings to others, writing was the key to the feeling of being seen. Writing helped me to understand my self a bit more because everything I wrote came from the deepest place of my soul. And I actually don‘t want the people to read my poems because sometimes they are really dark. But that‘s just how I felt. And yes sometimes it can be hard to write. When my mind is so full of thoughts I don‘t want to have in my mind, I just don‘t find the right words. But that‘s why writing helps me so much. It untangles the thoughts that are knotted in my head. Also why I love writing is to touch people. I believe that words can touch you more than hands ever could. That‘s why I show my work to people. Not everything but the things were I know it has to be seen from the world. Everyone has a voice inside that, that wants to be heard. Everyone has deep down the feeling of wanting to be seen, but hiding themselves behind there shadow. Writing helps me to step out of this shadow and to shine the light I was carrying my whole life…

[@NNNNNNNNNNNNNNl]

I just couldn't stop though. I started doing this when I was 14 years old, and literally can't put it down, not even 10 years later. It's like an addiction which became an obsession which became my entire life, and strangely, I'm proud of that. 5 dimensional structures which form and spin over my head in the colors blue and yellow (i. e. the color of the happiness a child first feels when they are between the ages 1-5 years old) which then realize themselves into written text, like constantly sculpting an art piece which takes years and years and years to bring from 5-d into 3-d. Except it's only words.

[@marricksinon2057]

I hope you make it

[@keshavs3014]

❤️❤️

[@justinedse3314]

You're very very young. A lot of times it takes life experience to get good at poetry.

[@redsol3629]

@@justinedse3314 abandon yourself

[@jennykelter9518]

Beautiful ❤

[@pakizamunir6927]

His words are much deeper than it sounds. On the one hand, it is a little discouraging for some people who love writing but have to polish their talent by trying. On the other hand, it encourages the ones who are already writing to find their own uniqueness and style.

[@honestlyimnotsure8045]

I’ve never clicked on a notification faster. It was so good to hear Bukowski’s words and O’Bedlam’s voice. I loved the video

[@birdman9091]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/emS8p3lofc-CsLs

[@maza2959]

My two favourites

[@thevamp7571]

If you sit at your computer staring at the screen for hours, unsure of what the perfect words are to tell the story you need to tell, do it. If you know it is one of the hardest things to do, and want to do it regardlessly, do it. If ideas come bursting in your mind at any other time but the time you try to write, do it but adapt your process (keep a notebook, note stuff in your phone, go through them later). If you know it's what you're meant to do and fear with all your being that you can't do it properly, do it because you can! If you listen to videos like this one that discourage you, don't do it - don't listen to them. Crank up some music and write. Write until your walls are covered in sticky notes or you have a perfectly structured idea (I'm a messy writer but probably some of you out there have the ability to be organized). Write until the words start coming - they don't at first - that's normal, just keep trying. Write until you can't stop. Write until the words start feeling yours. And if you have to rewrite - do it. No one ever wrote a book and published it's first draft. That is why it is called a draft. And you my darling, can rewrite it as many times as you want - but don't drive yourself mad. Take a break. Give to a friend for an opinion. Creators inherently love than hate than love than hate their work. Or leave it for a few months and come back with fresh eyes. Set yours a clear perspective of what you want your piece to be. Just do it. Don't listen to anyone. Do it for you! You deserve to do it!

[@tiyanawilliams5070]

your advice is helpful

[@prashantkumar4217]

Perfect comment to this condescending video. ❤️👌

[@euniissse]

Im 15 yrs old and i really want to be a writer someday. I want to write because i want to learn how to express what i feel. I want to create a world full of my own fantasies even if it's only in a book. I really want to escape reality.

[@kevinwhelan9607]

You need to read my very short book 'Becoming a Writer- Plus how to get a literary agent'. I guarantee it will change your life. Send €20 to cover the price and P&P to Kevin Whelan, Finn Sceal, H91 EN1K, Moycullen, Co.Galway, Ireland.

[@thedondon3127]

Don't do it

[@ducanhtran6143]

You’re still very young, so if you can write consistently for 2-3 years, you can do it. This advice is for the adults.

[@unnamed.............]

​@Inez-DiamondMc-felix im 16 and i have the same stuff going on

[@unnamed.............]

​@ducanhtran6143 Writing doesn't have an age limit. Advice can be and will be interpreted in one's own way. I've written sense I was 7, and I stopped writing when I was 12 and the corona was raging, I continued writing when I was 13. So I have almost 9 years of writing behind me even though I'm not an adult. I don't like the mind set adults have, they pretend they are some type of God's when they only ever were just people nothing else, nothing special. Don't discourage young soul, lead them and teach them how to take of their training wheels when they are ready. Don't tell them they will be ready to live only once they reach a certain age. I love Bukowski's works they are so raw and beautiful, truly an inspirational poem. Take care♡

[@stevefromwork6136]

Videos like this aren't depressing. They show us how fake we can be to ourselves. Sets us back on the true path. Your not supposed to enjoy light shining on your darkness but it can heal you in ways you didn't even know you needed it.

[@tsugaru_solos]

"There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed." - Ernest Hemingway Writing is hard. And it hurts. But a true writer will endure this pain and push through. I love Bukowski and Hemingway both. ❤

[@relishin]

how have i never heard this quote before i love it damn

[@tet8236]

What the writer meant in this video is only writing something to express yourself. However, there are also writers who wants to express something for the audience or readers, not because they need validation or anything, it just that they write because they want to inspire, change something, motivate or move someone. And if this is the case, your work needs to be understood by this certain audience. And that needs practice, *hardwork*, couple scratch papers and re writing it again until you feel contented with your work.

[@MAB74]

I felt this so deep in my soul. As I look through notebooks of spilled words. Knowing it will never stop. Threw voice or vision. I dare call myself a writer.

[@rairat4264]

What some people fail to realize is that he's writing this for himself. He's advicing himself as he writes. Because when you write about not being inspired to write, or not finding the words, in essecence you are still pushing forward with each word you write about not being able to write. He's asking himself not to force his words, but to have the patience to suspend his own judgment and let his words spill out of him. He's speaking about getting into the flow and all the inhibitions we might have about allowing ourselves to step into the current of the river rushing past us carving a path through the page.

[@byjso]

Absolutely beautiful words...I started writing because I felt like there was something within me that was trying to be born into this world. Is Bukowski saying that writing should always be easy and a writer should be bursting with an endless stream of creativity? I don't think so. As a prolific writer, he surely understands the experience of struggling to find the right words or feeling uninspired. And this line: "if you have to wait for it to roar out of you then wait patiently..." reaffirms that experience. I think in this poem, he is emphasizing the pure love for writing and the ability to breathe into words until they seem to take on a life of their own. A writer's best work usually comes from deep within. Just as we say that food cooked with love tastes the best, words written with genuine passion resonate the deepest. But each writer's experience and process is unique, and that's what makes writing so beautiful.

[@VictorOgbata]

thank you for this

[@StarLight-wd6nr]

Everyone has a voice inside, even if it is one sentence you keep struggling to write, or some words you can't find, it is important to catch that pen. For writers it is like breathing, when ypu don't write your soul dies, even if the words are no longer there, even if you feel you can't do it, even if it's hard and make you work for hours, don't end up regretting not trying or continuing this one thing that you love. A word of one man can't decide nor discribe the heart of millions, your life and destiny is in your own hands not in someone's else opinion. As long as you have the passion, and love it then do write. As long as you want to do it, then do it.

[@prashantkumar4217]

I love this comment!

[@Rockstarjk7]

This gave me goosebumps. I've always wanted to be a writer.

[@unknownn5509]

I found this Inspirational. I think what he's saying is that if you truly want it, nothing is going to stop you. You'll keep trying, and you'll never stop until you've achieved it, or have died still trying. I think the main point is not to quit.

[@lowercasescreaming]

"if it's hard work just thinking about doing it, don't do it" words of a wise man

[@SL2797]

I completely disagree. I would say the whole process of writing is hard work, but it can be hard work that you happily want to engage in.

[@BookClubDisaster]

@@SL2797 I find writing usually easy. But thinking about writing when I'm not writing is agonizing.

[@maheshpadalingam3137]

Bullshit

[@georgiatri]

If it's meant to be, it'll stay with you until it finds its way out of you. I think that's the best way to explain those words of encouragement. It's not about giving up. It's not about dropping what can't seem to weave its way out of you. It's about letting it rest, swell, and resurface at its ideal time. On its own. When it does, you can struggle to find the right words for it then. You'll have to struggle at some point. The point of this video is when. I guess.

[@njabulomanqele3950]

I won't lie, the first time I heard this poem I felt like giving up writing. However, I still found myself writing a piece here and there and reading the comments has revived my desire more than ever!!!

[@ernae.1206]

Even the most brilliant of all writers can’t tell you whether you are one or not. If it was like that there would not be a never ending line of writers who have nothing in common besides their aspiration of jotting words down, because they can’t keep them in or because they have this story they need to be told or for whatsoever reason. YOU ARE A WRITER. And whatever you write has a meaning and a purpose, either to you or to somebody else. What if your writing could change the life of just one person for the better? Isn’t that something to live up to? Don’t feel discouraged by this brilliant work of art. Passion always means suffering. That’s the curse of finding something you love. But that pain is mostly always worth it. Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you shouldn’t do it. Not even Charles Bukowski.

[@judiboitshepo9696]

Poetry is the most twisted short tale ever told....contradiction may spiral from one stanza to the next yet the meaning remains the same. It is entirely up to the audience whether they understood the context or got lost in the tangled mess of contradiction. It is a very beautiful poem by Charles Bukowski right there✅well crafted and engaging💯

[@misterduka]

Perfect comment.

[@bryhaven]

Most comments are disagreeing with the points in this video. But in reality, every creative work is a struggle. It always will be. And it's always easy to feel like not doing it. This video made me feel that it's okay to not do it. Because sometimes no matter how much inspiration or ideas we have, there really is a time when we can't write anything down. And it shouldn't be treated as a bad thing if you feel like not doing it. It doesn't mean that you will completely give it up. Because sometimes, if it really is bound to happen, it will happen, in its own time.

[@wanderingnomad888]

don’t do it to if you find yourself thinking about how your work will be perceived. do it because your heart has a story to tell. 🧡

[@MyWalk3296]

Love this, unless it comes out of your soul like a rocket, if you are truly chosen it will do it by itself. This writer can relate 💞

[@Saturns48]

"If you have been chosen it will do it by itself then it will keep on doing it until you die or it dies in you" The imagery and music fit this poem so well. The poem doesn't feel the same without your video. I tried just listening, it's not the same. You have a gift❤🙂

[@SteveNonkonyana]

If this poem is enough to make you doubt your calling, then you never had said calling in the first place. The creative process is unforgiving, especially when it matters to the creator. Ive been through all of these things and still am, not once did i not pick up the pencil when the feeling came to me, not once did i stop being an artist.

[@KarenKvn]

We need to hear more Bukowski’s poems with your fantastic footages. Keep it up man

[@nicolasvasquez8048]

If you aspire to be a writer, you must first live a little. Dive into the sea and feel the love, the anger, the pain, the joy and the chaos that it has to offer. To be a writer you must first suffer dearly. If you cannot find the words, immerse yourself in the variety of worlds. It is only through our own experience of reality, with time, that our minds will ripen and our souls marinate in the beauty of being. Then, and only then, will the flame within us be ready to burst out unto the piece of paper before us, and alas we shall feel at home. And do remember, even if the passion you feel doesn't consume you entirely, even if you are not a genius or a naturally brilliant writter, practice will inevitably lead to improvement. The world may not need more mediocre writers, but it definitely needs more creative thinkers, and as it seems to me, writing is the most beautiful and helpful outlet in this regard. Please do not be discouraged. Practice, learn, live... and let the pieces fall into place.

[@VicTheFigGuy]

I am convinced this is a test for those who aren't so committed to writing what they got to share with the world. Because writing can be difficult and sometimes we struggle to write the right words or structure a sentence to express what we feel in our soul. It can be frustrating because there are days you got so much thoughts but you simply just stare blankly at the screen. But DO IT! Keep doing it! Never stop doing it.

[@TomorrowWeLive]

This is a great video. So many people are entirely missing the point of the poem. He's not saying don't do it if it's hard or painful or a struggle. He's saying don't do it if it isn't more painful not to. He's talking about the motivations for writing--that it should come from a place of fiery, insatiable passion, a visceral need--not a detached process. This video is meant to be motivational. The mantra of 'don't do it' is like reverse psychology. A writer is someone you would still write even if they knew no one else would ever read a word they wrote. That's it. If that's you, you're a writer.

[@melodyfilemon1663]

Writing to this feels like a mantra I love it, it helps me remember why I'm spending all these hours on something I wanna achieve

[@__elise333]

I will try this next time I go to write !!!

[@melodyfilemon1663]

@@__elise333 It's worth it!

[@ScarlettRich-u9x]

y'all he's basically just saying you have to be passionate about writing to be a writer. don't simply conform to societal ideals and put pen to paper (or more accurately text to screen) and sprout out something bland and pointless and thoughtless. Create something passionate and be passionate. And don't be scare to share it, "oh i need to revise it" "it's not good enough yet" "my thoughts aren't clear enough / concise enough / strong enough." If you're truly passionate you must share, you're compelled to share it, required to share it.

[@miguelreinosomusic]

Absolutely brutal. Thank you for taking your time in making this.

[@alabamajenny8751]

Absolutely. If you don’t believe in yourself, how can anyone else? Physicians aren’t born to heal, scientists aren’t born to create. We all came in the world much in the same way. And to that very point, someone told me once, “You didn’t come into the world knowing anything, you have to learn.” Good writing is an art. And like any artist one gets better with practice. Writers get better every thousand or so words, I believe. If we all had the same opinions and the same line of thinking about life , none of us would get very far and the world would be quite dull. If we all sat around and waited on a train, never had the schedule, we would be sitting around wasting our time waiting on a train that may never show. If you don’t try, it is certain you will never succeed.

[@blackpanda1302]

nope

[@artxnio]

This is one of my favourite poems from Bukowski! Every time I read it or hear it I feel that sun burning inside me and melting my guts!!!

[@dnyaneshwarirajput1881]

Every ‘’don’t do it’’ that popped up while listening to ‘so you wanna be a writer’ by Charles Bukowski, there was this tingling sensation in my fingers, as if the words spoke to them, yearned them, to stop restraining them, to let it go, the doubts, the apprehensions, the worldly affairs, the things we tell them when our heart and mind are in a tug of war while the fingers fall limp, what a pity. They wish to fall freely and flow just like how my tears did, as if on cue, as if they knew it was time, as if the final push has been given, as if the realization finally dawned that the feeling of approval ironically has to be earned, as if it was time to dream like god’s vision, as if the urgency wasn’t fast enough, to lay down all that needs to be said, all that which is a gift from perspective, here it shall lay, here it shall begin.

[@svlemm9794]

as a young “poet” this has given me the insight that ive been doing it the “right way” this whole time.

[@pantlessbobandy5795]

I think some people have to write. Thats what this is about, anyone can be a writer, some of us HAVE TO. its not about publishing or even showing anyone, you just have to get words on paper to think clearly. Thats what this is about.

[@callme.aadhya]

I think my paper & my pen understand me better than even my bestfrnd....maybe they are the only "bestfrnd" I have...✍️❤️

[@Wirzxcve]

Cringe and quirky try again. Or don’t

[@nigelpalmer9356]

also the guy who filmed this is fucking amazing. good shit bro

[@akidwithacameraorjustillneas]

thanks brokoloco

[@safim8217]

Was super excited to see this!! It did not disappoint! ♡♡♡ The words accompanied by the violins really touch something deep inside.

[@aadyasisodiya2220]

the beauty of Bukowski's writing is it sheds words of their worldly glamour and serves them to you in their rawest form. the thoughts we, living normally, do think, do realise but never expects, his writing strips you bare, sees through your own pretension, portrays the dirties of your mind without the feeling of shame or embarrassment, and that's why even after writing so humbly his writing just works. simply, it just scratches ignored, rather hidden parts of your being.

[@bored4710]

Charles bukowski is one of the greats because barely anybody can see that this is a massive gaslight to actually test your passion

[@ria.m.s2923]

'It makes my mind run without even thinking about it, it makes my eyes see without even visualizing, it makes my fingers run without paper and pen... It makes my heart leap without skipping a beat So, I wanna be an writer.....

[@mdadnanadeel7956]

In English language, Bukowski is the supreme poet. 💜💐

[@ElitaMaster125]

"it will do it by itself" reminded me of an Anne Rice interview when she was asked about how did she wrote Lestat (main character of her many books) and she said that she had no control over him and that his words would come on their on...

[@yoihenbalaishram8903]

This is one of my favourite poem by Charles,it always hits harder every time I hear it,I was literally waiting for this for like a month when i found about your channel,whatever you are doing brother its helping a lot of us thank you, appreciate you,keep it up;)

[@GUFIO99]

This motivated me to write the poetry. I love writing and don’t see myself stoping.

[@obstsalat8118]

I can't handle this much beauty. I have no words. This is a masterpiece. Thank you.

[@johnsrome8459]

👏👏👍☮️

[@cinderella1055]

I'm happy it popped up on my yt page. It reminded me the fact that there is a huge difference between a writer and an artist. Writers learn skills and are able to make writing their lifetime job, they can reach normal people with normal lives. And artists write stories that can last forever if they reach other artists. Both options are good. Just suit yourself and go with the flow. The only thing you shall remember is that a writer can't become an artist and an artist can't become a writer. This video is about artists, so if you're not one, this advice isn't for you

[@Lorenacol]

I'm so happy to see this black and white creation of yours! 🔥 You inspire me to keep working on my channel even though sometimes it is difficult. Thanks for doing it 😁

[@akidwithacameraorjustillneas]

Thank you so so much Lorena, keep going yourself^^

[@AMANKUMARSINGH-yp1qz]

Your channel has good content. Be regular bro 😊

[@birdman9091]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/emS8p3lofc-CsLs

[@annakariotakis5570]

M BBC

[@자유-pa1s71n3]

Our pieces painted by ink will become our memorials after we pass away, our words will stay engraved into the world even when we are buried deep down to decay, these beautiful pieces written and left by these extraordinary writers will always stay. To encourage the passion for writing, these words will always leave a mark on each and every one who indulges in this beauty that never ceases to amaze. Many will come and many will go, but these pieces will always remain, heart moving to this day and the one yet to come.

[@a.escalante8776]

Writing is one of the few things I cherish because I can pursue it endlessly and have zero ambitions to ever have anyone else lay eyes on it, except this comment maybe.

[@ZombieFoodReviews]

Something changed in me tonight. I have always wanted to be a writer. Truth be told, I didn't NEED to be a writer. Things are going to be different this time. No more want. This craving must be a need. To anybody reading this, do not settle on succeeding in something you do not enjoy. The likelihood of failing at something you do enjoy is just as likely as failing at something you do not enjoy. So, aim for the stars and write damn it. Stop making excuses like 'I don't have the time', or 'I don't feel motivated'. Time is NOT on your side, yet it is all we got. Now is your time. Go now. Let it out. Bleed and keep bleeding. You will regret not bleeding. Always.

[@its_leyl.a]

omgomgomgomg i cant believe we are getting a charles bukowski video!!!!!!!!!

[@akidwithacameraorjustillneas]

❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@writingdude2023]

I love Bukowski. I know that he wasn't exactly a good person, but then again none of us are good people at the end of the day. We're all people who are just trying to make it to the end of the road. But Bukowski saw things for how they were. He didn't let anyone tell him how he should see things, or how he should live his life. I'm a writer myself and I know that deep down I aspire to be like Bukowski those ways. We should all aspire to be truly and unapologetically ourselves. Bukowski was a rugged man but a beautiful soul and I hope future generations continue to read his work. God knows we could all use it in this 21st century carnival.

[@illustrationsbyks]

The poem is filled with creativity This is so inspiring, stunning with beautiful content. the tune of the music Is so luminous.

[@NitemareAfterKrismas]

Mans got a point. I’m probably going to let it die inside me, and let it all endlessly consume me. Whilst I let my soul destroy me. But I’ll do it all happily, because sometimes you just have to pee in the sink.

[@khushijakhar6264]

this is truly stunning. love the work. wish one day i could be a part of your team too.....

[@DnDmepls]

'Morrow comes, Day in and day, As I punched into the clock in machine, As the girl laughs at me for trying, As her friends, bid on my fall, As they wait for me, to never make it out, As the leaves decay and dry, to be consumed by the grass, As the soil is poisoned in the mind, As the mines are laid, waiting to blow, As the strings are pulled, just for me to end up in the slough, As the day darkens, and the moon shines, As the moon mock me, for crying my heart oit, As the sunlight shines, critisizing my non-movement, As the melancholy becomes a song, As the sadness become just another feeling, I wait, for tomorrows surprise.

[@magdalenakralova725]

I tried not to do it, because I didn't feel like the chosen one. But the idea refused to leave me alone. I always carry it in the back of my mind. Damn, I really have to do it.

[@pumpkingamebox]

From one of the best and most inspirational stories I’ve ever read. *After the Rain.* “- But your book is helping a lot of people. - Literature isn’t something that’s supposed to help people! Literature should be a poison! …You said you can’t write like you used to. In reality, it’s not that you can’t write. It’s just that you won’t. You feel like you shouldn’t write if you don’t feel the same as before. Otherwise, your younger self would be disappointed in you. You’re the one who’s getting in the way of yourself. - I’m already this old. I know I can’t go back to those days. There were a lot of things I couldn’t solve with only my naive feelings. But I wanted to stay true to my dream and my writing aspirations. *It could be just one line. I want to pour in a deadly poison. Just one person is enough. I want to influence that persons heart with poison.”* “- If that swallow couldn’t fly away with the other ones, what would happen to it? - Even if it couldn’t fly away, there might be some happiness it could find by staying there. It might even forget about the others. But if that swallow didn’t fly away because it gave up trying, then I’m sure it’d stare up at the sky everyday. Forever and ever.” Better to die trying than to die never trying at all.

[@haley5735]

answer: if you're normal don't do it, but if you're tortured and murderous you may do it.

[@Hfhhgddxxss]

Is it weird that the comments lifted my mood after the poem.. I know it's a good one and passionate one but sometimes things are not only black and white but grey also. The poem applies for the poetries and short paragraphs when I need to express my emotions and pains and happiness or gratefulness but as a novel writer it's filled with so much up and down, exiting and boring moments that most of the content of the poem don't apply.

[@yarahilal6544]

So beautiful, there isn’t a day where I’m not grateful I have found your channel. Please keep going with your inspiring work

[@abizmal3142]

It isn’t just writing. It’s whatever you live for. The future you recognize as a worthy ideal. If, or until you’re ready

[@Wartner100]

You have this special talent of composing. It amazes me ever time I watch a video of your's. Keep going. Please.

[@mezzy7361]

Beautiful. The way you put a poem, music and film together. It's just amazing. I'm proud of you! Keep shining💕

[@TheRyukDG]

I always wonder. Will people want to read what I write and feel? So many stories that I keep telling myself to write as I continue being lost to a field that simply does not want me in its chaos. For me, not being a writer has been the hardest thing ever but I continue to live with it.

[@user-qb3gm4pu2m]

I can't remember when or where I read it. But someone said that there will always be _someone_ who loves your characters the same way you do I read a writer on an app and a book in particular. It wasn't popular at all. The writer, discouraged, left the place and dissapeared. I used to read it in silence. Months happened and I couldn't stop thinking about it so I sent messages and messages until the writer came back. And the writer came back stronger than ever, with a rewrited book. And a reader that would always be there without them knowing

[@tonilaseng4620]

This poem is for two type of people. Those who wants to change their fate and those who are fated to be. It served it purpose well. Which one are you? If you are angry, disagree, confused, and try to make sense of his words then, you are the first kind. If this poem comforts you then, you are the latter, because you know when the bluebird sang its song, you will be at the forefront to tell the greatest saga of all times. Either way, Goodluck to all. The library might yawned but, at least he had a reason to yawned.