Ten Things I Learned From H.P. Lovecraft

What the heck. Let's see what happens if I post a few lists.



Please note that these lessons were learned both directly and slantendicularly.

1. A story in which fantastic elements are mingled with realism must be constructed with as much care as if it were a hoax -- and it's possible to utilize many of the same techniques.

2. Don't make horrible statements in public, then repudiate them in private years later. Make your apologies as quickly and loudly as possible.

3. It is possible to say deep and profound things about life and character in fiction while seeming to avoid those subjects. Through prose, pacing, mood, and imagery, the writer may be illuminated as clearly as if by description and incident.

4. It's not enough to be a decent husband. You also have to be persistent.

5. Fantasy is a legitimate and enhancing aspect of reality. A fantasy may not be an expression of reality -- but it is a real fantasy, occupying a real place and function in life.

6. Try and be at least a little bit healthy. Don't kill yourself by eating nothing but shit.

7. Art is an excellent basis for friendship. Nothing cements a relationship like shared creative effort.

8. The universe is without volition. There is no purpose given to us by an outer source. It is our responsibility to find our own purposes, since we're the ones who need and value them.

9. Our perception of the universe is pathetically limited, and the closest thing we have to a real sense, one that connects somewhat directly with objective reality, is mathematics.

10. Monsters are our friends.