Eyes on the Wall ( #BOTB & #IWSG )

The primary rule of time travel is that one cannot change the past.  But what about reediting what one has written in the past?   Is it fair?  Or is that a rule breaker?  Time for...

The Insecure Writer's Support Group

Join us on the first Wednesday of each month in Alex J. Cavanaugh's Insecure Writer's Support Group--a forum of writers who gather to talk about writing and the writer's life. For a complete list of participants visit Alex's Blog. 
     The co-hosts for the August 2 posting of the IWSG are Kate Larkindale, Diane Burton, Janet Alcorn, and Shannon Lawrence.

August 2 question: Have you ever written something that afterwards you felt conflicted about? If so, did you let it stay how it was, take it out, or rewrite it?

Changing Our Past

       Decades ago when my second wife and I were looking for a cheap apartment in the University area of Richmond VA, we settled on an old place that had seen many students and the like dwelling within its walls.  One of those past tenants had begun sketching a mural on the bedroom wall that was a very fine reproduction of a Frank Frazetta work depicting some fantastical scene that I seemed to remember seeing on the cover of a fantasy novel that I had once owned. Apparently, though the walls were badly in need of repainting, the landlord had chosen not to cover up the unfinished artwork, probably not because he thought it was so beautiful, but because he didn't want to spend the money to repaint.  Whatever the case, my wife and I were okay with the artwork.  It just seemed appropriate to have on the wall of our "new" bedroom.  

        It was like the artwork that I had adorned my parents' basement with when I was in high school.  I had spent hours painting the entire basement and for years afterward it had been a party place for me and my siblings.  Everyone seemed to enjoy my artwork.  Then, years after I had moved out, my mother decided to paint over the art and cover the walls with wood paneling.  I was saddened to see my masterwork hidden away like some ancient fresco from Roman times perhaps to be rediscovered by someone in the future.  My mother was happy with the new look and that was fine because it was her house so she could do as she liked.  After my mother's death, we sold the house.  I don't know that my art will ever be uncovered, but if it is I wonder if those explorers/renovators would be interested or amazed or indifferent.  Probably the latter.  They didn't spend hours painting those walls and in reality there was not any great artistic effort involved.

        Painting a wall is one thing, but should one go back to rewrite something that has already seen publication?  I think not.  But that's the author's decision I guess.  Since I've not published anything of significance I have little input about this.  However, I see writing as a capture of one's state of mind at the time something is written.  Going back to change the essence of what had been said seems to me like going back and changing one's own journal or diary entries.  Does the writing offend?  Maybe by current sensibilities it might not seem right, but how did it seem at the time it was written or what was the intent of the author when that writing was done?

        We live in some peculiar times I think.  Writers should not have to worry about being cancelled or diminished in any way because of what they wrote in some past time as long as the intent of the message was purposeful and in keeping with the subject matter of the written work.  If the work has already been published and recognized for any merit it may have had at that time, then I don't think an author or anyone else has a right to alter it.  If not published (or only published in some limited run) then change away if that's what one wants to do.  The story belongs to the author, the book belongs to the readers.  

        

Battle of the Bands

        Battle of the Bands is the blogging event started by Far Away Series and now hosted by StMcC Presents Battle of the Bands.   This event happens each month on the 15th and on some there is also a Battle on the 1st of the month.  My blog is one of those with a second Battle excepting over these summer months.   The premise is simple:  Listen to the songs presented below and then in the comments vote for your favorite and tell us why you liked it.  Then visit the links listed near the bottom of this post for more Battle action.

Eyes on the Wall

        Back to my story about the painting on my bedroom wall, here are a couple of songs about rooms with pictures on their walls.  The first song poses a mystery of a painting of a girl with no eyes.  Where are her eyes?   Maybe the answer is in the second song.

         Please listen to both songs and then tell us in the comment section which song you like the best.  Let's go...

It's a Beautiful Day  "Girl With No Eyes"  (1969)

 Nils Logren & Grin   "Lost a Number" (1972)

Time to Vote!

           Two songs that tell stories-- Which song version do you prefer?   Hopefully you have an opinion of some kind.  You don't have to know about music to have an opinion since it all comes down to your own personal taste.

        Please vote on your favorite by letting us know your choice in the comment section and tell us why you prefer the version you chose. Then after you've finished here, please visit the other blogs listed below who may or may not be participating this time around. And if you've put up your own BOTB contest let us know that as well so we can vote on yours. I don't know if anyone else will be doing a Battle this time around, but you can still check out these sites.


Here are some other places where you might find BOTB posts:

 StMcC Presents Battle of the Bands

  'MIKE'S RAMBLINGS'

'Curious as a Cathy'

Sound of One Hand Typing

Jingle, Jangle, Jungle 

Landmark Sounds (Diedre Knight)

BATTLE OF THE BANDS BY DEBBIE D

Stine Writing

Next Battle on Tuesday August 15th

  

        Sure, why not.  My last midmonth Battle didn't amount to much, but it's content for the blog.  Who knows, I will probably even have results for this current Battle on August 7th.  Stay tuned and see for yourself.