Hey there. My name is Conner Kressley, a 23 year old moderately happy, seemingly incomplete construction worker from Augusta Georgia, land of golf and James Brown (neither have done me any favors). A few months ago, after a bit of soul searching and some encouraging words from people I trust, I've decided to try and do something worthwhile with my life. Never being a man with the sort of talents anybody would describe as obvious, I've always had an affinity (and a talent, I'm told) for writing. Of course, anybody with a keyboard and a Messiah complex thinks they're the next Shakespeare...but doesn't somebody have to be ?
To that end, and to salve the little voice in the back of my head. You know, the one that tells you you're wasting your life just as you're about the straddle the dangerous side of a roof. (Actually both sides of a roof are dangerous, don't let anybody tell you different) I've decided the time was right to begin to..well write. I've been holding myself back for so long, adherent to parents who told me to get real and keep my expectations at a reasonable level.Well, Mom and Dad, does a hard hat and a mortgage seem reasonable enough for you ?
I've been doing some research, molding the abstract thoughts in my mind into what I think is a feasible and entertaining tale. The story I'm writing (to be fair I started a few months ago, but am really beginning to hi my stride now) has a young adult bend to it. If I'm being honest with myself, most of me probably never moved on from that adolescent fascination with the world around me. I'm thankful for that in some ways, but I also realize that that sort of mindset comes with certain limitations.
In writing, I realized that my personal experiences have been quite limited. I've never been out of the country. I've never had to make it on my own in a new city with nothing and no one to rely on. I've never had to face the sort of crushing circumstances or hard life decisions that will come into play in the lives of my characters (the poor bastards). So how am I suppose to write about things that I have no experience ? Certainly I could do research. We are in the Information Age after all. But research only goes so far.
The thought took me back to Shakespeare. What could he have been through that would have led him to his literary choices ? Was he part of a star crossed love affair ? Did he tame his own shrew ? Did those pesky little fairies screw with his dreams too ? Or, like me, was he just a man whose life, or evident lack there of, sent his mind winding to a million different world filled with magic, intrigue, and love. Of course, he probably wasn't cleaning out gutters while he crafted Hamlet, but to each his own.
To that point, I decided to let people into my creative process. This blog (if people are interested) will take a look at what inspires me, what disgusts me, what motivates me, and what happens when I'm not. It'll also feature book reviews, songs that inspire me, and any other things that cross my little old mind. There wont be too much blatant information about my book, though I'm sure some of it will probably seep in somewhere. What this will focus on is my creative process as well as my thoughts about the literary and pop culture world. For all those that might already know me, welcome. I hope I don't give away too much about you (fingers crossed). For any new people that might want to come along with me on my journey, I appreciate you and your comments. I ask for your comments and interaction.
As for the title, yeah I guess I am chasing Shakespeare. I doubt I'll catch him, but here's to the chase.
