Comments on: How to Build a Castle in the Air

By: Mark

Mark — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 20:40:42 +0000

@ Quention – Well, you know, evil within reason.

@ Fred – Don’t worry, it’s probably just my warped sense of humour.

By: Fred

Fred — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 14:27:37 +0000

Fantastically written. Always convincing and plausible in its reverence. However, I feel a little thick now for not noticing the many funny parts in the book. Of course, I see most of them, but the one that is quoted (Flay stalking), for example, I didn’t take so much as funny, but simply as “weird”, “grotesque” perhaps. Anyway, not the laughing type, just a curious stylisation. And so it is for most parts of the book. Maybe amusing, but I have difficulty in seeing the overt comedy that some take it for.

By: Quentin

Quentin — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 07:41:04 +0000

Thanks for the article – much to ponder here.

Steerpike is a vicious psychopath, but Titus Groan and Gormenghast would be a pale shadow of themselves without the demented energy and ingenuity he brings to the story. Like many actors, Peake evidently took a mischievous glee in playing the villain.

I’ve just come back from a ten-day meditation retreat and it has made stark for me a dilemma I have been struggling with for years. That is, creativity seems to me egocentric and even negative. The message I was getting on this retreat (or part of the message) was not to express negativity in any way. Obviously, if one takes this idea on board, then Peake’s kind of creativity (and the kind that I am interested in) is right out. We are, apparently, only perpetuating misery in the world by indulging in it.

This is an idea I find difficult to accept, but difficult, also, to deny completely. I feel I should give up creativity (give up on my dream), but I am almost certain that I can’t give up.

Anyway, it’s interesting to me, in a timely sort of way, to read your recommendation here to be evil. Something that I do often, anyway, but something about which I have qualms.

By: Mark

Mark — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 18:33:08 +0000

Chris – Yes, much better to be guided by the painting than try to force your own ideas on it. The same is true of poetry. (And I need to be reminded by my teacher…)

By: TbmRadio.Com » How To Help Yourself and Others Learn

TbmRadio.Com » How To Help Yourself and Others Learn — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 14:29:47 +0000

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By: anupama

anupama — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 06:34:21 +0000

just…wow !

By: chris Zydel

chris Zydel — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 19:53:23 +0000

Dear Mark,

This is a completely fabulous piece about how to make a creative dream come true!

I love your tips and recognize a lot of them from my own creative work with myself and my students. In my intuitive painting classes, whenever people are stuck I always encourage them to talk to the painting and ask the painting what IT wants next. And the willingness to go whole hog into your dark and evil side always releases tremendous energy and is the most fun ever!!!

And yes, I created my whole creativity and expressive arts business out of thin air and made it happen, one painstaking step at a time. My favorite quotes as I was building Creative Juices Arts was by the actress Ruth Gordon ” Never give up. And never, under any circumstances, face the facts!”

Thanks again!

By: Mark

Mark — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 17:18:28 +0000

Maris – “Will this dream ever turn to reality?” – How about replacing that question with this one: “What do I need to do to turn it into reality?”

Michael – Creativity doesn’t need justification. Leave that to your biographer.

Catherine – I think you’ll find it time well spent.

Alex – Thanks. And don’t worry, I’m not American either – and neither was Peake.

By: Alex Damien

Alex Damien — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 15:21:12 +0000

Wow, this is a really great article. I have a real problem with facing my dreams or even giving myself permission to have them, but your post has made me look at things differently. Not only is it beautiful, but also highly practical.
I had never heard of this writer (I’m not american) but I’ll check it out.
Thanks so much for the post!

By: Catherine Cantieri, Sorted

Catherine Cantieri, Sorted — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 15:19:02 +0000

Wow. Not only is this a great post about living your dream, it makes me want to check out Peake’s novels! Thanks for this!