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Scrambled cities: If you're not gonna do the work(on your soul), then you might as well work til you die

 There are two tiers in normal life. Those who are survive and those who thrive.  But nothing is a mistake in life: Nothing comes by chance. You have to prepare for it.  If you thought life was about making money and beating out the Jones's, you've lost already.  Life is: Desire for connection. All unhealthy competition is isolating. We live in an isolated-enough world already. This connection comes from a surprising place: Self-acceptance. A lot of us need to go back to the classroom. A lot of us need to take a silent breather and check in with what we need. This takes serious work. It's the real work. It relies on respect for others and self-respect.  A lot of people in the self-help community try to push the self aside: Manning up is the only side of it they see. But there are certain non-negotiables in this life. Certain things we can't cheat ourselves out of. We are not a piece of meat being acted on.    However, this is where God comes in. Some o...
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Books to help you write stories like Kafka and David Lynch

Kafka said: 

"A book must be an ice axe to break the sea frozen inside us.
What we need are books that hit us like a most painful misfortune, like the death of someone we loved more than we love ourselves, that make us feel as though we had been banished to the woods, far from any human presence, like a suicide. A book must be the ax for the frozen sea within us."

Both Kafka and Lynch love the woods. There is something about Twin Peaks, Mulholland Drive, and The Castle, after all, that seem to go together. 

For the sake of the avid reader, I've compiled a list of books that can bring you to a deeper understanding of what makes narratology great.



While there's no single definitive book that can guarantee the key to creating a good narrative in a cinematic or literary sense, there are several books that are highly regarded among writers, filmmakers, and storytellers. These books offer valuable insights into narrative structure, storytelling techniques, and the art of crafting compelling narratives. Studying these works can certainly help you in your journey to create captivating stories akin to the styles of Lynch or Kafka. Here are some recommended books:


"Story" by Robert McKee: This book is often considered a classic for screenwriters, but its principles can be applied to any form of storytelling. McKee delves into the essential elements of a strong narrative, focusing on character development, plot, and the underlying principles that make stories engaging.


"The Hero with a Thousand Faces" by Joseph Campbell: Campbell explores the concept of the hero's journey and its recurrence in mythology and storytelling across cultures. It offers a profound understanding of archetypes and the underlying structure of many great narratives.


"On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft" by Stephen King: Part memoir, part writing advice, this book by the master of horror provides valuable insights into the writing process and storytelling. It's a candid and engaging read for aspiring writers.


"Save the Cat!" by Blake Snyder: Originally geared towards screenwriters, this book outlines a formulaic approach to creating effective stories. While some may argue against strictly adhering to formulas, Snyder's book offers helpful insights into creating compelling characters and story arcs.


"The Art of Fiction" by John Gardner: A classic among literary writers, this book delves into the elements of good fiction writing, including point of view, voice, and the importance of showing rather than telling.


"Making a Good Script Great" by Linda Seger: Targeted towards screenwriters, this book explores how to elevate a screenplay from good to great, emphasizing character development, theme, and emotional impact.


"The Writer's Journey" by Christopher Vogler: Inspired by Joseph Campbell's work, Vogler applies the hero's journey to screenwriting, offering a detailed breakdown of character archetypes and plot structures.




Remember, while studying these books can be incredibly beneficial, developing your unique voice and artistic sense is essential to creating something as groundbreaking and innovative as the works of David Lynch or Franz Kafka. Read widely, analyze various styles and approaches, and practice your craft regularly to unlock your storytelling potential.

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