For several years now, I have been interviewing writers, editors, writing program directors and publishers for ?In Conversation: Discussions on Writing and the Writing Life,? my regular program on KPTZ FM radio. At Writing It Real, we archive the programs, after they have aired, to maintain permanent links to all of the interviews. Over the next weeks, I am going to offer you writing exercises and discussions based on three of those interviews.

We?ll begin this week with the most recent of the programs to air on KPTZ. In it, I am speaking with author and letterpress publisher James T. Jones. Early in his academic career, Jones had the opportunity to work for Beat poet Alan Ginsberg and meet others in the Beat Generation of writers. His experiences led to a change in focus for his doctoral thesis and life?s work.

In the interview, you?ll learn about books he wrote concerning Beat writers, about how he began printing poetry postcards, and you?ll hear him read his personal manifesto, also printed on a postcard. If you don?t have time for the whole 28-minute podcast click on this link to the podcast and fast forward to minute 25:25. You?ll hear Jim reading his manifesto, my response to it, and his offer for you to receive your own copy if you email him. You?ll hear his email address read slowly and clearly before the podcast ends.

After you listen to Jim read his manifesto, think about writing your own public declaration of policy and aims.

A short article in the Huffington Post encourages manifesto writing with a quote from The Art of Manliness, a book they promise women will enjoy as well:

A manifesto functions as both a statement of principles and a bold, sometimes rebellious, call to action. By causing people to evaluate the gap between those principles and their current reality, the manifesto challenges assumptions, fosters commitment, and provokes change.

Begin yours by thinking and/or writing answers to these questions:

• What is an important life goal of yours?
• What do you love?
• What do you believe is important?
• What are your opinions and vision?
• What are you committed to?
• What do you intend to do?

There are many manifestos online for you to read. Click here for Google?s index of them.

One of my favorites (besides Jim Jones?) is Seth Godin?s Linchpin Manifesto about being an artist and making art. ?I am a Linchpin. I am not easily replaced,? he asserts and goes on to show what it takes to be such an artist and person. Read it and rejoice in becoming this kind of artist.

And here is my manifesto:

Sheila Bender?s Manifesto for 2018 and Beyond

I love and believe in writing for authentic discovery, whether that is in the form of memoir, fiction, op/ed pieces or poetry.

I love and believe in encouraging others to find discovery in their writing.

I love that the words we write are smarter than we thought they could possibly be if we listen for what they are telling us.

I will always renew my commitment to examining my life experience in writing and to seeking publication for it so others can read it, as I believe that sharing our stories and perceptions, if done honestly, changes others and, eventually, the world we live in.

In a world where language has been deliberately perverted to promote hate and ignorance, where bullying and posturing are replacing reasoned discourse, where dogma is promoted as education, where stereotyping and systemic discrimination are used to promote prejudice and marginalization, I offer my insights and stories in the hopes that those under the influence will come to their senses and refuse to accept lies and the crushingly mean manipulations that pit us against one another.

I commit again and always to help as many people as possible develop their written work into finished pieces they?ll share. And I encourage others to do the same, without competitive jockeying and one-ups-man-ship, but from an awareness that when we create true art, we are bonded toward something larger than anyone of us and have the capacity to expose evil, evoke beauty and be heard.

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I hope you take the time to write your manifesto for freedom from such things as critics, authoritarians, addictions, toxic relationships, being stuck in the past, anxiety or hang-ups, for instance. Post them in the comment section if you would like to share what your manifesto says. And email Jim Jones for his Manifesto on a postcard. You will not regret keeping it in sight in the days ahead.