Doug Bentley

Biography

Doug Bentley lives in Richmond, Canada.
He's the author of four books available in digital & soft cover at online retailers and ebookstores worldwide.

Smashwords Interview

What inspires you to write?
The poetry in drama and drama in poetry. Poetry's the most private literary form. In GRAIN I challenged myself. Create poetry in sync with classic music and evergreen content. That's mainstream poetry. It seemed to me that no content was more evergreen than the mystical encounter which originates in deep layers in one's soul. In short, the discipline of the genre inspires me.​ ​Initially, I was inspired to write GO after watching the popular plays of Andrew Lloyd Webber. I'm not a fan of his brand of theatre. But the project evolved. It became ​about ​contemporary existential angst. I turned philosophical concepts into theatrical characters. So, I was inspired to write​ ​GO because I was carried along by the momentum of the characters as they evolved.
What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
For any writer I think it's most important to write for personal enjoyment. If other people get you, that's great! If not, no harm done. It's not important whether other people understand what you're doing. It's only important that you know what you're doing. Don't you agree?​ ​In poetry I think it's most important to recognize and learn how to listen to your own still, small inner voice. Don't pay attention to the voices of strangers. Also, a poet must understand that it's unfair to expect anyone else to understand his or her body-of-work. It's far too complex. If you understand these points, you'll never be troubled, or flattered, by what culture vultures say or write about your work. I'd advise aspiring playwrights to learn how to listen to their intuitions​ too​, and to trust them. Personal honesty is the starting point for understanding human behavior. As an entertainer, the playwright must ​also ​have humor. Humor is the best offence against insanity. Simply, the playwright must love humanity. It must be understood that ​e​very human being is infinitely more valuable than any work of art - any work - any art. Finally, the aspiring playwright must also realize that ​"​there are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in most peoples philosophies.​"​ The kosmos is a miraculous place. There are many magical lifeforms roaming around in it. Playwrights are ​just ​one!
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Where to find Doug Bentley online

Books

This member has not published any books.