Jack Campbell Jr.

Category: Writing

  • Thousands Died This Morning

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    jack
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    I wrote this short story several years ago as an experiment with second-person viewpoint and a more lyrical prose style.  I thought I would post it since it took place on Sept. 11 and the tenth anniversary is coming up.  The concept was that while 9/11 was a great tragedy, individual tragedies continued to occur, …

  • Truths of the Group Mind

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    jack
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    I recently went to a couple of writer’s groups.  I have not had my work actively critiqued by another writer since college, unless you count a couple rejection letters. Writing groups are a very interesting place, and I had almost forgotten what they are like.  There are several truths about writing groups.  I am posting…

  • Opening a Vein

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    jack
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    “There is nothing to writing.  All you do is sit at a typewriter and open a vein.” – Red Smith Writing can be difficult, especially knowing what to write.  I’ve been reading several blogs lately about ideas and the constant influx of them when you don’t need them, their apparent extinction when you do, and…

  • Mirrors to Remind Ourselves

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    jack
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    There is a quote in the movie Memento.  “We all need mirrors to remind ourselves who we are.”  I thought of that movie in relation to writing, just recently. I was shocked to realize that I did not have a copy of any of my writing from my college creative writing courses on my laptop. …

  • The Rage of One Man

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    jack
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    The rage of one man is nothing to fear.  It is generally pointless, aimless, and like a flash fire burning hot for moments, before burning itself out.  It is a smoldering cigarette, extinguished by mere chance, or the proper placement of a boot. But sometimes, that smoldering cigarette catches fire to nearby grass or leaves,…

  • It all begins with a single word.

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    jack
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    This is the beginning of my new blog, and hopefully a new commitment to my writing life.  Too often, I push aside my writing life.  It’s easy to do.  I push it aside to make money in my day job.  I push it aside out of guilt for not spending time with my family.  I…