writing poetry that will make the grade…

…More Guano

You’ve probably wondered why there is such a vast difference in the writing quality from magazine to magazine—it seems to boil down to two basic components: a.) the “editor’s” likes and dislikes; the “editor’s” level of poetry understanding (assuming no management input.) b.) the sphere of readers for any given publication; a tricky balancing act, satisfying the requirements of management and advertisers’ pressure vs. a readership exhibiting even the slightest amount of intellect and from a basic understanding to intense poetic understanding and desire for fresh, well written works.

Upping the odds of writing top-show poetry…

In another life, in a galaxy far, far away, the ol’ ticky-dot-cat was a custom motorcycle and hotrod fabricator. Early on, I learned of limited “talents” which allowed me to show best in design, mechanics and machining—and on the other end of the project it turns out I was a hot-dawg pinstriper and letterer. Body man and painter—nope. No way. I just wielded a mean dagger brush and One Shot paint.

Yet, it’s the unheralded body work and of course the overall paint job that shows off the best of a classy ride. The paint job is the first noticed and most admired on an automotive creation—the rest is all simply: that’s cool too…

Let’s apply the Zen of the hotrod paint job to the writing of a good piece of top-show “poetry.”

The color must match the style of the creation, the soul of the vehicle no hot-bippity neon pink on a gangsta whip nor Imron death-mist black lacquer on the Ringling Bros. clown car.

Good prep is essential: not cleaned, sanded and well rubbed down will leave “hickeys” and “assh_les” (dark pigment spots and those little ringed sucker marks) in the finish.

Paint must be applied smoothly and evenly over the entire project. Thin spots look un-thought out and careless. Too much paint will run and sag from its own weight.

Time spent on the details, in the tight and usually unnoticed spots such as at molding and behind racks or bumpers, at light and ornament bezels transmit a feeling of professionalism, of being a complete presentation of image. Never assume the viewer will not notice if these details are incorrect or poorly finished.

Final rub-down and detailing, projects an air of self-confidence, pride in accomplishment; putting the viewer at ease and subconsciously inviting them to enjoy the basic construction, appreciate the innovative implementations and nuances of any hotrod custom.

Paint on—ol’ Max the paint slinger…