Ernest Langston
ORP: What inspired you to begin writing or creating? Has that source of inspiration changed throughout your life?
Ernest Langston: At first, I believe it was my immigrant grandparents, who told me folktales and filled my imagination with wonderment. They were great storytellers and, consequently, sparked my love for stories. Then, I fell in love with movies, television, music, and books, all different mediums for storytelling. I was hooked. Of course, the source of inspiration has changed throughout my life, but I believe a story can be developed out of most human experiences/interactions, as long as there's some sort of conflict present.
ORP: Do you write or create with an audience in mind? If so, how do you consider the relationship between that audience and your work throughout your creative process?
EL: I believe it is best, especially in the first draft, never to think of the audience. However, when discussing the topic of where art and commerce meet, I will say, yes, think of the market, think of where and with whom you want your work to be placed, imagine the spec project as a self-directed assignment, as some sort of creative experiment, to cast off an feeling of artistic compromise. I believe there is reward in writing for one's self and writing for money (although, they may not be equal). When a target market audience (money, units sold, ROI) is involved, I think of the old master painters and their commissioned work. As in most endeavors in life, one must continue to grow and always reach beyond one's grasp (with or without an audience).
ORP: What does vulnerability mean to you as an artist and/or writer?
EL: As a writer/artist, one must be vulnerable. But, how does one be vulnerable? I think of it this way, the smaller you write, the bigger the audience. In other words, it is our human imperfections, our internal/external flaws (physical, emotional, etc.) that can unify and makes us relatable to each other, regardless of demographics. When a writer is vulnerable in their work, the work has the potential to become something greater than a product of entertainment, an item for sale; if the work is sincerely vulnerable, it can speak directly to an audience and make a lasting impression. This is why many of us still have a favorite book, poem, film, album, painting, etc. A writer/artist created something so profoundly vulnerable that when we experienced it, it impacted us on a personal level, so much that we can never forget that moment in our lives; it let us know that we are not alone in our human condition.
ORP: What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing or creating? What advice would you give to another writer or artist?
EL: Most valuable piece of advice about writing: show up and sit down (even if you don't write a single word). My advice to another writer/artist is: read, invest in yourself, never force anything, learn the basics, allow time for rest, never compare yourself to anyone, be vulnerable, be relentless, smile in the face of rejection, and always, always, always keep a small fire burning for no one else but yourself. And maybe, some day, you'll write something that makes you sincerely proud.
