Happy Deathday Mr. Carver!

On this day, in 1988, writer Raymond Carver died of lung cancer at the age of 50 in Port Angeles, Washington.

Carver was part of the Minimalism and “Dirty Realism” movements of literature. His stories were simple like Hemingway’s but as raw and darkly haunting as Kafka’s.

Our favorite collection of poetry by Carver is In Marine Light, which was published in 1988. Oddly enough, Carver’s first collection of short stories Will You Please Be Quiet, Please? , published in 1976, has often been referred to as his greatest work. A collection of his short stories were put together as a tie in with the 1993 Robert Altman film entitled “Short Cuts”. The film was inspired by Carver’s stories. Check it out; it is a fascinating compilation.

In 1981, Carver wrote an essay called “On Writing”. If you are a writer and have not read this essay… we encourage you to do so. It is chock full of lessons, advice and strong opinions on the craft. Take some, leave some… you cannot walk away from it having learned nothing new about your own writing. 

Here’s our favorite advice from Carver on writing:

“Get in. Get Out. Don’t Linger”

Today, we hope you will read “On Writing” in remembrance of this truly gifted storyteller. Perhaps, reflect on your own craft and what you’ve learned about it thus far.

Write on in peace, Mr. Carver!