A Robert Hayward Barlow project I wish to tackle in the far off future.
Posted by:
OConnor,CD (IP Logged)
Date: 29 December, 2011 03:37AM
A project has lingered in the forefront of my mind for a while now. It originated from a question posed to me by someone on this board awhile back. There online name eludes me, but he asked "Why does R.H. Barlow fascinate you so much?" From there I decided this work must come to fruition in its appointed time.
What is this project you may ask? Well, how can I answer in a way where my reasons don't seem over done. The best way I think is to simply state them, refuting what others may say. This project will be a biography on R.H. Barlow himself. But the thing that worries me is how many times has a project like this been done. How many times will I be regurgitating information already known? I know I don't stand a chance against the master biographers like S.T. Joshi or Scott Connors (without there work I wouldn't know as much about Barlow as I do now), but I must give it my best shot. This urge comes from passion, and a prodding feeling of familiarity. It's weird but I feel a strange connection with Mr. Barlow, as if he wants me to complete this project after I put out my own string of fiction. Many people who read this message may laugh or think I'm insane. I don't blame you. I've been doing it to myself for months. But while reading indepth on Barlow's life, I've found frightening parallels. I won't get into them. There will be plenty of time for that in the future. I just want to say this idea stems from a great zeal and gratitude toward Mr. Barlow. If it wasn't for him I wouldn't have found the courage to develop my fiction writing muscles, the tenacity to go after other things (like an archival internship I'll be taking this spring at school) and the repose to show the world who I am. I don't plan to do this for financial gain and may even self publish it. Basically, the project is a labor of love. Nothing more, nothing less.
Although, I know Scott Connors has a project for Barlow in the works. The last thing I'd want to do is impede on him. And in reality I know I have a lot of research ahead of me, avenues to things that are probably blocked off to someone like me. I have a vast collection of Barlow memorabilia, but that is hardly sufficient enough to attain my vision. I know I will need the guidance of S.T. Joshi (who has always guided me in developing my fiction skills, to which I personally want to thank him), Scott Connors, and anyone else who can give me information. Plus, I feel a good 8 hours over a span of a week or more in the Brown University library in Providence will be a great help.
This thread is becoming lengthy. I will end it here and continue later. Thank you everyone for taking the time to read this.