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Poet’s handicap can’t suppress gift for words
Magill, 55, who was diagnosed with general neuromuscular decline, said he has overcome physical limitations by never doubting his writing abilities. “I’ve been able to succeed by never giving up on life or myself,” he said. “I have courage, faith, willingness to take chances, and I believe in myself.” He said that although he is able to come up with new material at a steady pace, writing is sometimes not possible due to physical barriers he is faced with, and often uses a computer to write, or relies on the help of a caregiver. “I’ve been able to accomplish this and I did it all with one hand tied behind my back,” Magill says. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, but has no training in poetry. He said he has been writing most of his life, since fifth grade, and continues to write poetry, short stories, and other forms, but the poetry seems to be what sells, so he keeps writing it, and has been published more than 100 times. “At first I would submit pieces, and they were published but they didn’t pay me for it. I kept going with it, and now my recognition is national. The web site and internet are just a small portion of it,” he explains. At this point, Magill notes that he doesn’t write everyday because he doesn’t have to. “I write about one or two pieces per month. I could do more, but I’m tired of selling single pieces.” His work has been published usually individually or a few pieces at a time, but Magill has a full manuscript that he has compiled, and is currently seeking a publisher to purchase and publish the work. “I’d like to find a publisher to sign over my rights, and just say, ‘Here’s all my stuff.’” Magill said the words come to him very easily and his writing is done spontaneously, with much inspiration from what he has seen in others and himself. “I am impacted by the human condition,” he said. “I draw from the triumph of the human spirit over the many obstacles in everyone’s path. I paint life with words.” He noted that there have been challenges he has overcome beyond and sometimes stemming from his physical limitations. He has dealt with rejection, as well as professional jealousy, and is also faced with an inability to fully promote himself in public settings. “I don’t drive, and can’t really get out, but I’ve made a name for myself from my living room. All my recognition came from my house, since I can’t interface, connect and politic like others can.” Magill added that during the few public appearances he has made, the reception has been very positive, and based on the number of hits he has seen on web site and blog, he seems to be well-received by readers. He regularly posts on his blog, and often includes works of poetry on the pages as well. “I’ve heard that my writing always has a rhythm. Everyone seems to get something different out of it, but they all agree that there’s a rhythm to it.” Magill’s attitude is reflected in his work, and although sometimes the poetry addresses difficult occurrences, he feels no need to use offensive language or negativity. “One thing about my writing is I never use profanity. I don’t have to do it, and I’ve never had to use it. I’m very proud of that. People use that to shock.” The lack of profanity and clear voice Magill portrays through his poetry show his strong spirit and dedication to staying true to himself. “My life has not been easy, but I don’t complain about it. My advice to writers and anyone else is to listen to others much but listen to yourself even more.” Magill has been recognized by the Pennsylvania Statewide Independent Living Council as well as VSA arts among others, and was commissioned and then produced a calendar featuring a poem per month.
Who: James Magill What: Live poetry reading When: April 12, 6:30 p.m. Where: Bloomsburg Public Library 225 Market St., Bloomsburg Visit James Magill’s website at www.marketplacelogos.com/jamesmagill/ So It Goes If I could only get near that paradise bridge Anyone could safely bet, That I would find it easy To rearrange the inevitable sunset And even if I had the defensive heart Of a stone gunfighter, I’d gladly trade those ways For some clearer days and some times that were lighter Yet, still like most, I’ll probably spend An extended part of my designated time, Somewhere between the pain of the trial And the thought of the crime.
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