Sorry about the second post, I didn't know how much space I had left.

One more thing: Life must be lived forwards, but can only be understood backwards--Soren Kierkegaard

Just know that while your past doesn't dominate you, it has helped you to become the person you are. Go forwards knowing that people change as a part of growth. Take the paths that will help you to become more than you are now. As part of the old "existence proceeds essence" argument: first you exist and then you acquire your essence, or what you truly "are" are a human. That's the one thing we as people have that other things don't. You're a smart guy, Brent, I say never take the world as it is. Make it the place YOU want it to be for yourself.

Ok, I am done now

Thanks for letting me talk

J.R.

Brent

I am a writer as I said before (sold two small pieces last month, waiting on word for one I did for charity, and working on two more for submission this week). I have certainly felt uninspired. I think that writing is something that should come out when YOU feel it's ready to come out. Because writing is truly something that is a piece of the writer, a forced piece doesn't have the heart it should. Whatever you write should be something that you'd be proud to put your name on and be associated with. It should be something that says something about you as an artist and a human being.

What lights a fire under my ass? Many things. When it comes to writing, the need to communicate to others is something that drives me. Why have these ideas and thoughts when I can't share them? It's even better when someone actually enjoys and gets something from what I've written. Knowing that something that came from deep within me really changes someone's state of being (even if just for a little while), I feel as if I have done what I set out to do. I've, in fact, impacted someone's life in a positive manner. Your writing seems to do that to people here. It allows them to think and be introspective. They use that introspection to then tell you how they feel. It's a cycle: you give and they give back.

As far as life goes, what gets me going is knowing that I am the only one who can change things. Knowing that there are many paths and roads on life's journeys, I am compelled to search and explore them. For each one I do, I become a "wiser" traveler. I've seen and experienced things that make me see life as a ever changing expanse of possibilities. I love the saying: A wise traveler has no plans and is in no hurry to get there. If I make definite "plans" then i am missing out on the "other" things that life offers. And if I chose a destination, then I am not going to be able to go any where else. I always keep my eyes and mind open. Knowing that there are so many possibilities: that's what lights a fire under my ass.

As always a great, intelligent, and well thought out interview, Just shows how multi-facited you are. And THANK YOU, Lana, for the translation. I did go and have a look at her site. The lady has a way with words, so I suggest that more people go and see what she has to say. I think she manages to talk about Brent, the porn "genre", and life in an interesting and intelligent manner. So, thanks again Lana, for allowing us to read this insightful inteview!

I've already posted a bit on the "Ask Brent Forums" today about this. I'll ay it again for those who haven't read it. I live in Massachusetts where gay marriage has been legal for a while. In that time, the state (Ok, Commonwealth) has not fallen into the ocean, burst into flames, or exploded. We have not been visited and ravaged by locusts or demons. Life for heterosexual couples and families has not been ill effected, either. In other words, life is has it's been since before the laws were changed. Te gay pride parades are always peaceful and have been attended by the governor. Anyone who attempts to stir trouble by rousing hate is always out smarted by others who show their support (and the news shows the ignorance of the hate mongers quite plainly).

Like I said in the forum, I hope that CA can get back what was taken away. It was a shame and travesty that so many people were given hope only to have it taken away like that. While there may be many varied opinions even within the GLBT community on this matter, we can all agree that the thing that matters most is that everyone be given equal treatment under the law. In the end, this isn't about the definition of love or the value of marriage, but treating others with the same respect and dignity that we would have bestowed upon ourselves.

Again, Brent, the site looks absolutely wonderful. All the hard work you've put into it shows and I am glad that I stuck around to see both the transitions it AND you have made. Growth is part of life and it makes one stronger. Stick with it as long as you can. We're always here to support any way we can.

JR

Brent, the new site looks wonderful to say the least. I am happy that you're happy and that life is going well for you. I will get a VIP membership as soon as classes start and I have a little extra cash. Hope to see and hear more from you here soon. Look forward to the book as I am a new author myself.