Things I'd like to accomplish as an artist, #3

To write an experience that nobody's actually had but everyone completely gets.

Things I'd like to accomplish as an artist, #2

To create characters, both heroic AND villainous, who readers will love and defend; but these will be characters who the audience will, in equal measure, become angry with, pity, question, and challenge. To characterize these fictional personalities as if they were the reader's friends who have made bad decisions or ignorant mistakes which readers are invested emotionally in seeing righted and rectified, and for which the characters can be forgiven and redeemed.

Things I'd like to accomplish as an artist, #1

To write an event into the lives of my characters that is horrifying, heartbreaking, terrible and tragic, yet so full of human beauty and power that there was no choice but to visit this awe-inspiring misery upon them; therefore, to affirm and sanctify the beauty of the human soul despite all forces, both earthly and evil, which tarnish it.

A Little List of Wishes

I'd rather be respected than liked, and

I'd rather be liked than be famous, and

I'd rather be famous than rich.

I'd rather be remembered in death than forgotten in life.

I'd rather be alone due to tragedy than ignored, but:

I'd rather be ignored than disliked, but:

I'd rather be disliked than disrespected.

I'd rather pursue possibility than act with security.

I'd rather be intelligent than handsome.

I'd rather know my own mind than others', and

I'd rather command destiny than control minds.

I'd rather love than be angry.

I'd rather be my potential than my victories, but:

I'd rather be appreciated for my trivial gains than disregarded for those of consequence.

I'd rather be me than you.

I'll be turning 27 soon...

On the one hand:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saturn_return

On the other hand:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/27_Club

Food for thought.