About

I’m Vincent, and I write as a way of life.

I used to be a model student once, but I lost interest in formal education at some point. You won’t find me on LinkedIn.

I spend the better part of my day writing and reading: books, almost poems, articles, blogs.

Not for wealth, fame, or immortality. But as a way of life.

Before Books

I was a golden-haired child once. I used to play quietly on my own instead of going out to play with kids my age. The world outside my house seemed so large and uncertain.

Judging from my grades, I was set to become an airplane engineer or something practical like that. But then adolescence got in the way. My father died. I lived away from my mother for a time. I lost interest in school and I took to video-gaming; romantic woes kept piling up.

I became withdrawn and began visiting rooftops, from where I contemplated the shapes of clouds above the uncertain horizon.

And then I stumbled upon some English books. I discovered the simple joy of reading and taught myself English so I could write about all things in the world.

After Books

Now I can spell out floccinaucinihilipilification without a spellchecker.

But the most important thing you should know about me is that…

At some point, I stopped trying to fit into the world and made myself my best friend.

That’s how I became a writer.

A Few Facts About Me

  • I have a digital drawer full of manuscripts nobody has ever read
  • I hope my work will be discovered posthumously, though I may publish one or two books during my life
  • Part-time freelance writer and vegetarian
  • Short, frail, pale, shy, and usually polite, but sometimes mercurial and fierce
  • Have read One Hundred Years of Solitude in English about 14 times
  • Don’t have a TV and don’t plan to get one
  • Somewhat of a recluse
  • 100% Romanian despite the wistful Anglicization of my name: my real name is Vincentiu
  • Have read the Oxford Dictionary and Thesaurus up to page 452, word by word, and now I cannot remember a single definition.
  • Could be dying faster than other people (but then as a writer, an early death could be a professional advantage, don’t you think?)

Write to Me

Now that we know each other better, please don’t go away without a word.

The universe brought you here. Maybe we’re supposed to meet?  

Drop me a comment.

Or use the Contact form.

602 thoughts on “About”

    1. If we’d sit in I’d bring the peach tea and you the biscuits. We’d exchange hats, so that I wear yours and you wear mine.

      Then we’ll write a love story, 200 pages long, divided into two parts of equal length (100 pages each). Both parts cover the same events, telling the same story, but from different perspectives: the first tells it from the girl’s, and you write that; the second tells it from the boy’s and I write that.

      After we’re done we swap back the hats, publish the book, become immortals, and go about our business.

      Reply

      1. Hello Mr Hat

        I really like the way you are, and your English is really good. God Bless

        Reply

    1. Yes I was. I’d say the first chapter is my favorite piece of literature ever.

      Be warned: Once you read it you might feel, just like I did, that all the books you’ve read before it were insignificant, and that might not be necessarily good. It’s because of the style. There are no transitions like in most novels, just raw energy.

      Reply

      1. You might indulge yourself with Cormac McCarthy’s, “Blood Meridian”, and his other novels. Blood Meridian is a book, like “100”, that will never leave you. Good luck to you V. Mars.

        Reply

    1. Thanks, but I don’t know about my English… I’m still not sure how many Ss there are in possess (did I get it right?). You English-speaking people have the inconvenient custom of using more letters in your words than is sensible.

      My first language is an Indo-European language, more specifically a Romance language. It’s not French, nor Spanish, nor Catalan, nor Portuguese, nor Italian.

      As you’ve put it, a little mystery is good for the soul. 🙂

      Reply

      2. Yes, you’ve spelled possess correctly. All people do many things that are inconvenient and inconsiderate and not sensible.
        I am mystified. Miss T. Fied.

        Reply

      5. Most people, whose first language is English, don’t know how to spell a lot of words. I always spell “license” wrong. Always. I even spelled the word “misspelled” wrong yesterday. You are right … too many letters. Anyway, your grasp of the language is really good. Most people can’t write as well as you can. This almost makes me suspicious of your true origin. 😉
        Your secret is safe with me.

        Reply

  7. I just wanted to thank you for following my blog. Oh! And tell you that I absolutely LOVE yours; your style, imagery–everything. It’s fascinating. Your English is very good, by the way.
    I’m so excited to have you following me and my constant silly blog updates. 🙂 (And I didn’t know exactly where to put it, so I figured, hey, why not here.)

    Reply

    1. Hi Mickey,

      I understand you don’t like spiders, but please don’t kill them, or you might have Jo’s fate. (To learn what happened to Jo, check this blog tomorrow.):)

      Reply

      1. I read that, and I have to thank you for feeding my constant spider-suspicions. I’m already convinced I have a nest of poisonous spider families living inside of me! But, if you must know, I don’t kill the spiders, for I am frozen with fear. Others kill them for me. Or will save them, if they want to. They are at the mercy of my family.

        Reply

  8. i’ve just had time to read this quaint ol’ page of yours and i have a good feeling that i have stumbled upon gold. am pretty excited to read the rest and what’s to come. keep them flowing! 🙂

    Reply

      1. i trade lies with them. sounds a little sinister but i promise you it is completely legal. lies are legal.

        sometimes.

        when they dont know…

        Reply

      1. A cake without sugar… 🙂 I’ll bake a cake without sugar and every other ingredient that makes it tasty. I might as well send you a hat instead.

        Reply

  12. Fascinating.

    I was once a sit-inside hat man, myself, and claimed an affinity for Montaigne essays. At times, I thought I was the only one.

    That is not me anymore. I was told that I would make no money, that I would have no friends, and that I would end up old, alone, lonely if I gave the best of myself to the most revered minds in Western thought rather than the basic minds of modernity. I listened.

    I learned to love, even worship, my own body and those of others, while doing things that would make me forget about their minds — about my own mind. I loathed this compromise, at first, but learned to accept it and eventually bask in it when the distractions became abundant and accessible.

    People mean well, I think, and some have genuine hearts. I visit their blogs, interact with them, and feel good about doing so. This blog struck me in ways that others don’t.

    Some people won’t understand you. Most won’t appreciate you. Even fewer will relate to you.

    That said, immortality and posthumous reverence is better than sixty years of socializing and misguided ambitions.

    Wear your hat proudly, sir. I look forward to seeing what you come up with.

    -A.M.
    http://amschultz.com

    Reply

    1. Michel is one of my friends.

      I’ve always been withdrawn, so for me the reclusive life is a natural development of childhood and teenage habits. It’s the way I am, rather than something I’m trying to become. It took me some time to figure that, but I eventually did.

      As for the Nobel, if they’ll ever give it to me, I’ll politely refuse.

      I tip my hat.

      PS: Kierkegaard wore a hat too.

      Reply

      1. Kierkegaard also had nicer hair than genetics or scientific engineering will ever allow me.

        Being withdrawn is a good thing, too, for some. Those some are the ones who do so early enough that it won’t drive them mad.

        I think others are meant to spent their time within, observing, processing, nourishing their intellects while the aggressively outward livers appear to reap life’s rewards. Far too many think they have something to say because their mouth can moves and they can make sounds, and thus they speak foolishly.

        You speak wisely, sir.

        -A.M.

        Reply

      2. You do know that I say what I don’t mean, don’t you? 🙂

        I say such quirky stuff sometimes.

        What I meant, Jenny, was that it’s nice of you, nice girl, to have stopped by and acted nice.

        Reply

    1. I like Canadians. I have heard they are nice people. (Some would say nicer than their neighbours, but not me. I think all people are nice. :D)

      Reply

  19. For not being a native English speaker, you do better than many degreed people I have worked with. In fact, I’m afraid to follow your blog for fear of never understanding it.

    You speak as one who has had years of schooling, and far more years living than you do. You’ll be giving drop-outs a good name when you become famous–not posthumously, I hope.

    Reply

    1. Nice of you to say so.

      I wear a magical thinking cap when I write. It might all be because of that.

      Ha! Imagine me winning the Nobel. I will politely decline it.

      Reply

  20. Hi. I love the 50-word-story-a-day idea. You are a much better writer than I am, and I rarely read fiction, but your stories keep me reading the next. From reading your about page you sound strangely like myself; I spend all the time indoors drawing, painting or thinking up new ideas. And I occasionally wear a tricorne hat! Anyhow, thank you so much for liking my website and good luck in fufilling your dreams! : )

    Reply

  22. Wow, you write English a lot better than a lot of native speakers I know…and only 3 years in the learning! If I was wearing a hat, I would take it off to you 🙂

    Reply

  23. I have thought, I’ll never find the one because fickle women will always go for a body and money before they discover a mind.
    I have read much literature and undiscovered authors and authors long forgotten by the masses yearning to know what they could know if they didn’t forget the authors they forgot.
    I have been sickened and disheartened by the popular desires and pleasures of simple minds and bodies of people both easily led and easily misled.
    I have lived in caves in my heart and climbed mountains to reach the unreachable sun.
    But never was I able to wear a hat like yours. I tried a few times, in college, but it never sat right. I was afraid of my own hat.
    I wear a beat-up old baseball cap now. It’s frayed around the edges and has a hole on top of it, and it probably stinks of an odor I no longer notice.
    A hat is a hat, though.
    Don’t let a hat go to your head.
    Let your head go to your hat?
    I don’t know where I was going with that.
    As much as you love the classics, here you are, blogging, reconciling the old and the new in a time of decaying attention spans. There is much to be said for those who can write a thousand words of beauty and for those who can condense them into fifty word stories.
    I am glad for one who is here, reminding people of what they are missing, of what they have forgotten, of what they don’t think they have the time for anymore.
    Keep writing, young old man. You make me wish I dropped out of school, like I always wanted to.

    Reply

    1. I meant to say, There is much to be said for those who can write a thousand PAGES of beauty as well as for those who can condense them into fifty word stories.
      I had a professor who was a recluse and wrote of exiles and of poets who hid in caves and whose words were discovered on rocks while they, themselves, were barely known during their time. He told me that a great writer is someone whose book you can pick up and read one sentence, anywhere in the entire book, and know the whole work by that one sentence.
      He was a great teacher, not the best writer.
      He also said all the teaching in the world wasn’t worth what a person can simply teach themselves by reading, reading, reading.
      Keep reading, keep writing.
      Nobel be damned, the prize is for their eyes, not for the writer’s heart.

      Reply

      1. It took me a long time to find a hat that fits my head. In the process, while I was hatless, I like to think I have learned modesty. Of course, I am only deceiving myself.

        There is much that I can write about your comments. I like them. They ring true. But it’s late here and the top of my head is sweaty under my hat, and the eerie whispers trapped beneath my pillow are calling me.

        I will keep an eye on you.

        Reply

    1. Oh yes… I remember with dread those early winter mornings when I would have to wake up at 6:30 and brush my teeth and then go to school… The taste of toothpaste in my little pink cave… vomitous!

      Reply

  25. You dear Sir are just too ‘amazing’! 🙂 And I would love to enjoy the moments by reading more of your thoughts! Cheers and regards.

    Reply

    1. It’s only decent! I am still not sure how many Ss are in the word possess (have I spelled it right?). I can write floccinaucinihilipilification properly though!

      Reply

  28. Thank you for liking one of my posts and make me end up here 🙂 your blog makes me smile, I’m a literature student so I love what you’re doing and I absolutely adore one hundred years of solitude but I’ve only ever read it in my native tongue but now you kind of inspired me to read it in English. You have an amazing talent for language, a natural ease so to say, do you know that? It’s a real gift so I hope you’ll cherish it and share it with others as much as you can!

    Reply

    1. What can I say Belgian girl… If I am worth anything it’s because of my hat. It’s magical. Your comment made me quite happy, so once I press ‘Post Comment’ I will click my heels and caper about. 😉

      Reply

  32. Whoa, I find you’re really an awesome person. Unfortunately I don’t really like hats. 🙂
    And…three years in learning English, but I think your English is flawless. ‘Kay, if I’m wrong, just assume I didn’t pay enough to details.

    Reply

  33. I’d like to say I like hats but my noggin’ is too large. I like scarves though so perhaps that can be seen as my ‘hat’. I have an innocent suspicion that you may not be who you describe; however, if you are you are beautifully unique and if you’ve made Vincent Mars up in your imagination, you are also beautifully unique. It’s a win-win really.

    Nice to meet you Vincent. I hope your evening is a starry, starry, night. 🙂

    Reply

    1. Jo-Anne, I see no stars, but there are many star-shaped clouds on my sky.

      Everything on this page is authentic. I am not as confident as I might sound though. 🙂

      Reply

  34. Ah, well, I’m already pleased to be following you here and on twitter. I’m sorry you didn’t see any stars; as with many things, they might not be visible, but I promise you, they are still there. 😉

    Reply

  35. I’m not wearing a hat when I write, perhaps I should – my slippers and a steaming cup of tea are my usual writing companions. Greatly enjoyed reading your About page. Thanks for stopping by my blog and liking it.

    Reply

  36. Mountains and hats make the man..there is also Occitan, a near extinct Romance language that shares some lexicon with yours, and Arpitan, that didn’t, as well as a few others here and there.
    You will notice that I actually have 2 hats..though its not noticeable…

    Reply

  37. Hey Vincent, thanks for the like on my blog. Nice blog, witty posts. Even your replies to comments are clever.

    Reply

  39. Hmmm. You are strange, do you know that? But awesome! ahaha. We have a few things in common: “I do not watch TV” and “I rarely go out in the daylight unless I absolutely have to – I don’t feel comfortable in open spaces. I go out for long walks after nightfall when the streets are quiet.” and maybe I am strange too. BTW, can I borrow your hat sometimes? I am thinking perhaps that thing makes you smart. Because you are smart! 🙂

    Reply

    1. If I am indeed smart – which I doubt – it must be because of the hat. Someone had once said about it that it was a magical thinking cap. But I will never part with it.

      Reply

  40. Hey Vincent! I liked your blog and enjoyed the precise blog posts!! Will certainly be following! Hope to look up to you for future posts 🙂
    Blessings,
    -Naima.

    Reply

  41. Thanks for the likes on my illustration. You are a very good writer the-hat-boy. Your words are very neat and beautifully craft. I have a dream to be a writer in my school days, but my word aren’t good enough . So i rather be a wordless writer instead.

    Just one question, are you lefty?.

    Reply

    1. A wordless writer is an interesting character.

      I type with both hands, left and right… It’s faster that way, and the balance of the body is better. 😉

      Reply

      1. Haha…got that. I actually ambidextrous…I eat and play sports with my right hand…of course i type with both hands, and sometimes with my leg too…;P

        Reply

  44. Wow.. I loved “Facts about Me” section specifically.. This is second time, I read all comments on “about” section (of course, first was “Girl with a hat – Coco’s profile”)

    Reply

  45. Some things just don’t add up … you started learning English just three years ago, and now you write in impecable Engish, the hair coming out of your hat is quite dark 😉

    Reply

    1. Is everything about an accidental author accidental? Is your comment accidental? Is my reply to your comment accidental? Is the world an accidental accident?

      Reply

  49. Hey Vincent! You are just SUPERB-COOL in all respects, buddy. I can feel the laconic as well splendid thoughts you own, Mr.Boy with a hat. 😛 😀
    Keep going. God bless. Cheers.\m/ 🙂

    Rahul

    Reply

  50. Actually, in my view, you’re a high school drop-in … and a university drop-in, and I dare to say post graduate drop-in… You just happen to follow your own program. You mastered English like this in three short years? Incredible. Obviously you have a brilliant mind and your very humble persona creates pure magic.

    Reply

  51. If I haven’t made it clear how much I’m in awe of your writing skills here’s an award to prove it! I nominate you for The Very Inspiring Blogger Award.

    Here’s to more fun reads and 50 word stories from you!

    Reply

  54. you know whats queer, i never thought that was a photo of you. I thought it was a painting! It looks so marvelously like a vemeer protrait! 🙂 hmm, nowcI have suspicions of you being from a different century and already immortal! -Ali (i like that. I almost made it my nom de plume)

    Reply

  55. I don’t wear hats, but can’t imagine how I survived without an iPod. Considering a few years passed between my birth and iPods, it’s quite miraculous.

    Best wishes with your writing. 🙂

    Reply

  62. I’ve come to you by way of SaneSamantha… I am very impressed with your command of the language, and your vision of your novel. I look forward to your tales. :>

    Reply

  64. Wow Dawn! You had the same idea at about the same time! Amazing!
    Anyhow, Vincent. I’ve nominated you for the One Lovely Blog Award! 🙂
    If you want information on the rules, see my awards page. It’s yours to claim if you so wish.

    Reply

      1. My art is certainly improving, but upon reflection, I haven’t painted any frog ones recently. Anyway, to answer your question, my frogs are improving too! 🙂

        Reply

  68. Thank you for stopping by and enjoying my art. I keep laughing and enjoy reading your work it is good… you don’t have to be worried walking in daylight… you can walk any time even under spot lights, as you are a star!

    Reply

  69. you credit everything to your hat. now my mind wonders to the hat instead. reading everything you wrote, from the about page, to your blogs, down to your replies, i suddenly feel im losing my dream. but one came true, when you liked poem! 🙂

    Reply

  70. Greetings Vincent Mars! Thank you for visiting Oceantics and liking my newest poem. I shall enjoy reading your work. You have tremendous talent and a ferocious wit, the best kind! Sending you best wishes from Canada…

    Reply

  71. Hi Vincent,

    You have an interesting style. I wear a similar hat, especially when it’s cold or raining. Sometimes it even keeps the sun out of my eyes. I’m old enough to wear what I like! The sun is shining in England today, but there is a cold north wind from the Arctic. It’s a good day for wearing a hat! 🙂

    Reply

  73. My dear talented hat-wearing writer of excellent English…thank you for the like on my blog & I shall be looking forward with expectancy to following yours…thank you:-)

    Reply

  74. You got me with “the eerie whispers trapped beneath my pillow are calling me”–graphic description for those who dream constantly. And I agree, a little mystery is good, as in most cases, an imaginative, but relatively normal, slightly mundane soul resides under each cloak of obscurantism (present company excluded?).

    Reply

  75. I think I just re-discovered your blog all over again and really enjoyed it. I like the first exchange you had with CoCo J.Ginger here. Kind of feeling jealous ;-), cute and witty “About”.

    very nice to meet you !

    Reply

  79. ABOUT

    “I’m a 21-year-old highschool dropout from Romania writing a story in English not for money, but for immortality. I wear a hat.”
    — this is most excellent; i, too, wear a hat.
    you must send me things (books, letters, poems, photographs and Romanian paintings) to my email: ruanetimothy430@gmail.com.
    Yours is the highest talent I have ever seen on WordPress.
    Good day and Good days …
    Tm Ruane

    Reply

  81. Thanks for sharing your story. I wouldn’t have known that English is not your first language and I COULD NOT get through One Hundred Years of Solitude. You’re shaming me into trying again!

    Reply

  85. Thank you for liking my post. I admire people who follow their own passions in life. I also don’t have a television; it robs your time and drains your creativity. I hope you achieve your dreams. 🙂

    Reply

  86. Vincent Mars (if that’s your real name),

    Your blog is uniquely insightful and, I can only believe, exceedingly honest. Your posts have inspired me and provoked new trains of thought. And your popularity attests to your intellectual clarity and emotional relevancy. However, I need to ask you something.

    Why does it seem you were born to suffer?

    Perhaps you have the blood of Tolstoy or others who have been, by their own genius, sentenced to a life of suffering. All the same, I feel compelled to tell you–live, not as the shadow of a man but as a man of flesh and blood and desires and vigor that goes out during the light of day to engage with the present reality.

    Just as you create alternative realities for your stories, you can shape your own reality. In this reality you will find the truths that make your heart race and arms go limp, the truths that set you free, not in a conjured world of fake people and fake emotions, but in a world of unending visceral beauty.

    Here is one truth: there is no authority high enough to make you hate your own body other than yourself. You have been taught by others, or perhaps more directly you have taught yourself, to loath that which many call the temple of your being. Unteach yourself. You are no doubt smart enough to do so.

    I do not discredit the immortality that you seek. Immortality is true in the minds romantic enough to believe it, but it is not a substitute for, nor is it mutually exclusive of, the feeling that unites all humankind and, in its purest form, inspires all that is good: happiness.

    Of course keep on writing. I am sure you will attain some degree of immortality. Do not try to be somebody you are not. But, in the relatively short time you have on this earth, be. Be truly. Be in the reality you make for yourself and do not escape to an artificial one. Escape is for cowards and convicts. You are neither.

    I agree with everybody’s positive comments, but I will not go along with this narrative of self-body loathing and writing to escape. You say writing is a struggle to get the best out of yourself. Doesn’t that mean confronting–not escaping–that which makes you uncomfortable in the name of personal development?

    You should read Zorba the Greek.

    They think of me as a scholar, an intellectual, a pen-pusher.
    And I am none of them.
    When I write, my fingers
    get covered not in ink, but in blood.
    I think I am nothing more than this:
    an undaunted soul.
    – Kazantzakis

    Yrs,
    a fellow introvert

    Reply

    1. Thanks for your great comment.

      I actually write ‘profoundly dislike’ which is quite different from loath and hate.

      I don’t think I was born to suffer and I don’t have a bad opinion of reality. I actually write because I am in love with the world.

      And I do go out in the daylight from time to time, just not as often as most people.

      Your comment makes me sound terribly unhappy with this life, which is not the case. If you read my posts you will not find much negativity in them.

      In conclusion, I am one of those fellows who is happier in his attic than on the street. And trying to give up the attic for the street would mean pretending to be what I am not.

      A puppy can never become a lion no matter how hard he practices at roaring. Unhappy people are puppies and lambs and wolves who try to be lions. 😉

      Reply

  87. Romania is full of blood sucking night prowlers – hope you are not one of them. Being in Eastern Europe you are living in the shadow and light of some of the greatest story writers the world has known. Will be watching your space.

    Reply

  88. Thanks for the visit. I took off my hat when I was 23, and misplaced it for a bit. I believe a bitch (some mix of doberman and dachshund) stole it from my head when I bent down to pick a dead daisy.

    Don’t lose your hat: always know where your hat is. Even roofs can drip water on an unbound head.

    Reply

  89. Wow -you tell a very interesting story.It is not obvious in your writing English is a second language,your grammar is better than many I know for whom English is their only language. Best wishes to you in your endeavors.
    -Bri

    Reply

  90. Hi Vincent. Thanks for visiting my blog today and clicking on the Like button to my most recent post. Also, thanks for deciding to follow my blog. Your blog is wonderfully creative and interesting, therefore I have started following it today. Keep up the good work you’re doing here. I hope to hear from you again soon. Cheers!

    Reply

  93. Hi — I’m entranced with your blog and your writing! Did I see in the comments that you are from Romania? My grandparents came to the US around 1900 from Romania and I still have relatives in the Transylvania area. Thanks for stopping by and liking my blog…I’m only on Day 2 of the whole year, so we’ll see how it goes!

    Reply

  94. Hello boy with hat. My son had a hat very like yours. It used to belong to Pete Doherty. I don’t know where the hat is now. If I did, I’d send it to you. I like your blog very much – you remind me a little of him. Keep the faith, hat boy xx

    Reply

  99. I laughed out loud so many times reading your “about” page, these comments, and your responses to them. This is just delightful! So glad to make your virtual acquaintance!

    Reply

  103. Hi Vincent – thank you for liking my photo blog. Your English is perfect and you have something of a towering intellect /humour that maybe I don’t fully understand as you seem a rather sad soul. I mean no offence in any way as sad souls can often help and identify with others. God bless you Eileen

    Reply

  105. Humm.

    As it happens, I too am a hat-wearing guy =)
    Was that how you found my blog?

    Thanks for visiting and the ‘Like’ though.

    Reply

  107. please don’t send me nothin, ah, it would seem that I keep running into people who are 40 younger than me chronologically, but who I understand and revel in better than the old farts I’m involved with.
    And, it’s ok. I suddenly realized just the other night in bed w/my wife how bumb’d out I was that I am 65, lucky to be sure, with her, lucky 3 times a week which ain’t bad for a 65 year old guy. But my HEY days was the 60’s, that be as in 19, and now that the world is dying, I’m crying not incompletely cause I’ve found some cat in a hat who ain’t Mr. Suess but is just as interesting.

    You may think the iPod is better than the tooth brush but I 4 1 love spell check.

    have a good time boy, it’s runnin out

    Reply

  108. Thanks for checking out my blog, fellow European. 🙂 Your writing is delightfully nice to read, so I’ll keep an eye on your blog from now on!

    Reply

  110. Hats are a fabulous means of changing ones identity at will. Keep the momentum. Thanks for stopping by my blog. You portray a wry sense of humour for someone whose first language isn’t English. Love that.

    Reply

  111. Your hat is in competition with you. Going by the comments below, Im wondering how many likes here are for your hat! ;D. Great blog. Glad to have stumbled here. Just curious -how many hats do you wear?

    Reply

    1. I wear one hat at a time.

      I have two favorites: the black straw fedora in the picture and a wide-brimmed felt one, also black, that resembles to some extent Gandalf’s headwear.

      Reply

  112. Hi, Thanks for visiting my blog. Ive read your blog just quickly and love yours. Which country are you from ? I really love eastern europe culture ! 😉 Ive read “sophie’s world” when I was 13 years old. It was one of my fav although the books has gone.. 😦

    Reply

  115. Hey, my wife used to be your neighbor. She’s from Bulgaria. 🙂

    Anyway, hello! Just came across your blog and wanted to say hello.

    I’m currently working on a book myself, really like your laid-back writing style. It’s really awesome.

    I stop by Bucurest at least once a year when I visit my relatives in Bulgaria, they live right across the border from there. In Ruse.

    I wish you success with all your projects and I’ll make sure to stop by regularly.

    If you like you can view my work at my blog. I’d really appreciate the feedback. 🙂

    Reply

      1. Haha, don’t worry about it. I’m from Amsterdam so I’m used to swarms of pickpockets!

        I would appreciate your feedback, any feedback. I really admire your work and am learning a lot from your writings.

        Reply

  117. You’r very smart vincent & funny.You have created an interesting blog, if all you say is true,not made-up (no offence), then i’d say you’r are intriguing. Tell me, if we were to meet in person would you turn out to be the same sort of person as here? Or Is it that blogs help you open up more than in actual life?

    Reply

    1. The only thing that’s made up is the name, as the note at the end of the post says.

      I am the fellow in the description. Shy and quiet and quite afeard of the street.

      I am peculiar!

      Reply

              1. oh! you did’nt mention your age anywhere & i thought kids’ were’nt allowed using computers & internet so i thought perhaps you are older than you look…

                Reply

  119. you say that you only come out at night? does that make you a vampire? I see in your recent post about monsters that you call Dracula your compatriot! mmmm….
    Another question: do you have a variety of hats? if so do you change them according to your mood? If not and you only have one hat, what makes that hat so special?

    Reply

    1. I’m more of a bat than a vampire. 😉

      Yes, I have several hats, and I wear them according to my mood, to the seasons, and to the alignment of the planets.

      Reply

  120. Your writing style is beautiful! As someone who’s dabbled in the art of writing most of my life but is usually too terrified to share what’s come out of my putting pen-to-paper, I applaud you for creating this blog and sharing with us. Keep it up!

    Reply

  122. You, sir, are one talented man. I have read two posts, and I immediately want to follow you for the rest of my life.

    You’ve lost $1 but gained a fan. Good luck with your story.

    Reply

  123. Vincent, thanks for liking my poem. I love your name and your self-description. I hope it’s true! Vincent for victory- best wishes, Marie

    Reply

  124. Vincent, thanks for the follow! I’m intrigued by the style of your site, especially the 50 stories of 50 words. I admire how you’ve written a book on it. One of my dreams is to write a book, and it’s a goal that seems blocked by a few hurdles. Still working on it! I look forward to reading more of your work 🙂

    Reply

  126. Hats – I have a collection. It began when I decided to have HAT NIGHTS and HAT DINNERS. I invite friends to dinner and everyone must wear a hat. I have my collection so they can choose something if they didn’t come prepared. My favorite hat is the monkey hat.

    Reply

  128. Vincent, thanks for checking out my blog. I am impressed by how well a young Romanian man can write (and think?) in English. Are you a genius perhaps? They are normally withdrawn, and reclusive. I am less enamoured of hats, as they do not suit me at all. I have one, a Russian sable hat, bought in Kiev, for warmth, not style, in 1977. At least you are not pictured in the hated baseball cap; surely the most pointless piece of head wear ever invented? Good luck to you with your writing, and your life. Pete, England.

    Reply

    1. This is a belated reply to your comment Pete.

      I am certainly not a genius. I might be a bit more philosophical than the average web user, but I still have difficulties tying my own shoelaces.

      I am not sure what to make of baseball caps. But they do not compare to proper hats!

      Reply

  129. Hi Vincent – much gratitude for dropping by and saying hello, I usually wear a hat when out and about as you never know who might try and pinch your thoughts.

    Reply

  130. It is not for me to like or not like your “About” page, however I am concerned about you health wise. Concerned particularly about vitamin D deficiency which leads to all sorts of health/lack of health issues including depression… Take a chance and step out into the sunshine. Marvel at its touch, the way it permeates down to the bone warming, filling you body and soul.

    Reply

  131. Haha. You man is insanely genius! I’m more of a housedude so i definitely know a bit of what you feel. I guess it would be great if I join you and Coco for a wear-a-hat indoor writing session. I’ll bring popcorn and ice cream. That would be great! 😀 …by the way, you are so awesome so I’ll follow you know!

    Happy blogging!

    Reply

  137. “I have not watched porn videos for almost two years. Considering that I spend 97% of my time indoors, I believe this is an outstanding achievement.”

    Hah! I’m awarding you an invisible medal. 😉

    Thanks for checking out my blog, Vincent. I like the sound of your 50 stories in 50 words, I’ll have to check them out when I have a chance.

    Lewis

    Reply

  140. Thanks for stopping by my blog! and its wonderful knowing about your writing! in any language,writing needs passion and so u have! best wishes for evrything!

    Reply

  143. Thanks for your “like” Boy with Hat. I haven’t read 100 Years of Solitude but heard that it was very good and I plan on reading it one day soon. I feel the same way about W. Sommerset Maugham and Truman Capote. They are both beautiful writers. I also almost always wear a hat; it is an accessory that I never leave the house without.

    Reply

  144. Excellent reading about you Vincent, I liked it.

    Thanks for visiting my blog, be in touch with my blog browse through the categories, u may find it interesting

    Reply

  149. I love your writing style and how much of your writing you post, especially the short stories. You’re quirky, creative and there is an element of surprise when I’m reading. Makes me come back to read more all the time. Keep it up!

    Reply

  150. You are heaps interesting, you have taught yourself English beautifully, you have a sorrow I would love be eased until it dissipates, you have purpose, you are thoughtful – & because you don’t watch porn, I’d also have to say intelligent! 🙂

    I sincerely wish you the best.

    Reply

  151. Your mention of One hundred years of solitude throughout your blog makes me want to reeeeeeeeeead it! Cool blog. I like your ideas, especially 50 tales. Keep on writing ~

    Reply

  155. Gabriel García Márquez is one of my favorite writers. He has many good books. There is one in particular which is short, but outstanding: “Chronicle of a Death Foretold”. He tells you the end of the story in the first page, but half way through the book the tension is so high you begin to doubt and wish for an entirely different ending. That takes mastership! Also recommend “Love in the Time of Cholera” and “News of a Kidnapping”.

    P.S.: and yes, you’re a strange little fellow which I adore following! 😀

    Reply

  156. Dear Vincent,
    You have the courage to bare yourself and talk about both your weaknesses and strength which shows strength of character. It seems that you are torn between secularism and the spiritual path, and in this sense you are a very real person. You remind me of characters from Dostoyevsky who is my favourite author. I fully appreciate your honesty and quest for truth and purpose because I also at one stage thought about becoming a monk.
    God bless you in every way brother.

    Reply

  157. Hi Vincent, Thank you for visiting and liking my poem “Soul Mate”. I enjoyed reading some of your work and like the art! Pam

    Reply

  163. I really enjoy reading your “about me”. You really have a sense of humor in your writing.

    You know how to write to catch the readers’ attention!!

    I think you should start writing your journals in this blogs!! I am sure you will soon be popular!!!

    Reply

  164. I really love the way you write. There is a strength and frailty in it that’s so interesting to hear. One Hundred Years of Solitude is one of my favorite books but I have only read it twice. I will pull it out again this year for another read. -Divya

    Reply

  165. This is very interesting indeed. One Hundred Years of Solitude was my (much admired) English Literature teacher’s favourite book, so I gave it a go. Having only reached about a third of the way through before deciding there was much better literature out there, I gave up. Maybe I’ll give it another go after reading this…

    Reply

  167. hey vincent, loved going through your writing…its fascinating…queer albeit but lovely!
    am glad to have stumbled upon your work. look forward to more!
    oh, by the way, have been wanting to read One Hundred Years of Solitude, hopefully I do so soon.

    Reply

  168. Dear Friend,

    My name is Jin and reading about your life-story has affected me so. Its good to see someone living and suffering for their Art, yet there is no greater pleasure in suffering for one’s art.

    I am called the Vagabond Showman, an aspiring artist working under the mantle of The Magician. Just like you, I dropped out of education at the age of 17/18 to pursue my passion. Through it all, though progress was slow due to my own limitations, I have become a better man with a purpose in life. I am almost 23 now and still growing with my passion in Card Artistry. It’s heart warming to know there is someone still diligent out there perfecting his craft because his life depends on it.

    Whatever happens man, keep writing. Only thing you’re lacking is confidence. During my journey of artistic growth, I have been surrounded by people whom I thought where comrades who share the same heart as I, and I have been inflicted with this illusion ever since i started (at the age of 16 – when I met my close friend who ventured in this Art with me). It took me a long time to understand that I was walking my own path of Excellence (like you) and those people that surrounded me were leeches of my creative soul. It took me a while to rebuild my confidence because I relied on them too much.

    Yet for you, you are in the ripe condition to develop your own powerful, magnetic confidence because of your Art. Vincent my friend, you must step outside and let yourself be known. And the best place for this is Coffee places, sit there and write. Thats what I used to do when rehearsing and scripting my own shows. You gotta force yourself and soon miracles will happen before your eyes.

    Oliver will even be inspired! Just gotta give it that chance.

    Sorry for the “rant”, maybe we can talk sometime? Peace.

    Reply

    1. I like your comment much and I think you are right!

      I shall put on my best hat and spent time in Caffees.

      But first I must finish Oliver Colors’ biography!

      Reply

  169. Hello there,
    To be honest you have inspired me. I am impressed by the life that you are living. I have a question. And that is that what to do when you first dropout of high school? I mean how to find your way?
    Thank you

    Reply

    1. I don’t advise you to drop out of high-school. It’s the right thing for 99% of people.

      You have to find your own answers.

      You can go traveling I suppose. I would myself but I am quite terrified by the outside world. I travel in my head instead.

      Reply

  171. thankyou for sharing your gift of writing, you truly are a talented young lad! witty and amusing, thanku. i do look forward to reading more from you.. ❤

    Reply

  172. You’re gifted, did you know that? With such an outstanding personality that many others can only dream of, I believe you can achieve really anything. (: Why don’t you move to Amsterdam? It would be amazing!

    Reply

  173. For a young man who has taught himself English, your use of the language is far better than many native speakers! I won’t be surprised if someday I am writing your great novel 8 times 🙂

    Reply

  178. Thank you for Liking my poem post…..You are a wonderful writer and interesting person from the little shared of yourself on this site……Keep writing, exploring, sharing, aspiring, and discovering with all your Being….there is always much More to be awakened in us. Best wishes along your most unique Journey.

    Reply

  179. I’ve started to love blogging more and more just because of people like you, people with dreams, people who fight and do their thing!

    So this is my message for you:
    Sir, I salute you with awesomeness!

    Reply

  180. In all honesty, I’m overwhelmed at not only the beauty of your writing but your “story”, how you’ve become. You’re an example of how hardships can mould a being into a fascinating piece of art.

    Reply

  189. Dear Vincent,

    You are truly an exquisite weirdo. As for your immortality, I believe it to be a question of “when” rather than “if”. You’ve got all the right ingredients.

    The real question is: what will you do after that?

    Reply

  194. I would definitely like an invisible gift, though it would be amazing if it is an invisible box where I could store myself forever and ever.. I won’t mind an invisible hat even. 🙂
    I feel good reading you. Your writing skills are simple and pleasant, appealing to me as a reader. I look forward to reading more of you.

    Reply

  196. Hi Vincent! Because I enjoy your posts so much, I wanted to give you an award. You can choose any (as many as you want) that you like. I want to spread the word about your blog, and this is a good way to do it, because it acknowledges your work, I get to say “Thanks”, and more people will see why I like your posts! To see the awards, just click your way to my Awards page at http://tkmorin.wordpress.com/awards/ . And congratulations!! 🙂

    Reply

    1. Thank you! I am a busy busy bee right now finishing Oliver Colors’ biography, but after I’m done with it I will check your link.

      I tip my hat. 🙂

      Reply

  198. Hi there I have nominated you for the “A Ton of Awards”. Thanks for having such an enjoyable site to share with everyone. Please find the information on the below link if you choose to accept the award nomination.

    http://wp.me/p3up8i-6w

    Hope to continue reading brilliant stuffs from you as always.

    Love,
    Shivani Panchmatia

    Reply

  201. This blog is looks astonishing.
    ‘The urge to write’ expresses a little dilemma in a very simple and wonderful way. The beauty of it truly lies in simplicity.

    Reply

  204. You interest me in ways I don’t understand. In extreme light and dark. Not afraid to say that I have fallen completely in love. In love with you? Your words? Your thoughts? Or perhaps the fact that you exist. 🙂

    P.S.

    Let’s ride on a boat at dawn and have birds orbit the two of us.

    You’re darling! x

    – sailor

    Reply

  206. Wow. Do you like pesto? I have homemade pesto. You can come over on a starless night and we can eat some plain bread and some pesto and talk about madhatters. 🙂

    Reply

  211. Dear Mr. Hats..Your blog is lovely and you got a good english..Never be a monk and live in a monastery..All your dreams will be fulfilled…keep writing..

    Reply

  218. Vincent, your bio alone tugs at my heartstrings. I assure you you have what it takes to be a great writer—soul. So live your dream, my friend! Continue writing from your soul, and I have no doubt you will find yourself in the canon of English literature, a writer of renown. =]

    Reply

  219. Vincent: Imi pare bine sa te gasesc aici! I visited Romania as a student, and I am trying to learn your native language. As vrea sa citesc niste povestiri si in limba ta! -Edward

    Reply

    1. Hello Edward,

      I’m afraid to disappoint you but I think I have a better command of English than of Romanian, which is a tricky language in my opinion.

      At least the Romanian girls are pretty. 😀

      Reply

    1. Here’s the dictionary definition for Alfred Hitchcock:

      ‘English film director noted for his skill in creating suspense.’

      I will make friends with them.

      Reply

  222. Daniel from theartfrog.wordpress.com send me flying into your arms.
    He said my stories remind him of your short stories. And I instantly thought I’d make you my brother blogger.
    O but now I don’t want you to become my brother blogger. You’re such a charming little boy i’d love to have you lying beside me in my bed while I discover what’s underneath your hat after slowly removing it.

    Reply

  225. I can’t believe I only found your blog right now. The way you write amuses me so much. You are odd yet interesting. I wish to meet you someday.

    Reply

      1. Certainly! I’m looking forward to reading more of your blog posts 🙂 Oh, and one more thing….I’m just curious….do really don’t have a tv or phone up till today? If so, do you watch tv shows online or do you usually spend your time reading books?

        Reply

        1. I must admit that I have procured a mobile phone for emergencies. But I use it once a month or so. I don’t have a TV and don’t watch TV shows. I watch films on my laptop occasionally. I listen to a lot of audiobooks. 🙂

          Reply

          1. Woah…you’re probably the first person I know who uses a mobile phone for once a month haha. How fascinating.

            Also, I think it’s cool how you are one of those people who listens to audiobooks. I seem to notice it’s quite a trend these days. Perhaps I’ll try listening to it sometime.

            Thanks for answering my question! What a great invisible gift.

            Reply

  229. Unique about page! I don’t usually comment on many other blogs but I just couldn’t let myself miss that one.
    To some extent, I understand you. I’m Bulgarian (still living here), love writing, write in English, nearly 22, a deep and a bit strange person. Not that two people in this world can be compared to each other, but still the similarities were worth mentioning.
    Never stop writing! And the only thing you need to work on, in my opinion, is going out more often in daylight. I myself love the comfort zone so much and it’s one of the things that are slowly killing me.
    And another reason, a very important one, for you to go out, is that if you experience the beautiful morning, the amazing things you can see in daylight, the nature, you will want to write about it so bad. And it’s a bit egoistic to deprive people of your writer’s point of view regarding that. 🙂
    Good luck on your way to immortality. I believe in you and in your work and will definitely look forward to your next posts and books.

    Reply

    1. I’ll keep that in mind. 🙂

      I’ve checked your blog. I like it.

      I much prefer moonlight to sunlight. 🙂 But I must admit sunrise gives one a warm feeling inside.

      I’ll keep an eye on you as well.

      Reply

  230. One of the wonders of blogging, though you probably wouldn’t stand in a room with the 5,000 + of us.

    Plus can’t believe you taught yourself English. I know reading helped me plenty when I was a child to learn, but so many pitfalls at school before anything mediocre-ly great happened.

    Reply

  233. You are amazing young man, Good Luck in your writing world. I have just met with you and with your blog. But you have already impressed me and I will be your new follower. Thank you for visiting my blog, and Thank you for sharing with us. Angels, muses and The Sun be with you always, love, nia

    Reply

  235. I am so glad that you have this blog – and that I discovered it! You’re a beautiful and, more important, impactful writer. I absolutely cannot wait to read more =)

    -Valentine
    Flux: Encountering Adulthood

    Reply

  237. Wow I love your blog. The first I impression I got was that it belonged to an elderly and accomplished writer only to find you are 22years. I am extremely impressed by your writing and your honesty and you are funny too. I doff my hat off to you.

    Reply

  239. boy with a hat

    This is most definitely one of the best corners of the internet I have stumbled upon yet.

    I look forward to being one of the entertained people in this world when you become immortal.

    thecatonthemoon

    Reply

  240. yours is my absolute favourite bio! you are right, it will do the world a lot of good if you become a published writer 🙂 smart, funny, cheeky and honest writing. I’m glad i found you on freshly pressed~

    Reply

  243. # 2 made me laugh out loud. :0) Me neither!

    And, I’m a recluse as well. Not so much these days, but I think having spent more than a decade in my house with my curtains closed, tiptoeing across my floors, peeking out, and watching people walk away after refusing to answer the door shoes me in as a “lifer”. Getting my degree in Behavioral Sciences has helped tremendously though. I’m all better now. :0)

    There’s nothing wrong with being eccentric, by the way. Welcome to the club. x

    Reply

  244. As soon as I happened to saw this pretty picture of you and your hat, I thought: Oh, isn´t this that famous writer, what was his name?
    It is whispered among the people surrounding me, that I can fortell the future.
    In this case that´s probably true…

    Reply

  246. You sound very intelligent, probably misunderstood, but you
    understand more than most. You are probably very in tuned,
    perceptive, and enjoy the simple things. I think it’s great
    you taught yourself English…you walk to your own beat
    and seem content in doing so….:)

    Reply

  250. I also wear a hat. I am Man with a Hat. You can see it on my blog. I too write on many things. However, I am not from Romania, nor is English a second language. I love words and creating all sorts of art. I enjoy being different too. I invite you and all your friends to come visit me. I can write on any subject that you suggest. Just suggest something and I just might write about it. To a new friend. Glad to be following you.

    Reply

  251. Just 50…

    How to crack open

    And explore a soul?

    So little room for error.

    Like the margins of life.

    I write my heart on pages

    Torn from notebooks.

    Pages in the wind

    Leaves in the breeze

    Sands of time.

    Flow like the rushing

    Of things that are

    Thicker than water.

    “50” is Not a Word 😉

    Reply

  253. I like your blog and your writing style. I enjoyed the post “Are You a Writer?” It was very profound. Your English is really good, and your ability to write so well in it is amazing!! Do you write in Romanian also?

    Reply

  255. I can tell that you have the hearth of a writer. You are already original with your hat in this medium, so I wish you to find as much originality and inspiration for your future writings as well. I am quite new in this world of blogging, but your blog caught my eyes already.
    Good luck and keep up the good work!
    P.S. It was interesting to read that you chose not to write in Romanian because the grammar is tricky. My choice was actually based on the audience I wanted to reach. But congratulations on your aptitudes!

    Reply

      1. If you have the talent of mastering words, of course it does come naturally :P.

        Cu internationalizarea asta sincer nu ştiu ce se va alege de limba română. Şi sincer de nicio limbă. Toate se adaptează şi se modifică şi se împrumută unele de la altele până se face un talmeş-balmeş …
        And then “selfie” was declared the word of the year by Oxford Dictionaries ?! :)))

        Reply

  257. hi there boy with a hat 🙂 i happily stumbled upon your curious and entertaining blog today. just wanted to wish you good luck on your novel(s), since i think i’d like to read it/them someday!

    Reply

  258. Excellent writer, you are!
    I can tell that the attic of your memory is already immortal and capable of never-ending stories. Listen—underneath your hat–eternity is whispering!
    Oh and thank you. I have just unwrapped your invisible gift–it is something that I have never seen before! I didn’t know it, but now I think that I have always wanted this 🙂

    Reply

  259. You are a very unusual young man….in a good way:) I was
    wondering if you have a G+ account…..I have a community
    there called DarkMuse…would love for you to join and
    share your beautiful work:)

    Reply

  260. This will be my second invisible gift, after the one I obtained by Following you. Thank you for your invisible generosity!

    I discovered your blog through one of the Freshly Pressed emails I have kept unopened for over a year before consuming, aged like a bottle of fine spirit, or a rich fruitcake. Having read your musings on handwriting versus typing, I felt compelled to explore some of your other posts.

    If I may say so, I adore your writing style. It is remarkable in its ability to be succinct without ever seeming simple. On every page a phrase or two will be so exquisite in their image or sound that I must reread them several times, and then utter them aloud, in order to extract every ounce of beauty from them. I seem to have semi-deliberately copied your style in this response. Well, imitation is said to be the sincerest form of flattery, after all…

    I used to have a hat just like yours, but I’m sorry to say I misplaced it a number of years ago. When I find myself a new one we may tip our hats to one another!

    Kind regards,
    Adam

    Reply

  262. I like you 🙂 you sound interesting and very smart. I’ll be looking out for your posts.

    Reply

  264. Beautifully written, I would love to have discussions about our ideas…I feel like we could talk forever 🙂

    Reply

  265. Dear Vincent,
    I discovered your writings only a little while ago, but I have been feeling the words you are expressing for a lifetime. You write beautifully, and with a hint of melancholy which I find all the more interesting. I am completely enamored with your works. Keep on expressing the truths that are inside of us all! 🙂

    Reply

  271. Your story is inspiring and admirable. If people got careers in things they’re passionate about, just as you are about English, the world would be a better place. I’m looking forward to reading more of your writing! 🙂

    Please check out/follow my flow!
    caramelincognito.wordpress.com

    Reply

  272. Hello Vincent,

    You are wise beyond your years. I like your blog and will return often to find out more about you and your journey on becoming a published author. I wish you well.

    Tomorrow will be my first official post, you’re invited to come and share in the fun. Please feel free to spread the word, the more the merrier, hope you can make it.

    http://www.paulworthingtonbooks.com

    Reply

  273. You have a numinous air about you. And you have a curious way with your words. I hope you publish your book some day. A story written by a mysterious 22 year old Romanian recluse would be a guaranteed goodread. 🙂

    Reply

  274. I absolutely adore your writing. I know your health is at the center of your heart these days, but I hope, like the writer Marcel Proust did under the stresses of ill health, too, you still find eloquent ways to write.

    Reply

      1. I agree, and I, perhaps understand. I have a blog (anonymously) that I write in (I do not have the bravery to outwardly publish them; I choose post-humously as too many people will sue me while alive)….but, yes…my health is always secretly on the edge, and yes, writing is the BEST thing for ill health. ; )

        Reply

          1. Quite the same as you…cells gone bad in the body. On the outside looking in, I look rather healthy. On the inside looking out, I know better.
            Actually, we all have the same affliction…life is brief. Some of us are privy to know the length of that brevity, and most of us do not.

            Reply

  277. I wanted to encourage you to keep your dream alive because you can provide inspire, amuse and uplift people with good stories.

    Reply

  278. May I just say, I’m glad I “found” you. I love your writing and I wish you the very best to get through these somewhat difficult times. I do hope things will turn out just fine and will leave you with another experience that I’m sure you can turn into another beautiful piece of writing. After all that’s what it’s all about, isn’t it, to express the diversity of life.

    Reply

  280. You are a most interesting fellow, your English is impeccable, I have a feeling you will go far. I’m glad I happened onto your blog, it’s terrific.

    Reply

  282. I more or less stumbled upon this page, it looks like sometimes in life you get lucky.
    My expectations are high.

    Reply

  283. You are one interesting soul indeed. I mean, your ‘About’ page caught my curiousity quickly. Time to explore this blog!

    Reply

  285. My Awd Hat
    Thomas Blackah

    I’ll wear thee yet awhile, awd hat,
    I’ll wear thee yet awhile;
    Though time an’ tempest, beath combined,
    Have changed thy shap an’ style.
    For sin we two togither met,
    When thoo were nice an’ new,
    What ups an’ doons i’ t’ world we’ve had,

    Bud awlus braved ’em through.

    That glossy shade o’ thine, awd hat,
    That glossy shade o’ thine,
    At graced thy youthful days is gean,
    Which maks me noo repine.
    Fra monny a gleam an’ monny a shoor
    Thoo’s sheltered my awd heead;
    Bud sean a smarter, tider hat
    Will shelter ‘t i’ thy steead.

    Though friends have proved untrue, awd hat,

    Though friends have proved untrue,
    An’ vanished in adversity,
    Like mist or mornin’ dew;
    Yet when fierce storms or trials com
    I fand a friend i’ thee;
    Sea noo, when thoo’s far on, awwd hat,
    Thoo ‘st finnd a friend i’ me.

    Some nail or crook ‘ll be thy heame
    O’ t’ joists, or back o’ t’ door;
    Or, mebbe, thoo’l be bunched(1) aboot
    Wi’ t’ barns across o’ t’ floor.
    When t’ rain an’ t’ wind coom peltin’
    through
    Thy crumpled, battered croon,
    I’ll cut thee up for soles to wear
    I’ my awd slender shoon.

    Thomas is a poet from Ehmet, England

    Reply

  288. Hi, I’m Fiona and you sound like the loveliest guy ever ❤

    I've suffered from major depression for years, and have somehow pulled myself through to the last year of an English lit undergrad. At this point, I'm utterly worn out and considering dropping out of school, moving across the world and completing a novel.

    It's a terrifying notion, and I wholly admire your courage to pursue what you truly love. Stay gold, my dear.

    (Incidentally, I've read Love in the Time of Cholera quite a few times. Does this make us book-mates in a sense?)

    Reply

  290. I have spent entire evenings with you, and you have had no idea that we were together. Thank you, Vincent, for showing your beauty to me.

    Reply

  291. You learned English by yourself! So much determination! If I would have been you, I would have left in mid way. By the way, English isn’t my mother tongue too.

    Reply

  295. How goes the biography of Oliver Colors? (Can’t wait to read it!)

    I’ve had a major spell of writer’s block for many months, but now I’ve figured out the things that were bugging me about my (still unfinished) book and am writing it, bit by bit, each day. 🙂
    As I am an extremely slow writer, I’m only at about 10,000 words so far. I’m not too dissatisfied with this though; I think it may disrupt my writing style if I try to force a novelette into becoming a novel. Then again, it’s only an unfinished draft at the moment. 🙂

    I want to fully explore the plot first and make sure that every little detail makes sense. Once that’s out of the way, although my book is primarily plot driven, I want my characters to seem realistic and will work on developing them much more.
    I was wondering what advice you’d give when it comes to developing characters?

    Reply

    1. I’m still working on it and on other stories too. Like you, Daniel, I don’t want to rush it. I enjoy the creative process and would prolong it forever if I could. 🙂

      I think this is the best advice for all of us:

      “There are three rules for writing a novel. Unfortunately, no one knows what they are.”

      ― W. Somerset Maugham

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  296. An…insightful about page.
    You’ve peeked my interest boy with a hat.
    I shall follow.

    – Agent S.S xo

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  297. hei, tocmai ma pregateam sa te intreb – in engleza – daca pot sa-ti traduc si repostez la mine articolul – care mi se pare foarte informativ. Si citesc aici ca esti din Ro 🙂 Felicitari pt blog!

    Reply

  298. Vincent, you are really smart. It´s incredible that you learned English on your own and write so wonderfully. I’m over 50 and I’m still trying to “master” that language. Congrats! Looking forward to reading more of your posts.

    Reply

    1. Thank you. However, I don’t think linguistic ability should be confused with intelligence. And it’s easier to learn a second language when you are young, especially in our day and age. Hope to see you around here.

      Reply

  299. I am intrigued.
    I don’t know if you will give me the time of day because I’m just a 19 year old, who literally just started her blog yesterday, but I would appreciate a chat. To explain myself, I have had my go with illness problems, and my outcome is a loss of an eye. How can you be so lenient on possibly having cancer and not doing anything about it? It’s like you’re drowning, but instead of swimming to the surface you sink. My father has cancer and it’s a bitch, I get it. But why would you want to (possibly) die so young?
    -Allison Lee Snow
    you can find me at http://www.allisonleesnow.wordpress.com 🙂
    p.s I like your hat

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  301. 🙂 Pleasure to know you and this blog of yours. Seriously I’ve only read a few posts as of yet but you write so beautifully I loved them all. Hoping to read more of your work.
    P.S. I don’t like smartphones either high-five!

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  303. You will be rewarded with a long and meaningful life for your honesty. Incidentally, I’ve studied vocabulary since my childhood, even would take lists to my shipyard job to study at lunchtime, and now at sixty years of age still have an ordinary vocabulary at best, yet the best words always seem to find their way to the passage. I believe it’s a feeling, passion. Be well, my friend.

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  304. I have followed you for three years and only now do i stumble across the page about a boy with a hat. and I must say your English is so good even I (a fluent English speaker) don’t understand sometimes

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  305. I’m relatively new to the world of blogging and am delighted to find your page. Your charm and wit is refreshing! Look forward to reading more of your work 🙂

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  306. Hi Vincent! I love the authenticity of your writings and the honesty that comes to it… Your number 6 fact cracked me up 😀 Your number 7 fact I will pray for 🙂 Hope to see more of your work in my Reader 😀

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  307. You are truly an inspiration…to smile and enjoy the essence of life… I love it when people are able to define clearly what they are and what they want from life. Kudos to you for that….

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  311. Hi Vincent, I love your blog already. I myself am an autodidact. Contemplating dropping out every day too haha.

    Reply

    1. Hi there, Ibrahim. For many/most people education does work, and it really depends on what you want to work or do in life. I’d never advise anyone to drop out of school – those who do have to reach that conclusion themselves. 🙂

      Reply

      1. Understandable. Thanks once again. There are a ton of things I’ve learnt from this blog and hopefully will learn tons more. 🙂 Carry on brother!

        Reply

  314. Hello from Canada, I’ve just had a snippet for your writing style so far. Looking forward to reading more!

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  315. When I have been most lonely, I too have found that dead authors make quite wonderful friends. Friends who are not overwhelming nor judgmental, who seem to understand us better than the living.

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  316. You write very well considering English isn’t your first language. I’m always on the lookout for blogs with real character, and now I’m happy to have stumbled upon yours.

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  317. Wow! Sounds like we have a lot in common. I’m in Romania now, my favorite clothing item is a 16-year-old hat that I never love home without, and I’m writing.

    Now I just need to learn Romanian…

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  319. Your blog has fluttered past me a couple of times, just recently, so, it must be trying to attract my attention, shall I follow?…. I might 🙂

    Reply

  327. Just my opinion: not having a TV is the equivalent of several high school diplomas. Plus a B.A. or two. My son (PhD) shares your fondness for hats, but marriage and two sons have– alas!– forced him to allow a television into his home.But there still are plenty of books there, calling to those who listen. Thanks for visiting my blog.

    Reply

  329. You’re really interesting Mr Hat. I just started writing not too long ago. Looking forward to learn from you!

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  330. Hello Vincent,
    Indeed I can’t leave without posting a comment. It would feel wrong 🙂 Thank you for sharing a piece of yourself here.

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  332. Your english is far better than any of my romance languages, but think the english “heatbrake” should be “heartbreak” — enjoyed very much discovering your website/blog. Found it via eclecticlight.co website that you had made a comment in. Thanks for making your worthwhile additions to the universe…

    Reply

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