Hermann W. Scholz
I launched my literary journey with the novel Ein Sommer in Manitoba and have since authored four additional volumes exploring the interplay of silence and language: A Mark Upon the Water, A Breath Among the Clouds, The Forest at Dark, and The Waning Moon at Midnight. This fifth collection, Watching Incense Burn, brings together meditative musings in both time-honoured haiku form and unconventional dodoitsu-koan hybrids.
When and How the Idea Emerged
During my nighttime balcony meditations, I watch incense burn down to its glowing embers. In those moments, transient thoughts flicker in and out. Thoughts flow freely—naturally arising during meditation—a worthwhile and quiet knowing. The stillness and calmness of emptiness remain.
Watching incense burn
To its last flare-up
I am close to Bodhi
— Hermann W. Scholz, 2023 ©
Why This Subject
I am enthralled by poetry, and it compels me to create. Haikus allow me to experience the quiet and often humorous side of impermanence: all that arises falls away. My past haiku works have elicited favourable emotional and spiritual responses. What can be more joyously received than knowing you have created a moment of reflective stillness?
Writing Experience
The experience is one of encouraging willful mindfulness. I enter into meditation twice a day, setting an intention each morning and evening. Every haiku is revised three or four times through a process of present-moment distillation.
Hearing About Rapido
The recommendation came from our reference librarian through the Digital Innovation Hub at the Toronto Reference Library.
Publishing Experience with Rapido
From pre-registration to final production, Rapido’s support and attention to detail were unparalleled.
Advice for Future Rapido Authors
Make use of the variety of cover formats available. Consider the importance of graphics—for example, conveying a sense of flowing joy through the meditation process (Zin Zinkaki cover illustration). Order multiple printed proofs with different colour combinations. Seeing the variety of colours and specialty finishes in person makes a difference.
Future Writing Plans
I continue to gather content for future companion volumes. Haikus flow naturally . . .
Importance of Print
Form and energy manifest in concrete things. I still reach out to pick up my physical books. There is a timeless ritual, wonder, and majesty in this.
