About the Author: Kent Wayne

Hello everybody, my name is Kent Wayne.  I’ve started getting requests for personal info so I thought I’d put up this author page.  I know it’s commonly practiced social media etiquette to post lots of pictures and stuff about personal life, but I tend to veer the other way—I like my privacy.  Sorry if that offends you; I’m not trying to be rude.

I spent ten years in the military.  I was never a sex-nuts strong, roided-out Bin-laden-wasting-stud, nor was I a fat, whiny, high-and-tight (it’s the stereotypical military haircut) wearing pencil-pusher that lived to yell at people about uniform and haircut regulations because he was bullied in high school and couldn’t get a date.  Within those two extremes, I fall somewhere in between.  I’m not going to specify what units or branches I was in.  That was a different person, and it doesn’t matter now—I’m out and done with that stuff.  While it definitely informs my writing, the chapter has closed on that part of my life.

I prefer not to be thanked for my service.  There’s plenty of great articles out there that can express why better than I ever could.

My view on the military, just to give you some insight on my perspective:  the military is a reflection of society.  Of humanity.  Within it, you can find behavior that is villainous, heroic, idiotic, and genius.  The full spectrum.  And just like life, one person can exhibit some of each.  Nobody is a badass 100% of the time.  Nobody is a piece of shit 100% of the time.  I find most portrayals of the military reductive in that it doesn’t recognize this basic fact:  the military is made up of humans, and they are subject to human nature.  When it becomes clear that “shitbags” can be amazing and “heroes” can be child molesters, then the folly of using a label to reduce somebody to hero, baby-killer, badass, or brainwashed is revealed to be shortsighted and childish.

This is everywhere, not just the military.  I’m resigned to the idea that humans love to reduce the complexity of life into an easy-to-get-riled about, simplistic viewpoint.  But I have seen it get better as I’ve gotten older, so I still have hope.  I think the internet—and the increased ease of sharing information—has a lot to do with that.

The great lesson I learned from the military:  Ideals are nice and soul-stirring, but people tend to get blinded by them.  It is the ability to perceive the minutely relevant changes from instance to instance, from circumstance to circumstance, that will carry you.  It is not comfortably reductive idealism, but all-inclusory awareness that will let you navigate not just life, but all of existence.

(Hops off the soapbox)  I know that’s a poor bio, but I hope that my obnoxiously grandiose statement reveals more about me than if I were to list a boring series of life events.  And I hope it wasn’t too pretentiously poetic.  As a character from one of my favorite authors says (about a bunch of mentally masturbatory goth vampire wannabes):  “Too much time on their hands.  Leads to poetry.”

(Just kidding.  I love poetry.  Some of it.  Maybe.)

Thanks for checking out my work!  To all you writers, I wish you inspired drafting and insightful editing!

Kent Wayne

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1,444 thoughts on “About the Author: Kent Wayne”

    • Thank you for liking my poem The Truth Is. your about me page is fantastic! Your thoughts on labels and ideals are what I wish more people understood.

      Thanks again for dropping by my little ol’ blog.

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      • Hey I’m going to start following you soon. Especially the military thing I’m asking Navy probably one of the best things I ever did my life but also I agree with you on everything you said about it people I had some dirtbags I had some of the best friends I still got now I had thieves I had everything on my ship it’s the same out here I’ve always been writing I have an old another page on here I stopped couple years ago I didn’t start Dwayne Dwayne d u a n e diner poetry for your food and soul that’s still up against the stuff on it this is a new one people been telling me all the time I should publish some stuff and I now I’m mostly writing song lyrics I play in a band so I’m trying to change all my a lot of my stuff into lyrics but good right man take care get to this virus shit be good

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  2. Hello there. Thank you so much for taking a look at “Churchill” post. Sir Winston was a real character and one great ICON for the British people as well as the world. He was on center stage for most of his political life and contributed greatly to the “Crown” during the war years. Love you website. Great writing. Take care. Bob

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  3. Hi Kent
    I am a new blogger whose posts you have liked on beyondcbse.wordpress.com
    Extremely grateful for the thoughtful gesture. It’s hard to find kindness these days.and you have held my hand. I don’t read the kind of stuff you write but I will still try to develop a taste for it, understand it and ask you questions. When I am ready and a little more confident, I will share my feedback with you.

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  4. I’ve discovered you because you liked my most recent post on AnimalLoverBook.com where I talk a lot without revealing anything personal, and yet the who of me always leaks out.

    Funny thing about writers, and I’ve known many including myself: Writers can talk endlessly but rarely talk directly about themselves. However, what they do say reveals who they are far better than any self-involved blabbermouth. You’ve done some excellent revealing.

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  7. Hello Kent, thanks for this! And also would like to express my gratitude for you being one of the first viewers of my new blog and liking the posts at cherellethebibliophile.wordpress.com
    similar to @languageskillls, it is really thoughtful and a great encouragement!

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  8. Thanks for reading my post, Kent. I feel I know some of your characteristics more by what you haven’t saId, rather than what you have…Self-effacing, and maybe slightly shy? Writers are a nosy breed, especially when it comes to other human beings, and I am no exception. Best wishes to you. Cheers.

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  9. Know how you feel…I am a strange mix between extrovert and introvert, Blushed rosy red as a child, and well into my thirties, especially if a young man spoke to me. Somehow or other was married at twenty!! Conversely, I am fascinated by what makes people tick and that fascination helped me overcome the worst of my problem. Even now I’m ancient, I still have doubts about by abilities as a writer, about ‘showing off’ etc., but, hey, this is what life is often all about. We take deep breaths and just get on with it! Life’s pretty special on this wonderful, tortured planet of ours, despite the sad efforts of some of its inhabitants…Good luck with your writing, KEEP WATCHING..Cheers. .

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    • Yep, absolutely! I’ve experienced most of what you’re talking about, and at a certain point, it’s exactly like you said–just get on with it and slowly realize none of it matters because it’s all going away, and to let yourself enjoy the inherent beauty of the moment. 🙂

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  10. “My view on the military, just to give you some insight on my perspective: the military is a reflection of society. Of humanity. Within it, you can find behavior that is villainous, heroic, idiotic, and genius.” … this just awed me, “.. the military is a reflection of society. Of humanity…” Same thing we can say of the political class, those in the medical field, academics/teaching profession, clergy etc? But, what of when we look up to those groups in awe for help, redemption, direction etc?

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    • To me, that’s the modern day definition of worshiping a false god. Subject matter experts should initially be given greater benefit of a doubt, but if they justify repetitive failure with “that’s how we’ve always done it,” or “I’m right because I outrank you,” then they are slaves to doctrine, and their training–which should have been based in stress-tested traditions but imparted the ability to effectively adapt those traditions to changing circumstances–is woefully inadequate.

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  14. Thanks so much for liking my post! It was just a stupid thing I had to write for my Mid-term. Felt kind of dirty having to muddle up my writing with dummy URLs and unnecessary videos. Still, felt pretty good getting a like!

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  15. Thanks for the like – always appreciated. Had a good look round your site…looks good, now to check out your books. Like your biog – honest and hearfelt. BTW – how did you get so many likes? It’s very impressive.

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  16. Hi Kent,
    Thank you for liking post on fatimanaqvis.wordpress.com – I found your bio amazing. It’s always good to unlearn preconceived notions and see the view from the lens of someone who has been there.
    xx
    Fatima

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  18. Hi,
    Thanks for liking… No photos, no Facebook, no Instagram ? Suits me. Website ? Maybe…
    If you read my next blog, welcome to my imaginary book launch for six – max allowed here now, indoors or out.. No fizz, no food poisoning..
    Approach to writing now ? Definitely message in a bottle…. When I started this, I decided, like Barbara C, above, that writers reveal themselves in their work.

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  23. First off, I want to thank you for the like. Secondly, was it difficult for you to return to civilian life after a decade in the military?There are plenty of veterans, especially those from the Army and Marine Corps, describe feeling lost after they ETS. The military gave them an identity and an authority they no longer have.

    If I had to guess, I’d say many of them enlisted right out of high school, and they’re late to develop a sense of self (or at least one that doesn’t involve being a soldier or Marine) that most people do in their twenties. Did you have a similar experience initially, or were you able to transition more easily because your service wasn’t your whole identity?

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    • Yes it was difficult. The military takes care of everything from health care to fitness to lodging, but most importantly, it gives you a purpose. But as I observed civilians and veterans alike and their unhappiness from lack of purpose, I was determined to avoid that fate, so I pursued new hobbies and goals after I got out. Now I can’t complain about anything. I’m taken care of from every perspective.

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  27. Hi Kent,
    Thanks for the love on my new site! You definitely have a way with words, and I am more than excited to read your work.

    BTW, awesome bio. I grew up in a small military town, so I can definitely relate to their being a spectrum of individuals in the military. And for a lot of those individuals, the military is the only “way out”, so they feel they have to “do the most” to be seen.

    Looking forward to your content!

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  28. Thank you so much for liking my poetry ‘Just then the rain started’,I have just started in WordPress but got no such likes or comments for long for the first two poetries that I published, and now that I got to see that you are such a great writer and that you liked my third poem ,it really made my day…you are as deep as the ocean is ….sorry as my words is never enough for praising your worthiness….you encouraged me to write again coz it has been months that the harshness of time has left me not getting who I am and I condoned it….lots of love for you and your works… it’s such a tremendous pleasure to get liked by such a great author….thank you!!🍁

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  32. Hi,

    Finally able to use the fragile broadband, needed, mostly, by the IT brain, to WFH

    as he’s not allowed to WFH at the self funded’ office , let alone W in any covid safe space in the real office.

    Thanks for reading, Now I need to send a couple of people to a micro-community…
    far beyond UK territiorial waters

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  36. I saw your like on my blog so I thought I would come take a look around. I like this- just talking about the things you would want to reveal about yourself.I don’t know what it’s like to be in the military but I do know what it’s like to be victimized- in ways I thought I could never be victimized- by frustrated idealists. I have learned to deal with them even in the worst of times and I do believe I can handle all that quite well but I do NOT like having to deal with them. Life’s difficult enough as it is without trying to be some perfect person. You know what I mean according to what you wrote here. I have a dream… if it’s in God’s plan for my life all I need to do is make sure I show up.
    BIG SMILE! The Castle Lady

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  37. Thanks for visiting my page. I enjoyed your About Me and agree on several points. I hope your days are inspiring and have a little “what tha'” to keep you going. ;o) If life wasn’t shocking at times, we would lose our sense of wonder when we stumble across that small bit of something that can change our minds.

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  39. Hi Kent,
    Thanks for reading my post. Reading ‘About You,’ was more revealing than you think.I applaud your attitude, as – although there are many years.between us -your outlook is very mature and wise. I am only a ‘lay-person’ but fascinated by the human mind.and, although my poor excuse for one could be sharper, I never cease to be amazed when even very intelligent people, don’t or won’t…accept all the different nuances in human nature. Life is NOT BLACK AND WHITE..FACT. If only more folk walked in others shoes for a while, imagine how much better they would all get along?! We all need more tolerance – then peace would surely follow! All the very best to you. Cheers!

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  43. Hey! Thanks for liking my poem “The Sun’s Voyage” I very much agree with you, most films show milliatry with some tropes only. Loving the honest viewpoint

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  45. Situational Awareness.
    Tactical verses Strategic.
    Just recently I started thinking about why the world is in such a mess. It really is. You can blame Personality Cult, Religion, Politicians, Climate Change, El Nino, this list could get very long with a bit of effort, but really, the problem is me.
    What am I doing to change anything?
    Think on this for a moment.
    If you go big, look at the speed the world is travelling around the Sun. The rate of spin. The speed that our tiny bit of Space is revolving around the centre of our galaxy. Etc, etc. They are big numbers.
    Go small – why can’t I pass my hand through my desk?
    I could go on, but this is your Blog, and I don’t want to intrude. Liked you profile. Like your style. But always ask the next question.
    Peter

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  49. Hey Bud,
    Hooray for introverts! Hooray for extroverts! I found your writing to be intelligent with a strong male perspective (always a fan of such). Thanks for liking my brand new posts. To help me get away from bad habits of pseudo marketing, blogging is now my method of discipline. Pray for me. Lol!
    Mary LaForge

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  50. That was frank! Well done! Pleased to meet you in this virtual world where the continuum of human behaviours is in full view. It’s all here! We all are, scribbling thoughts from our individually myopic points of view, as you say, the full spectrum. Fishbowls like windows. It’s like looking out of the same window every day at the same time and seeing a different scene being played out to the one you saw yesterday. Thanks for writing things i like to read.

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