Yesterday I blogged about how authors are collectively a supportive group. Since then, I’ve pondered that quite a bit.
As a rule, writing is a solitary career. Oh, sure, there are those who go into an office daily where they do get to interact with others, but that’s not how they write. Sure, their interactions with others help to fuel the creative writing process, but the writing, the actual act of getting down a writer’s thoughts on paper…that in itself is solitary.
As such, I believe writers need to be in tuned with themselves, for if they’re not, then how could they ever hope to generate written words that will seem worthwhile? If a writer isn’t in tuned with himself or herself, then how will they convey to others the thoughts that parade around their heads in a cohesive manner that will inspire? Stimulate? Make a difference?
It’s my opinion that a writer, needing to be in tuned with their inner thoughts on such a personal level, is what makes them inclined to reach out to other writers. The reason behind this theory is that they know just how challenging it can be to not only put thought to paper in a comprehensive manner but are also keenly aware of how improbable it is to then get those thoughts, stories, articles, etc into the hands of those who will market them to the masses.
So far, this is where my pondering of this topic has led me. Who knows…perhaps tomorrow will shed more enlightenment….
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
In my writing critique group meeting earlier this evening, a topic came up, which fascinated me. Not because of the topic per say, but more due to its implications. We talked about how there is little to no competition between writers.
On the surface, that may not seem nearly as profound a statement as it is. But let’s dig a little deeper. If you take a moment to think of all the professions available, can you come up with another where not only does little competitiveness between individuals exist, but by and far, those same individuals sincerely support one another, wanting to see each other not only succeed, but excel?
Go ahead and think on it for a moment or two. I’ll wait….
When this topic was first raised at tonight’s meeting, I questioned it, thinking that there would be natural competitiveness between writers…at least the more successful ones. After all, that seems to be the norm for all other professions. But then our facilitator pointed out how authors, famous or not, sincerely reach out to help one another. How they make themselves accessible to their fan base. How they give of themselves in the form of doing public speeches to inspire other writers. How they take the time to personally respond to those who reach out to them.
Listening to what was said, I had to admit that I’d never personally come across or heard of one author being anything but supportive of another. And in that dawning moment, I became a bit proud, proud to be amongst such a large base of individuals who have things figured out on a deeper level than many. I’ve got to admit that it feels pretty cool to be amongst so many who have mastered the art of self-control enough to do the right thing and reach out to others so that they, too, might succeed.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Complacence…the dictionary defines this as quiet satisfaction or contentment. Often, it refers to self-satisfaction or smugness.
Earlier, I was having an involved conversation with a good friend about how complacence factors into much of what people are willing or unwilling to do. On a more global level, we discussed how, as a whole, society is unwilling to pay a little more, or work a little harder to do the right thing, instead opting for the “quick fix,” rather unconcerned with what the long-term results of those actions will be. Worse yet, many don’t have the where-for-all to reason that though the short-term effects may not directly impact them, the long-term ones might.
On a more individual level, my friend mentioned how many aren’t aware of what they really need. As such, he reasoned that they aren’t capable of discerning what they need to do to achieve their goals. I told him I disagreed. I believe that people do know what they want—on a base level—but may be unwilling to acknowledge such, knowing that to reach their goal, will involve change and effort on their behalf. This, I told my friend, is where complacence kicks in, inclining folks to sit back and accept rather than to strive for something more.
My friend and I tossed around tons of examples of how complacence has played a repeated factor throughout the world’s history. We marveled over how time and time again, entire societies have disregarded what they should have done in favor of the “quick fix.” In the end, doing so always backfired on them. Then we shared about individuals we’ve known who fell into the same trap, and how for them, the end result wasn’t the ultimate favorable one they’d hoped would evolve.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Natural rhythm and flow….
To all things, there is a natural order—the way things are meant to play out. Not that the outcome can’t be influenced, but attempting to intercede and force one’s will on something may make things more complicated. Likewise, sitting back and doing nothing isn’t good either. And then there’s the biggie, allowing one’s pride to get in the way.
I spend a lot of time blogging about positive mindsets and striving to better one’s self. A big part of those, in my humble opinion, is working at maintaining relationships. Some need little work. Still others require constant fine-tuning to keep everything running smooth. Even then, there are bound to be times when misunderstandings occur.
This is all part of the natural scheme of things. How we opt to handle these difficulties when they arise will determine the ultimate outcome of the relationship. If we attempt to force our own will, taking little or nothing into consideration about the other person’s feelings/needs, then the relationship is doomed. If, on the other hand, we do nothing, then it’s fate is also sealed. And lastly, if we allow our stubborn pride to get in the way of our stepping up and at least trying to work things out, then the relationship has nowhere to go but to implode.
Good communication, self-discipline and patience are all factors that I believe play integral parts in helping things run smoothly on their intended course. If something upsets you, no positive end will result by your ignoring it or passive-aggressively lashing out at the other person, instead, calm, cool and collected communication is in order. Self-discipline allows us to push our egos aside long enough to take an objective look at the situation and use constructive means to salvage the relationship. Patience is what makes it possible for individuals to seemingly sit back and so nothing, when in reality, they are doing anything but. Patience is what allows us to know that by using fine-tuning skills rather than jarring adjustments, a relationship can be nurtured to the point of its highest potential.
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