Being born creative
is one of those double-barreled gifts. It's almost like having a
second type vision. You can see life, both good and bad, in richer
hues and assorted layers. The downside is that we live in a world
that is not really built for artists. Making a viable living doing
what you're born to do can feel about as accessible as winning the
Mega-millions jackpot while simultaneously getting a deep-tissue
massage. That's not even touching the assorted comments you will get
from families, loved ones and friends. People that are not writers
often have NO idea about the realities of trying to get your work out
there. Every real victory you have will mean nothing to some folks
just because of out-moded prejudices. Back when I was getting my feet
wet with zines, I had friends obviously look unimpressed just because
the publication wasn't a)glossy and b) available at your local
mass-market book emporium.
Another one is
using the term “blogger” like it's an insult. In the past few
years of writing, I've been lucky to see people get progressively
more open minded about writing online. It was just a handful of years
ago where the snobbery towards online writing was massive. Whether it
was writing for a blog or a regular website, the prevailing attitude
was that it just didn't count. The sheer amount of bullshit attached
to that is nearly mind-blowing. Writing is writing. If your work is
out there and someone who is not yourself is reading it, then guess
what? It totally counts. The fact that literary titans like Neil
Gaiman have a blog should be proof right there that being a “blogger”
is not and should not be a scarlet letter.
There's been a lot
of really fascinating and needed discussion lately about the value of
writing, especially for those of us in the fringe/genre film world.
The internet is a huge blessing, making everything more democratic
than ever. Of course with the landscape bigger than ever, it also
means that there is more work to sift through. Even more troublesome
is that it also ups the odds of having someone opportunisticly
cribbing some of the words that you worked hard to craft. Of course,
does that mean you shouldn't put you and your work out there? Hell
no! When you're creative, at the end of the day the biggest priority
should always be the work itself. If the cult of personality is
something that is your main goal, then just be a celebrity and leave
the art to the people that actually care. Also, ego? Check that at
the door too. Doing anything to be “cool” is about the uncoolest
thing in the world.
Writing is a field
that will give you ample scar tissue, so to quote one especially
mediocre Van Halen song, “you've got to roll with the punches to
get to what's real.” The cream inevitably rises and the karmic
scale does get balanced. Being a “real” writer isn't just about
getting paid and published. It's about getting rejected, having
someone leave a shitty comment or an editor bypassing your hard work
for one of a lesser quality. Yet it is the negative that makes the
positive all the sweeter when it happens. Getting your work out there
and connecting with both like minded readers and writers is far
richer than any of the annoyances that come with it. The more you
explore, the more you realize that the good far outweighs the bad.
Being a film writer
has a lot of blessings. That moment of not only moving a reader but
sometimes even the artist whom you are writing about is tantamount to
magic in this world. It is those moments that make up for any dramas
or depression. Getting to explore and write about the language of
cinema is what I live for and even when it can drive me crazy, it is
without a doubt, my path. It's not even my chosen path, because it
chose me long before I chose it and I would not have it any other
way. Play people, especially your readers, for chumps and they will
return the sentiment two-fold. But treat them with respect and the
right ones will always, always get it.
Dedicated to
Larry Gibbs and Andy Copp. Two friends that loved film and cut out
from this plane too soon. Thank you both for making a special mark in
this world and my life.
Heather, THANK YOU for this most inspiring piece. Will be in touch (very) soon. xo
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