Passion vs. Trends

(Image by Stockcake)

As a writer: Would you compromise your passion for trends? I was reading an article the other day about how romance books sell much better than other genre, and how, many readers today prefer writers who write in first person even when they're writing a steamy sex scene. One of the readers who was interviewed said that she only reads books written from first person perspective because she can connect better to the story. She also said that she liked uncomplicated books because she didn't want to think. She just wanted a place where she could escape. So, should all writer rush to write from first person point of view, or write simplistic stories?

As a writer: Okay, let's hold off on that response because I want to introduce something else. I was at a writers conference awhile back, and one of the speakers was a screenwriter named Gary. He was funny, and cracked a lot of jokes. But one thing that stuck in my mind from his lecture was the story he told us about his friend who was also a screenwriter. His friend was looking for work, and started to call around to find someone who was interested in him writing a script about G.I. Joe action figure. He was told that someone else had already been commissioned to do that, but if he was willing to write about this other toy—let's call it Molly—they would consider purchasing his script. Months go by, and one day Gary calls his friend to see how he was doing. His friend said that he was about to hang the doll, and himself, because he was tired of staring at a blank page.

As a reader: Years ago, a friend of mine, who loved to read, and write, gave me a book she had enjoyed reading—Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice. I have never been into vampires unless it's Halloween, and I want to dress as one, but my friend who knew this about me, insisted that I read the book. I picked up the book reluctantly, and before I knew it, I finished it in two days. I enjoyed the writer's voice, and found the plot fascinating. So, Anne Rice drew me into her story, and I couldn't put the book down.

As a business: Yes, writing is also a business, but should you kill your creativity, and write what the trends dictate? It's a tough decision when you have bills to pay. Yet, at the same time, it squashes the creative process. And I'm sure that there are writers out there who write manuscripts that they are not passionate about. There is no judgement here. We are all different, and our needs, and desires are different. Nothing wrong with that.

As for me, I have to be passionate about what I write. Otherwise, I would produce mediocre work, at best. I rather have another job that would support my writing career, than to write just to please others. Because I think if I write an intriguing story, I can open up the readers mind to a whole new world, by drawing them in.

I think a writer's job is not just to tell a story, but to let the reader learn something new, something they didn't know much about. And if done right, the reader can still sit back, and lose themselves without being forced to think. 

Lost

I have lost my path, and need to find it back. I'm tired of all the hostility in our world. lately, I haven't been in the mood to do anything. Motivational speakers say don't listen to what your brain tells you. Get over it. Just do it. Although I do agree with this philosophy most of the time, there are times when I know I need to shut down. (image by Graham Gercken)

If you have been following me on my blog, know me from twitter, or have read my work, then you already know that I'm not just a writer, but also an activist. I'm not big, known, or anything like that. I contribute in my tiny way to help make the world a little better. One example is The Conscience, the humanitarian aid flotilla, that was bombed by Israeli drones in Malta. Everyone around the world made so much noise, pushing Malta to agree to repair it. Otherwise, all the aid workers on that ship would have died.

People don't like activists, and find them annoying. Even most writers roll their eyes, and stay away from carrying a conversation about injustice, because all they want is to sell their books, and don't want to offend anyone. But if it weren't for activists, no one would be enjoying a better quality of life and have some freedoms. Activists are the ones whose legs the rest of the society stands on. They risk their lives everyday so that we can live a comfortable life.

And I'm not talking about me. I'm talking about the leaders of human rights organizations, Amnesty International, student activist leaders, journalists, conscientious politicians and speakers, and many others who have a voice and use it to make people's lives better. I have a big appreciation for them, and do what little I can to support them. 

Unfortunately, I'm also an empath and soak up everything like a sponge. So, I need to disconnect when things become overwhelming like right now, in this chaotic world. Because if I continue, then my health would deteriorate, and I'll be no good to anyone.

So, I'm disconnecting for a bit to remind myself that there is also good in this world. I'm turning inward so that I can unblock whatever is holding me back from writing. I believe that it is in the quiet moments of life where we can find ourselves, and feel whole again. 

Hermit Crab goes to Palm Springs

 

Have you ever had one of those moments in life when nothing is working all around, including work and your personal life. Do you keep doing the same thing hoping that things will change or do you step back to get a better perspective? I’ve been in a funk lately, keeping a low profile, trying to figure things out. I don’t know. Maybe this is the personality of a writer; we sometimes go into a cave to find ourselves. Or maybe I’m like a hermit crab, and hide in my shell when things are off. I normally love to socialize and it is in socializing that I get ideas for a scene in my book or for posts on my blog.

I went for a long walk today to clear my head. And I must have looked utterly unhappy because this lady passing me by said: If you don’t smile, I’m going to have to tickle you. That made me laugh because it was so out of order. We wished each other a happy Friday and walked away. So, this hermit crab is going to try hard to crawl out of its shell for a minute or two to post about hanging out with her nieces and one of her excursions to Palm Springs awhile back.

It was my niece’s birthday yesterday, the one in the pink dress. The one in the black dress is their bestie. She’s more like a sister to them than a friend. I have taken them to many outings since their childhood, and we have shared many fun memories together.

Okay. On to Palm Springs…Many people go there to chillax and use the spas. I don’t think I have ever done that. I’ve been to spas before, just not in Palm Springs. My friend and I opted to ride the aerial tram.

There is a bus that takes you from the parking lot to the tram. This tram is a bit weird because it rotates, and if you have motion sickness, are afraid of heights, or are not a people person, you will not like this. Try to get there as early as possible or the ride will be a ride from hell because it’s overcrowded.

There was this guy standing next to me by the window, with his back turned, holding a child. He kept leaning back into me and I had nowhere to move to. I said: “Excuse me sir, could you please not lean back into me?” He said, “What are you talking about? I haven’t moved.” And I was like, “Oh, okay, maybe I’m just hallucinating.” 

I’m just sayin’…get there early. And get your ticket online or you’ll be waiting for hours in a long line.

Is it worth it? It’s worth doing it once because of the views and the serenity you feel when you’re up there. But, I will not do this again. In Switzerland yes, in Palm Springs, no way. Some people took the tram, got off and left to use one of the trails.

 

On the way back, I stood in the center instead of by the windows, which was a better experience. I know what you’re thinking. What about the views? No view is worth having a rude stranger invading my space.

Apple tart and an Americano at L'Atelier Café. Yum! They also have excellent salads and sandwiches.

Art is big in Palm Springs, and just for that, I may be going back for a visit. This show was enjoyable and unexpected. I ended up purchasing two collage arts from an artist named Richard Curtner, his works are currently hanging on my walls. One of them is posted here. I think this show was just a onetime thing. But there are other ones coming up like La Quinta Art Celebration.

If you’re able to, go visit on a Thursday for Palm Springs Village Fest, a fun street fair. There are clothing, crafts, and food booths, and places stay open until late. As you walk, you hear music coming from nearby bars, and it’s chatty, bubbly, and cheerful.

I don’t go to Starbucks much these days unless there are no other choices in the area. But this Starbucks is unusual because the décor is different. So, if you happen to be in Palm Springs, check it out.

We ended the night at Sammy G's Tuscan Grill before heading back to L.A. I don’t eat meat, but my friend who had the filet mignon said that it was good. They gave us complimentary Amaretto digestive and biscotti. Two thumbs up for the service and the food.