My Friend Is An Author
Obviously, it is difficult to be a renaissance man, but I still find great pleasure in typing out some ideas for at least someone in this world to come across and consider. This is not to say that I am dissatisfied with my chosen path; it is actually quite the contrary. Still, I marvel at those those who are artists and wished that I had a similar “super power” to convey my thoughts to a larger world.
This week, I was ecstatic to hear that someone I know was published in a literary journal. And while that may not seem like a big deal to most, I was thrilled when I heard the news on a variety of different levels.
Much like blogging, the interwebs allows almost anyone to become a writer. And I am proof positive that you don’t have to be the greatest writer in the world to have a blog. (This, like most other non-professional blogs are nothing more than stream of conscious discussions on issues the author deems important.) And a quick jaunt down 125th Street in Harlem will prove that any joker can publish a book either on their own or through one of many fly-by-night operations looking to earn some money off any sordid tale. This makes what my friend is doing all the more special.
She had a short story published in a legitimate journal. To borrow a line from Tony Kornheiser, “How cool is that?!”
Since she’s told be about being published, I’ve read her story a few times and I’m bursting with pride with each word. After the initial reading, I scanned it and forwarded it to all of my friends for them to read. And in the email, I had to tell them, “Look, I know this woman and she just had her work published. This is great!”
Even more, I’ve been forced to drop her name in every conversation. My friend will discuss the fact that they’re having an argument with their Significant Other and out of nowhere, I will drop the non sequitur, “Hey, I know someone who had their short story published! You want to hear about it? Here it goes…”
I just find it amazing that she is able to create a story in her mind, complete with dialogue, and frame the story in such a manner that keeps the reader entertained. It is a skill that not everyone has and makes it all the more special that her work is being read by a larger audience. Sure, I can tell a great story but to actually write it down and have it published? Yeah, right!
In a similar vein, another friend has the potential to become a great writer. I think that she would write great short stories but she is currently ambitious enough to start writing her first novel. Having read a bit of her work, she is certainly talented and has more than enough experiences in her brief time on Earth from which to draw upon. All she needs now is the time and patience to “put her pen to a pad to give (us) something that we’ve never had“. (Chuck D.’s words are appropriate for almost any situation. Trust and believe.) But I think that it is only a matter of time before I begin to see her name in various media showcasing her skills.
In the end, I guess it is best to live vicariously through those who have the talents for things that we cannot do. Though I love sports, I’m not in awe of Chipper Jones’ hitting skills. And despite what the insufferable Michael Kay says, I’m not jealous of Derek Jeter. (Jeter is a decent player but certainly not the envy of others. His championships were won nearly a decade ago and he’s stealing money as a shortstop with no power and an average glove yet makes $20M a season. Jose Reyes does more and gets less.) Sure, athletes have the skill to run, jump, throw, better than the average person, but these are not pliable trades.
The ability to communicate through the writer word, songwriting, screenwriting, or the visual arts is all the more impressive because it is a recognizable skill from an early age and develops over time. If we’re lucky, we can witness the development and growth over a lifetime. And for the artist, it is a talent that only ends when they feel as if they are no longer inspired.
To my friend who was recently published, and my friend who certainly will be published, I’m certainly proud of their gifts.
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