There are those who walk among us that believe gender and gender roles are created by us--people. Nothing could be further from the truth or more false. Men should embrace their manliness, while still striving to be gentlemen. It is here that I will help men understand how to be both.
Manly Gentlemanly
Understand the basics of auto-mechanics Change a tire for a stranded lady
Know your way around the woods. Get Take your boots off before walking in
muddy. the house.
Go hunting, even if you don't kill anything. Bring breakfast home for your
woman after not killing anything.
Drink a beer and build a bonfire. Don't get drunk around your woman.
Understand technology. Call her, don't text.
It's okay to scratch your crotch. It's not okay to scratch your butt.
Own a truck. Open the door for her (in and out).
Own jeans and wear them proudly. Do not EVER buy/wear skinny jeans.
Use "ain't" sparingly. Know "ain't" is grammatically
incorrect.
Read often. Playboy does not constitute a book.
Drink coffee, not latte. Drink tea with your woman.
(Real men do not walk into Starbucks)
Watch football--lots of it. Watch The Notebook with your
woman (don't tell your friends).
Go fishing. Catch fish. Grill them. Eat the vegetables your woman cooks
(even if you don't like them).
Mow the yard. That's your job. Build a bonfire using the clippings as
a fire starter. Roast a marshmallow
or two for your woman.
Get in a few fistfights when you're young. Make your woman feel protected.
If you're going on a road trip, you drive. Let her pick the radio station (do NOT
hum along to anything by REO
Speedwagon).
Scratch your back on the corner of a wall. Offer to put lotion on her back. She'll
let you know when she wants lotion
on her front. You don't always have to
offer.
Brace yourself with a hand on the wall as Raise the seat to pee, put it down when
you urinate. finished.
Own and wear a canvass winter coat. Never, ever own/wear one of those
fluffy down coats. That's just wrong.
Work hard, get sweaty and stink. Take a shower.
Embrace your manliness and gender She wants a MAN and a
differences! GENTLEMAN!
It's really that simple guys. And I have news for my metropolitan friends: even if she tells you she finds manly men roguish and Neanderthal-ish.....she doesn't. She's thinking about us while you're playing Candy Crush on your new iPhone.
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
There REALLY Are Some Folks Who Need a Hand
As I exited I-40 in Raleigh, North Carolina today, a man caught my attention. I've seen hundreds of folks begging for money on street corners and at intersections, but this particular individual intrigued me. Why? I can't explain it, other than seeing him dressed in multi-colored BDU's, wearing a red cloth mask, waving a flag as I passed him and standing at a busy intersection just off the interstate.
I checked into my hotel room, hungry and tired. The hotel receptionist suggested a local restaurant for lunch, so I drove the short distance and ordered my food. All the while my mind drifted to the man at the intersection. Who was that guy? What's his story?
Like most who pass this man, I assumed he was a war veteran but have been around the block enough times to realize he could be playing on the sympathies of the unknowing. I asked the hotel's desk clerk if she knew the guy's story; she said she didn't, but said, "he's out there every day." That told me he was probably homeless......but it didn't stop me from grabbing my camera and walking the tenth of a mile to meet him.
I approached the man and engaged him in conversation. Upon asking where he lost his legs and where he served, I figured out quickly he wasn't a war veteran but he seemed to have a voice for those who have served. I was right in my assumption about his homelessness and "begging" for money, yet when a car stopped and offered him a dollar, he asked me to hold it. When I tried to give it back to him, he replied, "Nah man, give it to your church. I just want people to be aware of what our forgotten soldiers go through. I ain't in this for the money."
I held his dollar and listened to him preach to me about everything from Obama's imperialism to the evil that befell the Roman Empire. For several minutes I struggled to follow what he was telling me or the message he was trying to convey. Maybe he was enjoying having someone to talk to other than a passing motorist. Or perhaps in his mind everything he was talking about made sense. Regardless, this man touched me in some strange, primal way. He called himself, "Everysoldier."
At the end of the day, I know he was hustling a buck, but he wasn't a stupid man by any means. He was a man who had a message, no matter how discombobulated it was, and was determined to tell his tale. Was it his albatross? I don't know......but I listened, and I'm glad I did.
I checked into my hotel room, hungry and tired. The hotel receptionist suggested a local restaurant for lunch, so I drove the short distance and ordered my food. All the while my mind drifted to the man at the intersection. Who was that guy? What's his story?
Like most who pass this man, I assumed he was a war veteran but have been around the block enough times to realize he could be playing on the sympathies of the unknowing. I asked the hotel's desk clerk if she knew the guy's story; she said she didn't, but said, "he's out there every day." That told me he was probably homeless......but it didn't stop me from grabbing my camera and walking the tenth of a mile to meet him.
I approached the man and engaged him in conversation. Upon asking where he lost his legs and where he served, I figured out quickly he wasn't a war veteran but he seemed to have a voice for those who have served. I was right in my assumption about his homelessness and "begging" for money, yet when a car stopped and offered him a dollar, he asked me to hold it. When I tried to give it back to him, he replied, "Nah man, give it to your church. I just want people to be aware of what our forgotten soldiers go through. I ain't in this for the money."
I held his dollar and listened to him preach to me about everything from Obama's imperialism to the evil that befell the Roman Empire. For several minutes I struggled to follow what he was telling me or the message he was trying to convey. Maybe he was enjoying having someone to talk to other than a passing motorist. Or perhaps in his mind everything he was talking about made sense. Regardless, this man touched me in some strange, primal way. He called himself, "Everysoldier."
At the end of the day, I know he was hustling a buck, but he wasn't a stupid man by any means. He was a man who had a message, no matter how discombobulated it was, and was determined to tell his tale. Was it his albatross? I don't know......but I listened, and I'm glad I did.
Monday, January 27, 2014
I Am Judge!
Human beings have forever intrigued me. The compassionate, the compunctions of some, the love, the hate, the egos, the desires, the abilities, the inabilities and everything in between. Oftentimes, and I'm certainly included in this, we are quick to judge others. But I want to say this: some need to be judged. There needs to be a sense of accountability for those who break the law, the immoral and the ignorant.
Yes, I wrote it. People judge people; it's what we do. Don't be fooled by those who claim to love everyone...they don't. And I'm certainly not writing this to condone hatred and violence; on the contrary, I believe we should look for good in all. In some, however, there is no good, or at least malice has stained that individual's spirit and all but nullified anything good left in him/her.
With that said, I would like to point out that if you choose to be different in our society, be prepared to be judged by those who choose not to be different. And don't get your sweaty panties in a wad when it happens!
So, here I am: A guy who interviews people, manages people and helps lead a major organization every day. You know what? I stand in judgment of people each and every day because that's part of what I get paid to do.
Don't show up at work covered in tattoos and facial piercings and not expect to be judged. Personally, I could care less if you have these things on your body, but don't get mad when I look at you strangely. You can call me a bigot; I can call you stupid. Your perspective/my perspective. I love America!
And look: if you aren't that bright...I still love you, but don't demand fifteen dollars an hour at McDonald's or an increase in the minimum wage. It's called the 'minimum wage' because it was intended to be the minimum before you ventured into the next phase of your career, hopefully at a higher wage BECAUSE YOU EARNED IT.
Everyone wanting to legalize drugs: cool. Legalize away, but don't get upset when you fail the company's drug test. Rules are rules. Happy two year unemployment on my dime, I suppose.
Don't go to a bar or concert, mouth off to someone, get your rear end kicked then scream about bullies. They aren't bullies--they're the guys you shouldn't have mouthed off to. It's an interesting paradigm, really.
You're on-line and can't write very well? Don't get upset and call someone a Grammar Nazi. If you don't know the difference between your and you're, or they're, their and there, don't get upset when I point and laugh.
You are judged every day of your life! It's human nature and won't change no matter how many memes you post on Facebook, no matter how many miles you drive in your car with the "coexist" bumper sticker on the rear window, no matter if you Occupy Some City because you're (see what I did there?) just interested in going to a party, you'll be judged.
The really nice thing about technology is you'll be remembered for your stupidity--forever. That's right my wayward friend, you will be researched before we give you a job. You know why? Because we don't want a deadbeat pseudo-employee working for us. We want someone in that position because they can get the job done without creating or causing problems at work.
Oh yeah, and there's another thing I want to point out if you don't enjoy being judged: leave your drama at home. No one wants to see you crying at work or hear about what goes on (or doesn't) in your bedroom. You want to know what happens after you spill your guts to everyone who walks past your desk? We talk about you on our lunch break.
I would say it's a shame that we hold others in judgment, but I'd be lying. It's not a shame, it's science and it's human. Welcome to reality.
Yes, I wrote it. People judge people; it's what we do. Don't be fooled by those who claim to love everyone...they don't. And I'm certainly not writing this to condone hatred and violence; on the contrary, I believe we should look for good in all. In some, however, there is no good, or at least malice has stained that individual's spirit and all but nullified anything good left in him/her.
With that said, I would like to point out that if you choose to be different in our society, be prepared to be judged by those who choose not to be different. And don't get your sweaty panties in a wad when it happens!
So, here I am: A guy who interviews people, manages people and helps lead a major organization every day. You know what? I stand in judgment of people each and every day because that's part of what I get paid to do.
Don't show up at work covered in tattoos and facial piercings and not expect to be judged. Personally, I could care less if you have these things on your body, but don't get mad when I look at you strangely. You can call me a bigot; I can call you stupid. Your perspective/my perspective. I love America!
And look: if you aren't that bright...I still love you, but don't demand fifteen dollars an hour at McDonald's or an increase in the minimum wage. It's called the 'minimum wage' because it was intended to be the minimum before you ventured into the next phase of your career, hopefully at a higher wage BECAUSE YOU EARNED IT.
Everyone wanting to legalize drugs: cool. Legalize away, but don't get upset when you fail the company's drug test. Rules are rules. Happy two year unemployment on my dime, I suppose.
Don't go to a bar or concert, mouth off to someone, get your rear end kicked then scream about bullies. They aren't bullies--they're the guys you shouldn't have mouthed off to. It's an interesting paradigm, really.
You're on-line and can't write very well? Don't get upset and call someone a Grammar Nazi. If you don't know the difference between your and you're, or they're, their and there, don't get upset when I point and laugh.
You are judged every day of your life! It's human nature and won't change no matter how many memes you post on Facebook, no matter how many miles you drive in your car with the "coexist" bumper sticker on the rear window, no matter if you Occupy Some City because you're (see what I did there?) just interested in going to a party, you'll be judged.
The really nice thing about technology is you'll be remembered for your stupidity--forever. That's right my wayward friend, you will be researched before we give you a job. You know why? Because we don't want a deadbeat pseudo-employee working for us. We want someone in that position because they can get the job done without creating or causing problems at work.
Oh yeah, and there's another thing I want to point out if you don't enjoy being judged: leave your drama at home. No one wants to see you crying at work or hear about what goes on (or doesn't) in your bedroom. You want to know what happens after you spill your guts to everyone who walks past your desk? We talk about you on our lunch break.
I would say it's a shame that we hold others in judgment, but I'd be lying. It's not a shame, it's science and it's human. Welcome to reality.
Friday, December 27, 2013
A Dream Less Deferred
As a few of you know I'm an aspiring writer. I've been published a few times in some fairly popular mainstream magazines, but my real dream is to write a novel and have it brought to print. I can't begin to explain my drive or motive for doing such.....it's not money or fame; after all, those two things are simply byproducts and fleeting at best.
Perhaps it has more to do with my passion for expressing myself. Certainly, if I were musically inclined I'd pursue that interest. Music, for me at least, is something I've always been enamored with but unable to really "do." Writing is at least a vehicle for articulating thoughts or dreams in a way that others might appreciate.
I've been working on a manuscript for a little while now. The storyline and theme are truly taking shape and I get more and more excited as I write. Will it be accepted for publication when the time comes for me to submit it? I have no idea. What I do know is that Stephen King's first novel, Carrie, was reportedly rejected 150 times before getting picked up by a publishing house. Now, I don't claim to have one tenth the artistic and writing capabilities of Mr. King, but his personal story at least offers some inspiration to a guy trying to follow in his footsteps.
Over the past few months I've received some wonderful help and feedback from several people. My wife Cathy has read a significant portion of what I've written and is excited about it. For those who know her, you understand that she can be a tough critic, so her positive attitude has been instrumental in my continued push to finish the story.
My friend Thomas has provided some great direction for my protagonist. As one who has spent a lot of time "over there," his help has been tantamount while I trudge through the mush and mud that are my thoughts.
Kevin has lent a large portion of himself in my protagonist's character development. Our discussions have been full of insight and laughter and I appreciate everything he's done thus far, and what he continues to do in offering feedback and guidance.
Gary has been a huge motivation for me! He told me over dinner a few months ago, and has reiterated to me on more than a few occasions, that "writing is re-writing." I didn't fully understand what he meant by that statement until I began some moderate self-editing. Several times I found myself asking, "Did I really write this crap?" Yes, his advice has been spot on.
But, as I began in this small post, I can't put my finger on why I continue to write and the motivation that has kept me focused on my manuscript for some time now. Like I said, having a book published is a dream, so I guess that explanation will have to suffice for now until I figure out a way to better articulate it for those who might be interested. For now, I'll offer only a short poem by Langston Hughes........his thoughts are my thoughts, better served by a man who understood drive and passion.......and expressed them in a beautifully succinct fashion.
Perhaps it has more to do with my passion for expressing myself. Certainly, if I were musically inclined I'd pursue that interest. Music, for me at least, is something I've always been enamored with but unable to really "do." Writing is at least a vehicle for articulating thoughts or dreams in a way that others might appreciate.
I've been working on a manuscript for a little while now. The storyline and theme are truly taking shape and I get more and more excited as I write. Will it be accepted for publication when the time comes for me to submit it? I have no idea. What I do know is that Stephen King's first novel, Carrie, was reportedly rejected 150 times before getting picked up by a publishing house. Now, I don't claim to have one tenth the artistic and writing capabilities of Mr. King, but his personal story at least offers some inspiration to a guy trying to follow in his footsteps.
Over the past few months I've received some wonderful help and feedback from several people. My wife Cathy has read a significant portion of what I've written and is excited about it. For those who know her, you understand that she can be a tough critic, so her positive attitude has been instrumental in my continued push to finish the story.
My friend Thomas has provided some great direction for my protagonist. As one who has spent a lot of time "over there," his help has been tantamount while I trudge through the mush and mud that are my thoughts.
Kevin has lent a large portion of himself in my protagonist's character development. Our discussions have been full of insight and laughter and I appreciate everything he's done thus far, and what he continues to do in offering feedback and guidance.
Gary has been a huge motivation for me! He told me over dinner a few months ago, and has reiterated to me on more than a few occasions, that "writing is re-writing." I didn't fully understand what he meant by that statement until I began some moderate self-editing. Several times I found myself asking, "Did I really write this crap?" Yes, his advice has been spot on.
But, as I began in this small post, I can't put my finger on why I continue to write and the motivation that has kept me focused on my manuscript for some time now. Like I said, having a book published is a dream, so I guess that explanation will have to suffice for now until I figure out a way to better articulate it for those who might be interested. For now, I'll offer only a short poem by Langston Hughes........his thoughts are my thoughts, better served by a man who understood drive and passion.......and expressed them in a beautifully succinct fashion.
Harlem
What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up
like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore—
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over—
like a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?
Sunday, December 22, 2013
Weighing In on Recent Events
All of the noise surrounding the recent events about a reality show on the Arts and Entertainment Network are worth discussing and evaluating. Most who know me understand that my political slant is pretty conservative. I think the rule of law trumps most, but common sense trumps all. I try, most days, to live by Christian values and these values mean forgiveness and love.
As we are all now aware, A&E Network suspended Phil Robertson for stating what he defined as sin in an article written in GQ Magazine. The U.S. media has created a circus around this issue and many have taken sides--one, pro-Phil, the other pro-A&E's decision. Many found Phil's comments to be bigoted and vile, others believed he was simply stating his Christian beliefs.
Here's my take on the issue. I'm a First Amendment man. In fact, I'm a Constitutional man. I'm a business man. I'm a man who loves his family and friends. I'm a church going man. So, how do I reconcile the A&E/Phil Robertson issue in my own mind? It's really pretty easy for me.
A&E made a business decision and I stand by their right to do so. Yes, I said it. I stand by A&E's decision to suspend Phil Robertson for making remarks they found controversial that could potentially effect their viewer ratings. I stand by Phil Robertson's right to state his opinion on a subject (by the way, the question didn't have anything to do with homosexuality or race, it had everything to do with what Phil defined as 'sin'). As a consumer, I stand by my right to not watch A&E again. That's called free market, and I love it.
Now, many will take that statement as one that supports Robertson and his position. Before I delve into that, let me say that he wasn't comparing or equating homosexuality with bestiality, although many were quick to say he did. He was defining, in his mind, what sin is.
Personally, I think A&E could have handled this situation much differently. They could have put out a statement stating they did not agree with Phil Robertson and his position, but respect his right to state his personal beliefs in a magazine article. Instead, A&E caved to a special interest group that pressured them into their knee jerk reaction. I disagree with what they did, but stand by their business decision. Does that make sense?
Now, let me tackle the whole homosexuality/sin nonsense. This may come as a shock to many of my friends and family, but I'm going to say it anyway. The Christian Bible is comprised of many books and is divided into two distinct sections. The two sections are what separate us, in part, from Jews and Muslims. The Old Testament defines many things that God frowned upon when dealing with his creation: mankind. Original sin, murder, incest, homosexuality, bestiality, idolatry, etc., were listed as things God didn't want and smote individuals and cities accordingly if they broke his laws.
Enter Christ and the New Testament and significant controversy abounds! Christ preached love and forgiveness. He preached tolerance. His rhetoric was so intense that many times he spoke in parables because 'Godly' speech probably would have confused his flock.
I don't feel like I have to forgive homosexuals. Why would I? What have they done to me? (Well, there was that one guy who came onto me my freshman year of college....and it kind of wigged me out, but that's another story for another time.) I have friends and family who are homosexual. They're very good people. They're very nice people. I love them all, no differently than my heterosexual friends and family. While I don't purport to understand homosexuality, I'm not going to hate people who are. It's just not in my heart. I may make fun of a guy prancing around in tights with Mardi Gras beads around his neck during a gay pride parade in New York City, but you know what? I make fun of straight people doing ridiculous things too.
So, folks, that's my take on the whole thing. I love Duck Dynasty and support Phil's right to state his beliefs. I support A&E's right to make a business decision (even though I think it was the wrong one) and I support a person's right to love any way they want.
You have a right to disagree with me and that's okay. I won't be mad at you either way.
Have a Merry Christmas everyone....and a prosperous, healthy and happy New Year.
As we are all now aware, A&E Network suspended Phil Robertson for stating what he defined as sin in an article written in GQ Magazine. The U.S. media has created a circus around this issue and many have taken sides--one, pro-Phil, the other pro-A&E's decision. Many found Phil's comments to be bigoted and vile, others believed he was simply stating his Christian beliefs.
Here's my take on the issue. I'm a First Amendment man. In fact, I'm a Constitutional man. I'm a business man. I'm a man who loves his family and friends. I'm a church going man. So, how do I reconcile the A&E/Phil Robertson issue in my own mind? It's really pretty easy for me.
A&E made a business decision and I stand by their right to do so. Yes, I said it. I stand by A&E's decision to suspend Phil Robertson for making remarks they found controversial that could potentially effect their viewer ratings. I stand by Phil Robertson's right to state his opinion on a subject (by the way, the question didn't have anything to do with homosexuality or race, it had everything to do with what Phil defined as 'sin'). As a consumer, I stand by my right to not watch A&E again. That's called free market, and I love it.
Now, many will take that statement as one that supports Robertson and his position. Before I delve into that, let me say that he wasn't comparing or equating homosexuality with bestiality, although many were quick to say he did. He was defining, in his mind, what sin is.
Personally, I think A&E could have handled this situation much differently. They could have put out a statement stating they did not agree with Phil Robertson and his position, but respect his right to state his personal beliefs in a magazine article. Instead, A&E caved to a special interest group that pressured them into their knee jerk reaction. I disagree with what they did, but stand by their business decision. Does that make sense?
Now, let me tackle the whole homosexuality/sin nonsense. This may come as a shock to many of my friends and family, but I'm going to say it anyway. The Christian Bible is comprised of many books and is divided into two distinct sections. The two sections are what separate us, in part, from Jews and Muslims. The Old Testament defines many things that God frowned upon when dealing with his creation: mankind. Original sin, murder, incest, homosexuality, bestiality, idolatry, etc., were listed as things God didn't want and smote individuals and cities accordingly if they broke his laws.
Enter Christ and the New Testament and significant controversy abounds! Christ preached love and forgiveness. He preached tolerance. His rhetoric was so intense that many times he spoke in parables because 'Godly' speech probably would have confused his flock.
I don't feel like I have to forgive homosexuals. Why would I? What have they done to me? (Well, there was that one guy who came onto me my freshman year of college....and it kind of wigged me out, but that's another story for another time.) I have friends and family who are homosexual. They're very good people. They're very nice people. I love them all, no differently than my heterosexual friends and family. While I don't purport to understand homosexuality, I'm not going to hate people who are. It's just not in my heart. I may make fun of a guy prancing around in tights with Mardi Gras beads around his neck during a gay pride parade in New York City, but you know what? I make fun of straight people doing ridiculous things too.
So, folks, that's my take on the whole thing. I love Duck Dynasty and support Phil's right to state his beliefs. I support A&E's right to make a business decision (even though I think it was the wrong one) and I support a person's right to love any way they want.
You have a right to disagree with me and that's okay. I won't be mad at you either way.
Have a Merry Christmas everyone....and a prosperous, healthy and happy New Year.
Saturday, December 7, 2013
I Celebrate Christmas
In a world gone awry, Christmas continues to be a constant reminder of hope. We live in a time of apologists; we apologize for being American, for our race, for our gender and for our religion. I peer into the future and fear for what may become of our once great nation. When did it become offensive to tell someone "Merry Christmas?" When did retailers decide their profits could still be had even if they posted "Happy Holidays?"
Whether you recognize Christ as Savior is irrelevant to me. What matters is that America panders to those who would disagree with the majority--yes, Christians are still the majority here in the States. Personally, if you celebrate Ramadan, Hanukah or Happy Buddhist Day that's your prerogative and I don't care. But your chosen religion DOES NOT GIVE YOU THE RIGHT to demand a removal of Christian signage or verbiage because you simply disagree with it.
It's almost humorous to hear those who proclaim no religion at all to tell us how "spiritual" they are. What they really are is intolerant and bigoted. I suspect they, those who don't like the Christmas tradition and everything it represents, are really jealous that many have faith in something much larger than the human condition. I merely ask: what's wrong with that?
People can point to church organizations whose leaders are sometimes miscreants and steal money or commit a crime, but the teachings told us in the Bible have nothing to do with those individuals. Humans are humans and fall far from perfection each day, but that should have no bearing on what the Gospels preach.
Lastly, if I should say Merry Christmas to you in passing, don't be offended. Just smile and say "thank you." I didn't intend it as an insult but if you take it as one, then understand....I won't apologize. :)
Whether you recognize Christ as Savior is irrelevant to me. What matters is that America panders to those who would disagree with the majority--yes, Christians are still the majority here in the States. Personally, if you celebrate Ramadan, Hanukah or Happy Buddhist Day that's your prerogative and I don't care. But your chosen religion DOES NOT GIVE YOU THE RIGHT to demand a removal of Christian signage or verbiage because you simply disagree with it.
It's almost humorous to hear those who proclaim no religion at all to tell us how "spiritual" they are. What they really are is intolerant and bigoted. I suspect they, those who don't like the Christmas tradition and everything it represents, are really jealous that many have faith in something much larger than the human condition. I merely ask: what's wrong with that?
People can point to church organizations whose leaders are sometimes miscreants and steal money or commit a crime, but the teachings told us in the Bible have nothing to do with those individuals. Humans are humans and fall far from perfection each day, but that should have no bearing on what the Gospels preach.
Lastly, if I should say Merry Christmas to you in passing, don't be offended. Just smile and say "thank you." I didn't intend it as an insult but if you take it as one, then understand....I won't apologize. :)
Sunday, November 24, 2013
Writing is a job
I've always envisioned writing a book and having it published. A few years ago I wrote a series of magazine articles for some rather largely distributed martial arts rags and received a lot of positive feedback. Some time back I began work on a humorous memoir of sorts but rethought pursuing publication after getting some constructive criticism, in addition to reading that these types of manuscripts are rarely published and not generally well received. So, for now I've tabled that work and have steered myself down the winding, and somewhat unpredictable road of fiction.
Great writers make writing fiction seem natural. In reality, great writers make writing anything seem natural, and for some I suspect it is. What I've discovered during this process, however, is writing (for me) is work; it's pleasurable work mostly, but it's work nonetheless. My friend, and author, Gary Gabelhouse remarked to me over dinner that writing "is rewriting." How correct he is.
I had no idea how many grammatical and spelling errors I make as I attempt to put thought to keyboard. I'm especially not very careful about what I post on social media, as I usually ramble and throw things out there for effect, not concerning myself with spelling and grammar. But even with that, I still catch myself going back and editing status updates and such just to keep from further embarrassing myself, the content notwithstanding.
For anyone considering writing a manuscript, I encourage it, but let's be honest, most aren't prepared for that level of work, and more importantly, most aren't prepared for negative feedback from those offering to read their work. It's hard to stomach that kind of critique, I promise.
Without giving away anything too detailed about this project I've undertaken, I would like to share a paragraph I recently wrote and allow you, the reader, to offer feedback. I realize there is no perspective or context with which to form an opinion about the work as a whole, and you know nothing about the characters, but I still wanted to share just a little to pique the interest of those who might be interested to read it in its entirety sometime in the future (I hope)......
Some time passed before Buddy spoke again. He weighed his words before speaking then
began, “Billy, a strong distrust of government is a good thing. Hell, that’s what the founders of our country
told us to do; you know, don’t trust 'em.
But walking around being cynical all the time eats at a man’s
heart. Everyone can’t be bad all the
time, Billy. You should think about that
and let the past die and be buried.”
And so onward I push. I want nothing more than to see this work published. My ego and pride want nothing more than to be walking through an airport and see some passenger with his/her nose in my book, enjoying my "work." That, my friends, is the goal; not money or fame....simply seeing and hearing about someone else enjoying that which I've labored to give.
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