Add new ... an invitation and command
Now this is different. There are half a dozen topics ping-ponging in my mind, but instead I read through the menu of choices on the screen and begin to stare at "Add New." As in add new posts, add new media, add new links, and add new pages.
"Add New" stares back at me as both an invitation and a command. What can we learn from this ever-so-brief invitation/command? My first thought is that it's an invitation and command for both writers and readers. Think about it. And while you're thinking I'll just make a list. Yes, another list, another attempt to bring a little order from the chaos of life.
1. As a reader, I am happiest when I add something new to my reading, discovering a new writer, exploring a new genre, getting lost in a new story. Often an old story that is new to me.
2. As a writer, I am happiest when I accept the invitation to add new, to begin a new story. The stories are there, out there, away from the keyboard. In his essay "The Simple Art of Murder," Raymond Chandler wrote something that just might apply here: "Down these mean streets a man must go who is not himself mean, who is neither tarnished nor afraid." In this passage Chandler is writing about the detective, but isn't that also the path of the writer who walks through the world observing, looking for stories?
3. As a reader, I have read many books in the past because someone told me to. I was commanded to read them, often by teachers. Some books I read willingly, even joyfully. Other books I read grudgingly, and with lingering regrets that I could have been reading something else, or walking on the beach, or talking to friends, or anything else!
4. As a writer, I see the invitation/command to "Add New" also as a reminder to add something new as the story moves along. The moment when the new character, or new plot twist, or new image appears is a moment to celebrate. "Add New" is the answer to "What's missing in this story? What do I need to change or add?"
5. As a reader, I enjoy telling others about my favorite writers and books. Let me "add new" to your reading. It's an invitation. In the past, when I taught English courses, it was a command. My students read the books willingly, sometimes joyfully, and sometimes grudgingly. So it goes.
6. As a writer, "Add New" means that I have the chance to add something new to someone else's life. Here's a story. Try it. You can read it in one sitting. If it's a novel you can read it in a few days. No big deal. I hope you like it. It's all I have. Just that and these dark chocolate M&Ms. Add new.
Tags: M&Ms, Raymond Chandler, Writing
April 21st, 2010 at 2:58 pm
My problem is too much "add new". Really my reading list is sooo long it's exciting and daunting at the same time. I'm exhausted just thinking about all the things I want to read and learn. Add new: skills, hobbies, habits, words, friends, places, recipes... lists!
April 21st, 2010 at 8:45 pm
Misty-Lynn, I totally sympathize! If you think about it, though, a reading list is just that, a list. It has an order. One book title has to be at the top of the list. You might try reducing your reading list to 5 titles, or a top 10. Then, if you like title #4 better than title #1, move it to the top of your list. You can't read them all at once, but would you want to?
My list is in my head. (It also tends to be a short stack of the books themselves.) I should take my own advice and write the list down and review it, then give my full attention to the book at the top of the list, and not rush through it.
I also confess that I have several unfinished books lying about. Arghh!