Category: Writing

What we do matters.

What we don’t do is just as important. 

Pick your actions and refusals with care and convinction.

In a recent comparison of broadcast tv today vs. 1975, there is a questioning – was tv back them, when half-a-billion viewers (yes, with same people viewing multiple shows) would tune in to watch All in the Family, Sanford & Son, and the others in the top ten – was it something we should want?

Now, a the top ten shows are lucky to get 10% of that.

But times change. Now it’s a lot easier to get the content that resonates with us. And that leaves room for niches that wouldn’t otherwise exist.

“Variety’s the very spice of life, that gives it all its flavor.” – William Cowper

Why would we lock ourselves into a specific way, just because it’s working at the moment?

It’s important to be open to new things, especially since new opportunities do come along just about every day.

Everyone is going about their day, doing something. Whose work is the most important?

To each of us, maybe we feel that is our own work. And so, when we try to work in concert with others, though on different priorities, it’s easy to find conflict.

Maybe not complete disagreement. But something amiss.

Navigating those different priorities is how we accomplish what we’re looking to accomplish.

Write. Write prodigiously. Even if it’s hard to believe that there is anything worth keeping.

You’re working it out – this writing mucle. Ideas are scattered throughout, to be sure.

All in all, what I’m trying to say is, just make something happen.

Steven Pressfield wrote about the resistance. That force that opposes the artist – that diminishes creativity.

But what if there’s another force in opposition of output? Something that I see as a means of filtration – it considers, instantaneously, what you’re about to make, and tries to shape it into something more palatable. More acceptable to an audience.

In doing that… We water down our own art. And I’m not sure if that is in itself part of the resistance, or if it’s something other.

Because that, whether resistance or not, can be combated simply by showing up – day in, and day out. Showing it that it is safe to create, and to push boundaries.

Working closely with people, you can see defined groupings. They crop up. These little cliques.

And you can start to see one group critique another. Criticize. Especially as projects near completion.

But, here’s the thing. In most cases, once the finish line is in sight. Crossing it is the goal.

Get it good. Maybe great.

Ultimately, though, it doesn’t have to be perfect. It does have to be done.

Sometimes, it’s as simple as asking yourself, “What interests me?”

Basic and simple, this question can be surprisingly powerful. For letting your curiosity run wild.

And as a compass for making meaningful decisions in life.

One step in the right direction, day after day.

Eventually, you’ll find yourself on solid ground, and maybe even making incredible progress.

But it always starts small.

Most cinema presenters are begging for longer theatrical runs.

But, if around half of the ticket sales for a movie occur over opening weekend, does a longer run make sense?

We’ve changed how we consume media, and the entertainment business is still working to catch up.

Going to the pictures is a great time, if you’re into that sort of thing. But now? There are so many alternatives, which will still be there, no matter how long a film takes over a screen at the multiplex.