I am always amazed at the simplicity of the human mind. Or should I say the simple minded. Why do we need labels to determine what is good or bad or best?
A recent writers' group discussion that sucked me in had to do specifically with this issue. The vast majority of writers took the stance that if a story or author appeared in a 'best of' anthology well they are considered the best and damn the rest.
We all know that many best of anthologies are a poor man's award and awards are the arbiter of talent.
Just ask Cary Grant and Jerry Lee Lewis. And look at all those book awards that Lovecraft won.
We all like to win awards. They are nice. But arbitrary and certainly not the only measure. After all Kanye West has 21 Grammys and Pink Floyd 1. Does that mean Kanye is a more influential and greater music talent than the Floyd?
Ah, the new math.....
Showing posts with label Jerry Lee Lewis. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jerry Lee Lewis. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
Sunday, February 22, 2015
Cut That Deal
It started with Robert Johnson at the Cross Roads and continued down that fine line driven by Jerry Lee Lewis. AC/DC then ran down that Highway....I've been told I have no soul so how can I make a deal?
Monday, September 29, 2014
Thursday, February 6, 2014
I Don't Want A Headstone, I Want A Monument
To paraphrase Jerry Lee Lewis. Part of the writer's insecurity is to Google himself and see where he is. I am happy I cover ten full pages. The other part of the writer's narcissism is such that, while that is fine and while I want to build my brand and continue to publish --- I want a Wikipedia page.
Friday, June 14, 2013
Immortal Words All Around
Jerry Lee Lewis once opened the American Music Awards, and I paraphrase, "Elvis Presley and I may never one a Grammy, but we all know who the Kings of Rock n' Roll are."
Amid the audible gasps he then dismembered the piano during a frenzied version of 'Rockin' My Life Away' making it difficult for any real musician to follow.
Point?
Well the Bram Stoker Awards are this weekend and the frenzy continues. Many writers are glued to this. I have spoken with young writers and old as well, who are basing the success/failure of their career on having one on a shelf. Other writers tell me they get inspiration from the awards; and not in a way you may think though.
There are those who use it as a style and theme guide.
Really? Well, then you might as well wear a collar while you pant and chew your own butt.
Really.
I have nothing against awards; I just take them with a grain of salt. Your work is seen through a heavy gauze of membership, in this case in a club, and then through a faint veil of a whim.
You win you lose big deal. It really should be about the work itself.
A career should not be judged on a plaque or a 'chotsky'; it actually shouldn't be judged on all out sales as history is rife with examples of artists who sold squat and are revered today while others banked coin and have been forgotten.
Your catalogue should be judged on a trajectory of good work and like your life will be judged when you are gone.
Hey congrats to all those nominated and all those who win; but remember this isn't a sprint.
Amid the audible gasps he then dismembered the piano during a frenzied version of 'Rockin' My Life Away' making it difficult for any real musician to follow.
Point?
Well the Bram Stoker Awards are this weekend and the frenzy continues. Many writers are glued to this. I have spoken with young writers and old as well, who are basing the success/failure of their career on having one on a shelf. Other writers tell me they get inspiration from the awards; and not in a way you may think though.
There are those who use it as a style and theme guide.
Really? Well, then you might as well wear a collar while you pant and chew your own butt.
Really.
I have nothing against awards; I just take them with a grain of salt. Your work is seen through a heavy gauze of membership, in this case in a club, and then through a faint veil of a whim.
You win you lose big deal. It really should be about the work itself.
A career should not be judged on a plaque or a 'chotsky'; it actually shouldn't be judged on all out sales as history is rife with examples of artists who sold squat and are revered today while others banked coin and have been forgotten.
Your catalogue should be judged on a trajectory of good work and like your life will be judged when you are gone.
Hey congrats to all those nominated and all those who win; but remember this isn't a sprint.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
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