Who Me? (Creative Contribution and Salinger)
John Fox of BookFox has presented perhaps the most interesting and intelligent thought to come out of the responses to Salinger’s death.
For any of us who have ever wondered “Who am I to think I have something to say/contribute?” he offers a perspective that not only grants permission to create but also asserts that it’s your duty. I’ve often thought maybe I’m narcissistic to think anyone would ever want to read something I’ve written. That kind of thinking only gets in the way of the creative process and production. In the past I’ve agreed with Flannery O’Connor that writing programs might encourage too many people, which just sounds awful, but a lot of people don’t take writing seriously enough and then think that they can and even deserve to be published. Case in point: people who say they like to write but never read.
But that’s veering off into tangent-land. Consider this:
…art kept only for oneself is selfish. As human beings, we don’t exist in a vacuum, we exist in communities and societies that rightfully demand dues. It’s not an option to give those dues, it’s a duty.
I don’t think I’ve ever encountered that perspective, but I think I wholeheartedly agree. It turns art into an enterprise focused on other people, on communication and connection, instead of turning inward, hoarding, and cutting oneself off from society/community. Then one’s art is not about how talented the person it but rather what the art can say and how it can connect people.
It does remind me of the biblical idea that God entrusts everyone gifts/talents that should not be squandered.
So, I say, take this as license to go out there, work hard, hone your talent, and give back to your community!
I love this! Our neighbor across the street was telling me a few weeks back that he’s writing a novel about the twin towers falling. My first question to him was, who do you read and how much? And the answer was that he doesn’t. He says that he doesn’t want to be influenced by someone else (um, why not?), and didn’t have an answer when I asked him why anyone would read what he’s written if he isn’t reading what other people are writing. Hmm.
I am looking for your email address on here, but I don’t see it. Would you mind dropping me an email (lindsayecrandall@gmail.com)? I have more thoughts about this, mommyhood, writing, etc. that I’d like to share with you.
Happy Saturday!