Writing and Reading

The topic just popped right in my head. I don’t know why. I take that back. Sorry. I do know why. I just don’t know HOW.

And here’s the topic: the seeming esteem of having people know you’ve written a novel. What’s up with that?

The feeling could be equated to that of, “oh, what do you do for a living?” “Oh, I discovered the cure for cancer, ended world hunger and achieved world peace by rappin’ “Boom Boom Pow” by the Black Eyed Peas.” Word.

I mean, it makes me feel like there’s so much prestige behind it! Seriously.

And I’m not talking about the good ol’ pat on the back “good for you” quote you’d get from someone who doesn’t believe in the American dream and is only interested in maintaining the status quo and going through the motions and workin’ the W2’s and 401K’s like a good, stable little American. Those people really are not impressed. Really. They just think it’s honorable that you had taken on such an incredible and attractive project (painted a masterpiece, composed a musical work, wrote a book etc etc.) with the prospect that it may never amount to any financial gain.

No, I’m talking about the comments, like, “Seriously?? Awesome! How do you do that? When can I buy the book??” (oh, sorry, forget the necessary inflection) *ahem*

“When CAN I BUY the BOOK??”

Really, all it is, is storytelling on paper. I’m writing words on paper. It’s really no different than a builder working on someone’s home. We don’t really hold high esteem for that roofer who did such a good job all those months ago on a home we’re just about to buy. We don’t even know the guy or girl’s name. But, man, think about it! That person just put a roof over your head!

And all I did was tell a story. And someone liked hearing it. On paper.

I’d like to see if someone can explain to me why being an author has so much prestige behind it. Why do they call it the “great american novel”?

DISCUSS!