As a blogger and a freelance writer, I have dreams. I have hopes. Every writer does. Some want to make the best seller's list, some want to write a novel, or be published. Many want to earn enough income to live off. Others just want recognition or fans. Sure, most writers and creative people do LOVE what they do. But, there are still those that just want to make it big and retire off of all the royalties.
Then there are others.. the humble ones...
Those that just simply want to write and express their creative side through their writing. It is truly a passion, a release, a best friend they can always depend on to get them through the rough days. Their humility is just the hope that someone will see their talent and recognize it. And just give them a smile and a pat on the back.
But, even those that write "just for fun" still have dreams. Maybe those dreams involve making a difference, even if it is through their writing. But, in this tough competition of the new world of online writing, what do the little people do? As they blend in the crowd and high page rankings, screaming "pick me, pick me," it can be a dog-eat-dog-world and something BIG has to happen!
Dog Eat Writers World
Let's face it, the competition is fierce and most bloggers and writers give up on making it big or even getting on the first page of Google. Some simply quit. There are those that give up the big dream, but never give up their passions. They continue to live out their dreams, even if they never make it among the big fish. They simply do it because they like it.
It is rough in today's world - everyone is out for themselves. Some push the little people out of the way to be seen and heard. Technology and the Internet only creates more fish in the sea of writing and creative endeavors. Sure, the talent sometimes rises to the top. Those that persevere often times do make it, but with a lot of hard work. But many successes are due to having a lot of money, friends in marketing or publishing, and a publicist.
How do you get known without a publicist? Or a reality show?
There is no American Idol for Writers
Some great unknown talent have gotten their 15 minutes of fame (Susan Boyle) or a millions-of-dollars contract with a recording studio (Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood) because of a little known reality show called American Idol. Probably heard of it.
Did you know there is no American Idol for writers? Or painters. Or other less-flashy artistic talents. And I am guessing there probably will not be anytime soon. Or ever. The question then, how do you get recognized without a reality show or best seller?
Writers helping Writers
I came across a blog entry from one of my favorite Christian authors, Donald Miller. It was for a contest. Unfortunately, the contest was over. I guess I don't read the blog often enough to stay on top of these things. Anyhow, I thought it was a good contest.
The Living a Better Story Contest was based on Donald's book, A Million Miles in a Thousand Years (which I NOW understand the cover). Basically, the contest was for those "people who want to do great things with their lives, who want to live a story that has meaning and helps and inspires others," in Mr. Miller's words. If you read the book (which I highly recommend!!), you will understand.
The contest was not just for people with a bestseller, or a publicist or even a popular blog with high PR on Google. It was open to everyone. It was simply based on doing great things and living a better story. And expressing it in words. True inspiration!
Living a Better Story
After reading A Million Miles, I was completely inspired, motivated, and feeling a little bit guilty. I have all those hopes and dreams gnawing at me to live a better story. Much of the time. Not as a writer, but as a human being and a Christian. Sure, I am a do-gooder. For little things like volunteering at the hospital, soup kitchens, mission trips, etc. But, there is so much more I could do. So much more we all could do.
We seem to put the important things on the backburner. Life gets busy, deadlines, paying bills, work, social functions, shopping, social media updates, parties, laundry, etc. Then when our philanthropist side is calling us, we tend to take the easy way out. So, we sign up to serve at a soup kitchen to make us feel better. Not that that is a bad thing.
But, there is more to that to living a good story. Big stuff! Taking risks, chances, having compassion, helping the needy, relationships, empathy, unselfishness, and love. And being humble. Taking time to do the important stuff. Trusting in God that all the busy stuff will still get done.
There are the people like the winner of this contest, Lori Ventola, and her winning blog entry, that truly make a difference. She took that extra step to make a difference. To live a good story - one that other people will be interested in. A story that can motivate others to create their own good story.
Isn't that what life is about? Isn't that why we exist?
Lori has won a trip to Oregon to tell her story, based on her blog entry. Donald Miller gave her that opportunity. While he does not have a reality show, he still voted on her story in this contest. He decided that she deserves it to be heard.
Sure, Lori may just get her 15 minutes of fame when she is in Oregon. But, 15 minutes of fame can last a lifetime. Especially for the humble ones. Especially for those wanting to have a good story.
Thank you Mr. Miller and God Bless you Lori Ventola.
More from Julie McElroy
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This is a really good blog post, and it reminded me that I need to go bookmark that blog – my old computer blew up and it’s amazing how many sites I had saved on that thing that I can’t get back. I agree, it’s a shame there isn’t more of an emphasis on the less flashy arts that are just as (or in my opinion often more) important, and have such an ability to deeply move people on a level that stands the test of time. I always referred to my life as a story, and have lived with that in mind so I don’t become too comfortable, too secluded, or go off my track for too long. A great reminder.
Thank you very much! Good for you for living a good story, I am glad I could remind you. While music does move me, I often find great writing to be a true inspiration! Thanks for the comment.
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