Wherein I Use Ugly Words Like Platform and Audience
By Guest | August 26, 2012 |
Therese here. I’m so pleased to bring you the WINNER of the WU 7 Sundays of Summer Flash Fiction contest, David Olimpio. David’s story, Dory T. Wellington and the Fire Orange Blue Jellyfish Kite, was submitted on week 2 of the contest. The story was a clear favorite from the beginning, and positively ran away with the vote in the end.
After David won, we shared a few emails, and I was struck with how the contest had impacted him. When an unexpected opening in the WU calendar appeared, I invited David to take the spot and share his thoughts with us. Happily, he accepted.
I have a feeling you’ll love this piece as much as I do. Enjoy!
Wherein I Use Ugly Words Like Platform and Audience
I’m very much a confessional writer, so I’m going to do what comes naturally to me and start with a confession: I’m not usually inspired to write by reading other writers. I’m also not inspired to write by talking about writing. This isn’t to say I don’t like to do either of these things. I do. It’s just to say that doing these things doesn’t usually make me want to immediately sit down and write. It does not summon the muse. At best, it makes me restless. At worst, it makes me drunk. It gets me worrying over things like “process” and the “business” of writing. It often leads to me making unhealthy comparisons of myself to other writers. These are terrible things to do when you need to be unfettered and create stuff.
So when I come to this site, when I come to Writer Unboxed, even though I do it for good reasons, I mostly do it for reasons other than immediate inspiration. That’s why I was surprised when, a few weeks ago, I followed a link here from my friend Faye and found myself itching to write.
It was a Sunday evening and my wife was working at the kitchen table and I was across from her surfing aimlessly, probably thinking about dogs. Or beer. I read about the Summer Flash Fiction Contest, which my friend had just entered. I saw the image prompt for that week: a boy flying a kite, silhouetted against a fire-orange sky. I thought: I know this story. So I wrote it. I wrote it right there at the kitchen table (not my normal writing spot.) I wrote it with a mess all around me (normally, I like a clean workspace). I wrote it with a slightly fuzzy beer brain (normally I prefer a clear head). I did not do my normal pre-writing routine of doing the dishes with my headphones on to sober up and focus, listening to the prescribed playlist I have set for myself that evening.
I did not make a cup of a tea. I did not situate the open windows on my Mac in the most functional way.
I just wrote the story.
There are a couple of reasons I think the Summer Flash Fiction Contest worked to get me to sit down and write. One has to do with Debbie Ohi’s image. Art forms other than writing always work well for me in spurring creativity. They help me do the free-form association of ideas without over-thinking form or plot. They sort of free me (temporarily) from the burden of solving narrative puzzles and the piles of stylistic baggage I carry around.
But another reason I think the contest worked was the contest itself—the inherent element of competition. I’m a huge proponent of competition in art and play. You see it all the time in art. Picasso and Braque. Just about any group jazz performance. Competition provides an impetus. Competition provides motivation. For me, knowing that what I wrote for the contest wouldn’t just sit on my hard drive—that I would post it and people would see it and they would either like it or they wouldn’t, and it would either move on or it wouldn’t—gave me a much-needed push to just write the thing and post it and have done.
If this essay ended here, this would be a reflection on how this writing contest, and maybe writing contests in general, can be good for writing because they provide two much needed elements: context and inspiration. But the contest wound up being about more than that for me.
And here’s the part where I get back to my comfort zone: confession. Because here’s the part where I tell you I am heavily ensconced in social media. I post to Facebook and Twitter and Tumblr every day. I take a photo every day and I post it to a photoblog. I do not see these activities as something “separate” from my writing. For me, they are part and parcel of it, a continuation of it. These various forms of publication are all mediums through which I tell stories. Just like the novel and the short story and the essay are mediums. And yet they are very much not novel. They are very much not short story. They are very much not essay. They are something altogether different.
Social media is more than “platform.” Social media is more than “marketing.” Sure you can use it as that and that alone. But I can’t imagine the people who do that get very much out of it. I do not follow people who mostly promote. But I do follow people on both Facebook and Twitter who are using these platforms in exciting ways as an extension of their writing. They aren’t just linking to things and talking about the stuff they are writing. They. Are. Writing. Good sentences. Good content. They have a voice. They tell a story. They’ve become part of my world, in a way. I find that fascinating. That is what I aim to do: to extend my writing presence through other platforms. I think this opens up all kinds of interesting possibilities for what we call “literature.”
If you were to ask me for my current creative influences, only one would be a writer (Martin Amis). The rest would be musicians, especially independent ones. Somebody like Ani DiFranco, whose songs are unique and earnest–poems in their own right–and who has made her career without signing to a major label. Musicians in general—and indie musicians in particular—seem to be intuitively more aware of something a lot of writers aren’t: that today, our art and this thing we call “platform” are inextricably linked. That we have the power to determine our own success instead of catering to the big publisher (or record label) and their interest in what will sell. If there is good writing, if there is good music, then there are people out there who will like it. Audience is just something that needs to be found. It’s another word for like-minded friends with whom your work resonates. And you don’t need a publisher or a record label to find those people. Indie musicians get in front of people. They put together albums themselves. They give the albums away at shows. They sign people up for mailing lists. They engage. They take control of their artistic fate. They refine their image. They develop their…*gulp*…brand. They simultaneously take themselves less seriously and more seriously. (They’re okay admitting that they have a brand.) Writers should be doing all of these things, too. Many are. But many seem content leaving this important stuff in the hands of somebody else. I’m not.
All of this might seem a little off-topic, but what I’m trying to get at here is that, while the Summer Flash Fiction writing contest at Writer Unboxed started out just being about inspiration and context and competition for me, it really turned into an exercise in engaging with audience. Which, like it or not, is just as important as the words. And I had to do some things I am not always comfortable with. Instead of using Twitter and Facebook to “write” and to quip and to tell stories, I used it to inform people of the contest. I used it to talk about my writing. And to ask people to vote for me. I also sent out emails. And spoke to people about it in person. And I worked at staying true to my voice while I did it.
And here’s the amazing part: they responded. They voted. They did it, and they did it gladly. And they offered words of encouragement while they did it. Which was both surprising to me and confidence-boosting and tremendously exciting and freeing.
So perhaps the biggest reason this contest worked for me, perhaps the greatest thing it offered me, was the opportunity to practice how to interact with the people who are reading my work. How to ask for something. How to show them my gratitude for being there. How to not take them for granted. How to do all that and to just do it and be real in doing it.
My friend Jonathan, who is a bit of a new-media guru, gave me a pep-talk recently. He told me, in sometimes nice and sometimes not-so-nice language, that I needed to use the tools that were out there to do what I do and to stop waiting for other people do to it for me. I think he’s right. We writers are lucky to live in a period where we have unprecedented control over what we publish and how we publish it. We also have unprecedented control over our image and our name. It’s a shame not to harness it.
We all have different goals and motivations for what we do. Two of my goals (aside from doing the actual writing) are independence and using new media to make good literature. This approach isn’t for everybody. I don’t mean to suggest that it necessarily should be. But it is for me, and this contest helped make that clear. I’ve never felt so in-control of the thing I’m doing. I’ve never felt so comfortable with the way I’m doing it.
David Olimpio grew up in Texas but currently lives and writes in Northern New Jersey. He believes that we create ourselves through the stories we tell, and that is what he aims to do everyday. Usually, you can find him driving his pick-up around the Garden State with one of his dogs in the passenger seat and the other on the floor behind his seat.
Readers, you can learn more about David on his website and Photoblog, and follow him on Twitter and Facebook. Write on!
Many thanks to today’s guest.
You can read more WU guest posts by visiting this link.
Yes – it’s all about community for me. And having a little fun. And pulling myself out of my reclusive nature to see the world in different ways through different peoples. And yes, sometimes sharing my news if I have any worth sharing.
very nicely written, David.
Agreed, Kat! And I really like what you guys do with R&T Journal, too. Thanks for replying.
David, I loved hearing that you looked at Debbie’s image and thought: I know this story. And that you didn’t need your usual props to write it. That was awesome. Good for you and congratulations!
Thank you! It’s funny: I always think I need those props. But sometimes the easiest things come when I’m not using them! Thanks for replying!
First of all, congrats on winning the contest, and thanks for sharing its influence on your life. The story was brilliant and I thought it interesting and true that you knew the story when you saw the prompt.
This is an inspired piece of writing about social media and platform. Your approach resonates with me and you’ve given me a few things to think about. Cheers.
Thank you, Tonia! It’s nice to hear this resonates with you. Thanks for replying!
Excellent guest post, David, and congratulations on winning the contest! Your ability to see a picture and ‘know the story’ really resonates with me – I do that most often in my poetry writing, as well as listening to classical music. I really like your approach to social media and platform; and also the fact that you are so supportive to indie authors and musicians. You rock! ~ Julie :)
Thank you Julie Catherine! I’ve always secretly (ok, not so secretly) wanted to be a rock star so that feels good. ;)
“I’ve never felt so in-control of the thing I’m doing. I’ve never felt so comfortable with the way I’m doing it.”
Now that would constitute a win even if you hadn’t earned first place, which you most assuredly did. Congratulations, David! I’m sure you’ll use this experience to launch yourself into more authentic experiments.
Lovely post, too.
Thanks, Jan! And thanks again for your posts and advice you’ve made here and elsewhere! Always helpful.
That’s exactly how I’ve come to think of my blog – as a way “to extend my writing presence through other platforms.”
It’s different than my fiction, more personal essay than story. I use it to provide motivation and inspiration – hopefully! – ask for advice, let people know about contest opportunities and books I’ve enjoyed, and promote my own writing as well as that of others.
Enjoyed this post, David! And, as a fellow finalist for the same prompt, I congratulate you on your well-deserved win. :)
Thanks, Madeline. I firmly believe writing on blogs, twitter, etc improve your writing and help you find voice. It has for me.
David,
Very interesting post! I completely relate to the inspiration and motivation that the flash fiction generated, as well as the positive support that helped me gain 2nd place. It was amazing to feel that rush to action from something as simple and beautiful as Debbie’s pictures! “I know this story.” Yes!
And then you mentioned social media as an “extension” of your writing… and wow, I never really thought of it that way! Usually, I treat social media as a way to share news about my life and writing. But I like the idea of offering up a bit of writing or essay. I’ll have to start checking our your blog ;-)
Andrea
Thanks Andrea! I have been very inspired over the years by bloggers and people on twitter who mostly use the medium to write, sometimes as a sort of “alter-ego,” sometimes as “self” and who develop a unique voice in doing it, a voice I look forward to hearing every day. It’s a unique, modern kind of “character development” that happens over time, and it is very much literature. I also happen to have a weakness for all things “meta.” ;)
I really enjoyed this post David. Your bit about just sitting down and writing amid all the clutter, without your usual props really resonated.
I’ve been busy lately with the day job (copywriting) which has left little time for my own work. I’ve only been able to snatch a few moments here and there — jotting down bits of dialogue or plot notes on bits of paper. Surprisingly when I finally had some time to transcribe these bits and bobs, I realized they’re damn good.
And all created without my usual set up rituals and “needed” blocks of clear time.
Reality has forced me to admit the busier I am, the more writing I seem to get done. Free time is not my friend, as it turns out.
I’m off to check out your blog now.
Hi, Sheri! Thanks for the kind words. I’ve found the exact same thing about being busy. When I’ve got lots of free time, it seems to make me less productive overall. The busier I am, the more I get done, and the more creative I feel. I’ve always found that strange, too. Thank you for replying.
As a weekly columnist, I am forced to write every week. I’ve never heard the term confessional writer but it really rang true with me and my writing style. I don’t discuss the writing process much- it’s too hard to explain. Sometimes, I’ll read a something and marvel at how well it’s written, which is how I felt when I read your story. Congratulations on winning the contest and thank you for sharing your thoughts! You’ve inspired me to continue with my book, which can be breathtaking, heartbreaking and backbreaking without ever getting up from the keyboard.
Wow! You guys have been so nice with your replies! Thank you, Colleen! I feel you on the book thing. I’ve been working on a book for the last…6 years. For me, it tends to come in spurts. I’ll find the story, then I’ll lose it. Then some time will go by, and I’ll find it again. Can be frustrating. That’s when I find blogging, etc helps me ultimately get back on track. It’s really nice to know my post may have helped you get working on yours again! Good luck!
Now this was an awesome post. I recently came to the conclusion that I was too heavily focused on being a writer, than writing itself (if that makes any sense). I’d forgotten why I was writing in the first place.
I’ve recovered, thankfully, fully aware of how awesome writing is. However, when you said that you use social media as a continuation of your writing, I had to stop and think for a second.
I suffered from seeing those things as only a tool to get in front of people. Now though, I’m starting to get that they can be just as much a part of my writing as the writing itself.
Thank you, this was an amazing post.
Thank you so much Jack! The writing I’ve done on my blogs and on twitter has improved my writing. I have no doubt about it. That’s not to say it’s always steller or anything, or that I always think of it as “writing.” But I often try to come at it with that mindset. And when I do, I notice it starts to feed other writing and ideas. Thanks for replying! And thanks again for the kind words.
You give me so much to think about here. I love what you write about the way that images can inspire us to think and write differently, without the usual hangups. And I love the idea that “social media” can be (should be?) and extension of our writing as a whole.
As someone who still struggles with the Big Idea of Audience and the concept of an ideal reader (I don’t know why I am so thick when it comes to this), I also LOVE your definition of audience as “like-minded friends with whom your work resonates.” I may have to tattoo that to my arm or something.
Thanks for a wealth of wisdom (and also for the great flash fiction).
Thank you, Lisa! I’ve been known to tattoo phrases on my arm. Maybe that should be the next one! ;) I’ve had the same hangups as you with regard to audience, believe me. Still do, frankly. What I’ve started to discover, though, is that it really is a lot like making friends. Not everybody is going to like what I write. I know that. What’s been interesting, however, is that the more honest I’ve allowed myself to be with my writing, the clearer the concept of “audience” has become. (I think a similar argument could be made for friendships, eh?) Thanks again for the kind words and for replying!
Yes, I think I’m on a similar path, becoming more “me” in my own writing, more honest. You know, you hear the advice to create a “brand” for yourself and it’s easy to start to believe that this brand is a persona, a type of long-haul acting where you become a certain Voice. Instead of just yourself, writing.
I’ll come back to what you’ve written here quite often. Thanks again.
David,
Congrats on the win as well as for finding your way out of Texas. Everything I read lately about Texas sounds like the place could drive anyone into depression and you sound so much better off driving dogs around instead.
Your post was truly inspirational, something clicked and I have a direction for my blog…I am working on a book composed of articles and short stories, none of which I want to post on the blog, yet, so I was struggling with what to do, and pieces fit together from the words you shared “context and inspiration, Picasso and Braque, extend my writing presence through other platforms” and the solution was just there. So, thank you for taking your time to write this and generating an awesome creative ripple.
I am new to the world of writing sites, was directed to a few while attending my first conference this summer. Glad I caught this — I thoroughly enjoyed your story behind the story.
Ceejae
Neah, Texas ain’t so bad…in small doses. :) So glad you got something out of reading this post. Thank you for responding!
Oh, shoot! I’m surely late coming to the party over here, but this is such a great post, I’m nevertheless inspired to put on my dancing shoes and jump onto the floor :-)
Regardless of how many years any of us have been writing–for whatever purpose, method, or goal–it forever amazes me (read frustrates) that there will always be a need for reminders of How and Why. This post of yours is a true inspiration and has left me with sooooo much to think about (and hopefully remember). Thanks so very much, David. I’m so thrilled to have met you here at WU. (AKA, Wisdom United!)
Thanks for your comment, Barbara!
[…] again to Dave Olimpio, who won the Writer Unboxed Summer Flash Fiction contest! Thanks to WU for giving me the chance to provide illustration […]