Interesting Paths

I read an article in The Atlantic several years ago in which a literary author described his encounter with the bestselling suspense writer Harlan Coben. The article’s author was trying to make peace with a discrepancy in their sales and length of lines at book signings with what he felt was a conspicuous gap in writing quality. I did not feel he had made much peace by the end of the article.

I thought of that author last night as I was watching a documentary series about how some of the biggest hit movies from the 80’s managed to get made despite rejection, budget shortfalls, and unruly cast members. I was familiar with all the films in the series. Some I’d seen; some I’d avoided. None of them would have made my list of Top Ten Movies from my youth. This is not surprising. My tastes do not usually line up with books and movies that are hugely popular. There are exceptions, of course, but those are fewer and fewer the older I get.

However, I was thoroughly enjoying the story of how these stories got made. The writers and directors and actors and stunt coordinators and cinematographers featured in the documentaries were portrayed so likably, and their struggles and doubts at the time were so relatable, that I was relieved and delighted to learn, for instance, that Die Hard broke box office records and redefined a genre. I was reminded of the universal human challenge of making something new. I find it such a beautiful challenge, how luck and determination and desire combine to carve a path forward.

Did it make me want to go back and watch Die Hard, or Dirty Dancing, or Home Alone? No, it did not. But it did leave me wanting to make something. You wouldn’t think I’d need reminding of how much I like to make stuff, but I do. I forget when I become distracted by how much attention other people are getting for what they’ve made. Jealousy is a path to nowhere. The only attention I ever truly want is my own, which I can only get when I look for the next most interesting step I can take.

If you like the ideas and perspectives expressed here, feel free to contact me about individual coaching and group workshops.

Fearless Writing: How to Create Boldly and Write With Confidence.
You can find William at: williamkenower.com