If you hang around me for more than a few minutes, youll quickly learn that I love to read! Books are to me what a six-inch turkey sub is to Jared; something to be devoured! Fiction, non-fiction, biographies, classics, it doesnt matter. If its in English, Ill read it. Now, Ive never actually lowered myself to trashy romance novels, but if that was the only thing available, yeah, okay, I admit itId probably satisfy my literary addiction with something that has Fabio on the cover. When thinking of all the reading Ive done over the last year, two books really standout: Stephen Kings On Writing and A novel which shall remain nameless for reasons you shall soon see. Stephen King has authored over 50 best selling novels and several screenplays. While he is most known for fiction, On Writing is an incredible guide that teaches practical literary techniques for writers. With a book of my own, several national articles published and a monthly newsletter, it shouldnt be hard to figure out why this subject was so well received by yours truly. On Writing taught me more about the craft than any English class Ive ever taken. So, what does this have to do with you? Hang with me and youll see! Last summer while reading On Writing, I was nearly shocked into speechlessness by how King opened himself to his readers. During one chapter, King assigned a writing exercise for the readerthen provided his personal E-mail address requesting the assignment be sent to him when the reader (soon-to-be writer) completed it. Right up front, King said that he couldnt promise to reply to every message, but the reader should know that if they sent their short story, he would read it. Six months and 25 books later I happened upon my second favorite book of 2003. While in a completely different genre, this work runs a close second to On Writing, but for totally different reasons. While the second standout book of the year was one of the most intriguing pieces of literature Ive ever read, the follow-up events practically ruined the experience. As writers often use pseudonyms to replace their real names, I, too, shall provide the writer of the second book with a fitting pseudonym: Mr. Snooty. As soon as I finished the book, my head still spinning with Mr. Snootys theories, I went straight to his web page and searched for an E-mail address to send fan mail. I just wanted to share with him how much Id enjoyed his book and how intrigued I was with his ideas. Now, I didnt expect a reply, but I thought there would at least be a button labeled, E-mail the author. Turns out, I was wrong. I found E-mail addresses for his publishing house, web master and agent, but not a single way to contact the author himself. Furthermore, there was a note that specifically said any personal mail sent to the author via the publisher would NOT be forwarded. To me, it felt like the author was saying, Reader, I really dont care about you or your opinion, and do not care to hear from you for any reason. Whether this was the intent or not is irrelevant. By making himself unavailable to his fans, I felt I was being snubbed; hence the name Mr. Snooty. So, what do we have here? We have two wildly famous writers, both of whom enjoy a literary success that is enviable. However, thats where the similarities end. Stephen King earned a huge amount of my respect just by making himself accessible to his fans. I did not bother sending in my short stories, but the fact he openly accepts communication from his supporters makes him not only an admirable writer, but a pretty darned good guy, too. What does this all boil down to? Accessibility. Think of an office environment where the boss implements an open door policy. Most employees rarely walk into the bosss office. Still, knowing they have that access bolsters opinions of the superior. Does it break down the us & them dynamic? Absolutely! This isnt something exclusive to business settings and celebrities. Think of the nicest person you know; someone who is a virtual saint. Does this person have a wall around them? Or, would you feel comfortable going to them at any time and for any reason? Probably the latter is true. Why is this? Simple: that person helps individuals feel as though they are important. Others know their opinion is so valuable that they are welcome to interrupt with whatever issue is at hand. People who openly receive others are more respected, liked and appreciated by nearly everyone; both equals and subordinates. While writing this article, I went to Stephen Kings web site for the first time ever. There, on the home page, was a thank you note to all fans that have sent get-well cards during his recent hospitalization for pneumonia. Does this further reinforce his accessibility? Do fans feel even closer to King knowing their messages were received, appreciated and a word of thanks passed back to them? Well, would you? Whatever your reasoning, learn from the words and actions of arguably the most popular writer in America: if you are approachable, accessible and open to others, chances are that opinions of you will rise and a flood of respect and friendliness will come your way! |
