This was such an enjoyable and informative issue of your newsletter, Aron. Great advice all around. I agree with your thoughts on writing and politics. I personally can't understand writers who would alienate half of their potential readership with fiery political rhetoric and divisive opinions, yet I see it all the time and from some of the biggest names in the business. Like you said, it's best to stay humble and simply focus on entertaining and lifting folks up.
Thank you, Ron. Ironically, these are often the same people complaining about how no one is reading their work.
Since I saw you resurface online, I’ve always admired your approach. I always viewed/view you as the kind of gentleman that brings people together. I’m honored to be friends with you!
If you have something to say about the world or politics, people will be far more receptive to it when it's contained in a work of art, when the issue is humanized and told through a narrative. Something like "1984" or "Native Son." Those ideas are still resonant, those books still widely read, unlike social media ephemera. Those novels present a case and allow readers to draw their own conclusions and make their own decisions, as opposed to an uninformed social media lecture /rant that no one asked for. Keeping these opinions contained in novel/story also allows an author the time to think them through and articulate them better; you don't see a lot of emotional hot takes in literature, that is, if the author has written a second draft. I'm with you; I see no reason to post politics on social media. It only alienates readers who may have otherwise been receptive to those same opinions when delivered in a more thoughtful vehicle like a book.
Great stuff, Lucy. I agree with you 100%. Orwell books were definitely a huge influence on me, you make a great point with allowing someone to draw their own conclusions as opposed to shoving their face in it. Posting hot takes just creates more of a tribal mentality. But gracefully building a piece of fiction can be incredibly powerful while at the same time respectful. Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts :)
This was such an enjoyable and informative issue of your newsletter, Aron. Great advice all around. I agree with your thoughts on writing and politics. I personally can't understand writers who would alienate half of their potential readership with fiery political rhetoric and divisive opinions, yet I see it all the time and from some of the biggest names in the business. Like you said, it's best to stay humble and simply focus on entertaining and lifting folks up.
Thank you, Ron. Ironically, these are often the same people complaining about how no one is reading their work.
Since I saw you resurface online, I’ve always admired your approach. I always viewed/view you as the kind of gentleman that brings people together. I’m honored to be friends with you!
Thanks brother, i appreciate you! Has a great time this past weekend, and hope to see you again soon!
Me too man! Looking forward to it!
If you have something to say about the world or politics, people will be far more receptive to it when it's contained in a work of art, when the issue is humanized and told through a narrative. Something like "1984" or "Native Son." Those ideas are still resonant, those books still widely read, unlike social media ephemera. Those novels present a case and allow readers to draw their own conclusions and make their own decisions, as opposed to an uninformed social media lecture /rant that no one asked for. Keeping these opinions contained in novel/story also allows an author the time to think them through and articulate them better; you don't see a lot of emotional hot takes in literature, that is, if the author has written a second draft. I'm with you; I see no reason to post politics on social media. It only alienates readers who may have otherwise been receptive to those same opinions when delivered in a more thoughtful vehicle like a book.
Great stuff, Lucy. I agree with you 100%. Orwell books were definitely a huge influence on me, you make a great point with allowing someone to draw their own conclusions as opposed to shoving their face in it. Posting hot takes just creates more of a tribal mentality. But gracefully building a piece of fiction can be incredibly powerful while at the same time respectful. Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts :)