Rick’s Blog

Political Correctness and Manners are Polar Opposites.

June 2014: Manners, those common every-day social graces, are more important to the survival of a civilized society than most people realize. Political Correctness, on the other hand, is a mechanization that denies truth. 
-Rick DeStefanis, Notes and Other Odds and Ends, 2014

Our society is imploding because we cannot speak to one another in a respectful manner. We hide behind a facade of of political correctness while pummeling one another outside the ropes of that phony safe-zone. In this particular instance I speak of rational discussions involving politics, literature or whatever subject matter that may create a difference of opinion or conflict of ideas. I sit back and listen. Civil discourse is dead. We no longer seem to have the ability or the will to carry on rational discussions employing basic respect for one another as fellow citizens, or even as fellow human beings. We do not listen to one another. Our minds are closed. We no longer discuss. Hell, we don’t even stop at the level of hearty debate. Rather, we attack those with whom we differ with no logic and a vicious verbal venom with code words such as racist and justice, and that is often grounded in nothing more than “feelings.” It’s something called political correctness, and may God help the poor bastard who crosses that line.

We have no respect for alternative viewpoints outside our realm of righteousness, progressiveness, liberalism or whatever philosophical bent to which we subscribe. We as writers, authors, readers, people are hell bent to send those that differ with our “humble” opinions to eternal damnation in a flaming shower of indignant and vitriolic rhetoric.

That is not to say I don’t have strong opinions on most subjects, because I do. I will not, however, level the barrel of my verbal shotgun and blow you away if you do not subscribe to my way of thinking. I will not take some phony highroad of political correctness and attempt to label you. I will listen. If I find discussion possible, I will listen first, and I will inquire. I will try to understand, and discover in what fact a difference of thought is grounded. And when I find that fact, I will think about it before stating my viewpoint. And if I recognize that mine is irrevocably different in such a fundamental manner that there can be no common ground, I will give you the basic respect you deserve as a fellow citizen or human being.

I will not take the coward’s route and hide behind the anonymity of social media or attack you with the comfortable insulation of email.  And please do not confuse this with political correctness, because that is on the opposite end of the spectrum that allows civil discourse. It completely eliminates it through intimidation. In the face of political correctness, and if you insist, I will allow you to shout me down. If you must, I will allow you to ridicule my idea or to proclaim me stupid and uninformed, but I will not attempt to stifle or take away your right of free speech. But someday when you find yourself shouted down, ridiculed or denied employment because of your opinion, understand that this is the world you created through your poor manners, or worse your adherence to the hypothetical Utopian concept known as political correctness.

You may also enjoy: The Nature of Things in Mississippi and The Sexual Revolution on Steroids

I didn’t die young and famous, and dying old in obscurity is okay, but I need to find readers for my books.

May, 2014: Quote of the day: I’d rather live long in obscurity than die young with fame -Rick DeStefanis

I damned near achieved the latter (dying young) several times in my earlier years. However, after surviving motorcycle wrecks, a car wreck, a train wreck, a helicopter crash, gunshot wounds, a stabbing and several other such scrapes with eternity, I now seemed destined to achieve the former (dying in obscurity). Actually, the “obscurity” part wouldn’t be so bothersome if I could only find more readers for my books. That, however, seems a conflict of principles. One must achieve readership to sell books. That means seeking fame, at least for the books. Therefore, I must work harder to achieve notice and become famous with my readers.

I have to admit to achieving some success in as much as some sticky-fingered little thief in Great Britain has pirated my novel The Gomorrah Principle and is selling PDF copies for profit. He/She/They probably grew up stealing from their mother’s purse and will find sooner or later that Karma can be a real bitch. That, at least, is my wish. So, the question arises, how can I do both, that is live long and gain some fame? Don’t get me wrong. Fame is a fools game if it doesn’t help you improve your position in life. I care not that someone knows me when I pass on the street. I only want them, when they see my name, to say, “I like his books.” And that, my dear reader, puts the ball squarely in your court: what do you suggest?

How can I get more people to read The Gomorrah Principle, Melody Hill, Raeford’s MVP, and Tallahatchie and to tell others about them? Send me your comments, ideas, and suggestions.

Self-Publish Your Book

As an author who chose to go the indie route and Self-Publish my books, I have found the path is a long uphill climb. Gaining recognition and readership is difficult. Why? It’s simple. It has become incredibly easy and inexpensive to publish one’s own work, and thousands are doing so without regard to quality or knowledge of the craft of writing.

Although “vanity” publishing has morphed into a more acceptable choice for authors, many new writers remain clueless as to the requirements of producing quality work. They simply put it out there before readers, confident in their skills-skills that are often severely lacking. Conservatively, 80% of the works published in this manner should never have been printed, and many others are in need of some serious professional help. Most new writers are clueless as to what makes a good story. Their books are poorly written. Vetted only to the rave reviews of mothers, spouses, and friends, these books have never had the scrutiny of a professional editor.

Your friend who teaches high school English is not a “professional” editor. No offense intended toward English teachers. Matter of fact, I have several close friends who teach, and they will tell you, professional editing is a craft that requires more than an expertise with grammar. Your friend who is also a writer is also not necessarily a “professional” editor. I have many friends who are writers, and most will tell you that they would never self-publish a work without having it professionally edited.

With that said, here’s my advice to any would-be indie author on how to self-publish your work: 1. Read constantly. Read a variety of good authors who are well known. You will learn what good writing looks like. 2. Join a writers group and have your work continuously vetted by fellow writers. Don’t argue with them. You don’t have to agree, disagree or explain. Simply listen. 3. Attend some writers’ conferences and workshops. Fill your schedule with the various classes offered at these conferences. 4. Recruit total strangers as Beta-readers and again, listen to what they say. 5. When you believe your book is absolutely perfect, put it before a professional editor (If this doesn’t cost you substantially, the person is probably not a professional editor.) Professional editing is expensive, but it will be the best money you ever spend.

Don’t be the writer who can’t write, spell, plot, create believable characters, avoid deus ex machina, write believable dialogue, maintain POV, avoid clichés, etc. ad nauseam. Take time to learn the craft.

You may also enjoy: Tallahatchie