Radio KFKD Is Playing
In “Bird by Bird”, Anne Lamott writes about this radio stations, which plays self-pitying, self-loathsome music about how badly you SUCK in one ear, and meanwhile raps on about your appearance on Letterman and all your great success to come in the other.
Well, it was playing loud and clear today only the programming was strictly about how pitiful my writing is. I’ve never quite felt this way, and I blame American Idol. A long long LONG time ago, I wanted to be a singer more than anything else, and I supposed if I’d had the proper encouragement, opportunity, and DISCIPLINE I could have done it. Turned out God had other plans (like the ONE day I was in a rock band at age 14), but that’s ok, I learned to live without it, and just sing in church and too my kids, and WHO cares if I’m off key? (Unless of course Simon Cowell stops by my church, and oh, just the thought is too funny - wouldn’t he be repelled at the door?)
Then I’m cleaning up the kitchen and I’m thinking about these poor sods who really do believe they have talent and they’ve got BIG FAT NOTHIN’! I went to clean up the kitchen and KFKD was playing loud and apparently DJ’d tonight by Simon himself, only now he’s a smug and heartless expert on writing and I’VE GOT NOTHIN! GO HOME! THAT WAS THE WORST THING I’VE EVER READ!
I feel like I was once good, GREAT even, and now, who knows? I’m too alone in this process. I need some damn support, and fast.
Well, this isn’t exactly fast, but I just saw this post. You’re a great writer: real and honest and moving. Just keep going and TURN THAT RADIO STATION OFF.
Hey, Katrina, the only thing I’ve discovered that starts to turn off that station (or at least lower it significantly) is showing up at the page - faithfully. Looking for support groups too. Thanks for the vote of confidence!
Hear, hear.
Elizabeth George says (quoting someone else, but I can’t remember who) the difference between successful writers and unsuccessful ones are that the former have more “bum glue.” That is, they are more successful at sticking their bum in their chair, for longer periods of time.