T: TV killed the Writing Star

We live in a world of distractions. TV, internet, smart phones, constant news feeds, twitter, Facebook. We watch TV, tweet and play on Facebook all at the same time. We are innundated with information, and yet we listen more. When was the last time you truly listened in a conversation without looking at your phone or at least thinking about it?



I am guilty of it as well; I am anything but a saint with this.



The issue that I as a writer find is that these distractions kill my ability to focus and write. Oh wait, I can't write yet, I haven't checked my phone in 5 minutes. Oh, I'll watch that TV show and then I'll write. Yeah, we all know how that goes.



You see and read about it all over the place. Turn off the TV and write. Go to a place where you won't be distracted. The tips are endless and the advice is all the same.


I have to admit, it's difficult to do. We live in a world of noise. We multi-task constantly. When I come home after a long day, I just want to sit on the couch and not think. This is just what we have allowed our lives to become.



The sad part is, technology has killed (or is killing) many art forms, writing included. Television shows and movies are anything but original. People don't read full news articles any more. They watch videos or just read quick excerpts. As long as there are pictures, people will look. A reader is more likely to read a blog with pictures than something that is picture-less.



People don't read like they used to. Books on tape/CD/MP3 are all the rage as are e-books. Why? Because it is easier to listen (or read while on Facebook)than to sit down and thoroughly enjoy a book.


It saddens me, really. I hate to see such a decline in my favorite form of art. It kills me to know that as hard as I work to write, most people want the abridged version. Length is frightening to people nowadays.



What does this mean for me as a writer and the industry as a whole? Honestly, I'm not sure. I fear that the future of writing is short. I fear that the craft will die. But, I won't allow myself to be a part of that decine. My hope is that with my effort, and the efforts of other writers, we can revive our craft. Perhaps we can help it to renew and rise up like a phoenix.


So readers, please keep reading. And we die-hard writers will keep writing! :)
>