Something happened to me a few years ago when I was working on a series for Google authorship. I had my dense whiteboard outline finished, but I needed a hook.
Some uncommon theme to tie all the articles together. That theme appeared in the character of gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson.
He would become the mascot of the series. Our ideal. Our standard. The shadow that swept across every paragraph.
And I stumbled upon this idea by following a rabbit trail that terminated on his entry in Wikipedia. I had no reason to read the article. But I was curious and bored.
Besides, I had a hunch.
An accidental insight, an uncontrollable discovery
It was a long entry, but Thompson is enough of a wild card to even make a Wiki entry entertaining. Fortunately I landed on what I was looking for in no time, a quote about obscurity.
I leaned away from laptop, looked at the ceiling, and smiled. “I found it. I can’t believe I found it.”
“As things stand now, I am going to be a writer. I’m not sure that I’m going to be a good one or even a self-supporting one, but until the dark thumb of fate presses me to the dust and says, ‘you are nothing,’ I will be a writer.” Hunter S. Thompson
It was an accidental insight, a discovery I couldn’t control, but nurtured by way of constant curation. As if that is what my entire life is all about.
The sieve engaged every moment of my waking day.
In other words, nothing is sacred. Swallow the world around you like a renegade sink hole. You just never know where you might discover your next big idea.
By the way, that quote is one worth writing down if you are feeling down about being a writer. 😀
I love when it all comes together. The gelling of thoughts, concepts and words to make that final, awesome piece: heaven. In my quest to sustain a life — pay bills, etc — I’ve turned to offering services that pay better than I’ve found writing to pay. While I do truly enjoy the marketing strategy and execution work I do as a consultant, I haven’t had that writing high in a while. This blog post reminded me what a good high it is.
Thanks for inspiring me.
Glad I could help. Rosella!
I admit it. I first had to see how in the heck the photo of Thompson wearing shorts on a motorcycle could possibly be an an exceptional idea. The gun? Meh. I was more concerned about road rash. So I credit road rash for bringing me to one hell of a keeper of a quote (and your blog, of course). Many thanks! Keep the shiny side up.
“As things stand now, I am going to be a writer. I’m not sure that I’m going to be a good one or even a self-supporting one, but until the dark thumb of fate presses me to the dust and says, ‘you are nothing,’ I will be a writer.” Hunter S. Thompson
That is a great quote … and a nice pair of shorts. 😀
I am a reader. I read all words that cross my path, and can honestly state that my commitment, dedication, or maybe it is an addiction – never allows escape. I don’t get paid or even have followers. After all, there is not an Academy Award for ‘best reader 2016’.
But I am as firmly held in the grasp of the written words, and always seeking new – as the writers are held firmly to write! Thanks for the quote – as it explains our shared connection.
You’re welcome. It is a good quote. And I share your addiction … 😀