|
No, I didn't create graphic and amazing political flash videos. That credit belongs to a teenage girl. No, I didn't create a format for bored people to post clips from their own home movies, or clips snatched away from corporate media and plastered across the web for all to see. The credit for that belongs to some different people entirely.
Nor do I have a widely-read blog thousands (if not millions) drop in on every day to catch my latest thoughts on matters of public policy and private enterprise--though I DO comment on these things on a regular basis. I just do it here on DU.
No, I think I'll accept the honor of being ONE of Time Magazine's millions of "Persons of the Year" for having produced two unique futuristic urban fantasy novels in a format that does not necessarily pollute the environment through the task of distributing them, nor require the sacrifice of even a single tree to produce millions upon millions of copies, should they suddenly become wildly popular.
I accept this honor on behalf of all of those people who didn't think to show up at the awards, who may have been too busy with their lives to realize they were ever nominated. The military and civilian bloggers in Iraq, who tell their own tales of the occupation in their own words, trying to make the best of a terrible situation. The young men and women who produce astounding videos revealing that there is surprising depth in even youth, if we only give youth the chance to show us what it can bring. I accept it in the name of those who send e-mails to family members currently serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, who stoke their own courage enough to boost the morale of those in uniform, but would like nothing more than to see their brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers, husbands, wives, or children home again.
Yes, stepping forward and accepting this reward might be a bit presumptious of me, but, hey, if I can't be an eccentric author, what the hell good is being an author in the first place? ;) I live to be a bit odd. I make people laugh with my wry, dry observances in person, and thrill people with drama and adventure through my prose. I don't have to be anything but myself. That's one of the wonders of what and who I am.
So I must thank Time Magazine for recognizing me, and thousands upon thousands who, while not like me, are willing to put themselves forward and be who they are, even within the masking cloak of the internet and digital media. We are the New Media, each and every one of us...and we are here to stay, whether they like it or not.
So watch your back, New York Times. Keep an eye out, Washington Post. Don't get too complacent, CNN. We're out here, and you have been warned. Don't rest on your laurels, Mr., Ms. and Mrs. NY Times bestselling author. You DO have competition out there. And some of them are who you might least expect.
The movie Eragon, coming out now, was based on an e-book penned by a 15 y.o. kid.
He can step up and accept the award for himself. The lucky duck.
;)
In the meantime, I think I'll go back to writing my next novel.
Have a wonderful holiday season, and don't forget about those who have less than you. We no longer have a Man in Black in front to remind us. So we'll have to ALL carry a little of the Man in Black with us wherever we go so we don't forget.
|
Printer-friendly format
Email this thread to a friend
Bookmark this thread
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
