"When I get a little money I buy books, and if any is left I buy food and clothes" - Erasmus
The above quote is one of my favorites. It is mildly humorous, yes, but it also sums up my monthly spending habits pretty accurately. This is why I was particularly affected by Jeff Gordinier's Huffington Post article this week, Recession Confession, which suggests that one's addiction to buying books could contribute greatly to one's overall poverty.
Now, I don't want to shock anyone, but as a member of the publishing industry, I'm not exactly a millionaire. (I know; it took me a while to accept it too.) As a result, my historically low-paying field came with a few sacrifices: a Manhattan apartment, fruits and vegetables, and the little luxuries in life. For me, those luxuries were (OK, are) books. For others, it may be dining out, seeing concerts, going to the movies, or having a barista make their morning coffee instead of doing it at home (ok, I admit to this indulgence too).
When economic times are tough, these are the things in life that are the first to go. But what about the addicts (the healthy kind) who equate their luxuries with necessities? I feel Gordinier's pain when he admits he has a problem. While I used to buy five or six books every bookstore trip I took (which was often), I'm now buying two or three every other trip (which is less often). Not exactly "giving up on luxuries," but I think it's progress.
Now time to feed your addiction - writing! My friend and colleague, Tracy Marchini, is hosting a "The Ears and Nose Feel Left Out" descriptive paragraph contest on her blog, My VerboCity. She thinks the four (and yes, she is aware she said "four") senses are not used enough in writing, and would like YOU to rewrite an otherwise drab paragraph (which she provides). There may just be an elephant in it for you if you win! An elephant!
Now, I don't want to shock anyone, but as a member of the publishing industry, I'm not exactly a millionaire. (I know; it took me a while to accept it too.) As a result, my historically low-paying field came with a few sacrifices: a Manhattan apartment, fruits and vegetables, and the little luxuries in life. For me, those luxuries were (OK, are) books. For others, it may be dining out, seeing concerts, going to the movies, or having a barista make their morning coffee instead of doing it at home (ok, I admit to this indulgence too).
When economic times are tough, these are the things in life that are the first to go. But what about the addicts (the healthy kind) who equate their luxuries with necessities? I feel Gordinier's pain when he admits he has a problem. While I used to buy five or six books every bookstore trip I took (which was often), I'm now buying two or three every other trip (which is less often). Not exactly "giving up on luxuries," but I think it's progress.
Now time to feed your addiction - writing! My friend and colleague, Tracy Marchini, is hosting a "The Ears and Nose Feel Left Out" descriptive paragraph contest on her blog, My VerboCity. She thinks the four (and yes, she is aware she said "four") senses are not used enough in writing, and would like YOU to rewrite an otherwise drab paragraph (which she provides). There may just be an elephant in it for you if you win! An elephant!
So after the confessions and contests, I leave you with some optimism, specifically a comic strip called Downloading Optimism. I know I've already talked about how frustrating it is to hear that books are dying, but this comic sums up all my feelings so perfectly, that I had to share it.
Have a good weekend, everyone!
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