A Moderow Moment: Playful, Poetic, Philosophical
We are going to do things a little differently today. As some of you have surmised from rumor and deduction, this will be the last A Moderow Moment. You may see my name pop up sporadically in the paper when something annoys me enough to write about. As far as a regular spot every other week though, this is the end of the line.
Thanks to all of you who have read these pieces over the years. It was something of a fluke that connected me with the paper. At times, I’ve been surprised that both they allow me to keep writing, and you keep reading. As I said a few months back, my primary goal is not to be “right” but to offer new ideas and perspectives. A willingness in the community to engage with those perspectives is something to encourage as we venture into the future.
In the 5+ years I’ve been writing these tangents of interest, I’ve received two comments more than any others. Since this may be our last opportunity to talk, I’ll see if I can address both and put inquiring minds to rest.
1. “There’s so much research in your pieces. How long does it take you to write?”
I’m happy the research shows. I spent a lot of money and years in college learning how to gather information so it’s nice to be able to put it to use.
But the real answer is, even with research, these don’t take that long to write. An idea might occur to me, and I’ll let it dance around my brain for a while without actively working with it. Then a few days before my deadline, I’ll sit down to find evidence and refine it into 600 words. I might have a few leads to follow up on, but it usually only takes a couple hours to write a column. (Give or take once Juliet finds all the misspelled words.)
As far as research though, it doesn’t take a terribly long time to find articles and support. It’s simply a matter of noting when an idea tickles your brain and having the willingness to follow up on it. Learn to recognize when your interest is piqued and give it 5 minutes of investigation. You might be surprised how quickly a narrative forms.
2. “I have something I want to say. Would you write it for me?”
If you have something to say, you should be the one to say it. I’ve volunteered to assist with structure and composition in these situations, but if you have a message, it’s more impactful, meaningful, and real if you’re the messenger. The first writing I ever had published in the paper was a letter to the editor. A diversity of voices is what makes community news valuable.
From the first Moderow Moment, I’ve tried to adhere to the three Ps: Playful, Poetic, Philosophical.
Everything should have a sense of play, of childlike wonder, of impish delight, though destructive it sometimes be.
Whenever possible, be poetic. Take delight in your words and convey emotions and ideas as if they’ve never been conveyed before.
Be philosophical. Love wisdom. Know the difference between arguing and forming an argument. Thinking for yourself isn’t contrary to trusting educated voices.
So, what’s next? You’re guess is as good as mine. I’m working on some creative writings. I’m still dipping my toes in the voice acting waters. You’ll see my name pop up in the June election. Wherever the winds blow, you can follow along, say hello, and read the collected Moderow Moments at adammoderow.com.
Thanks for reading.
