Radicalization: The New Norm? A Dumpy Grace Rant

I've been pondering the concept of radicalization.

What is it? Who is doing the radicalizing?

Who is being radicalized?

Radicalization is 'the process by which an individual or group comes to adopt increasingly extreme political, social, or religious ideals and aspirations that reject or undermine the status quo'.

The take-away from this definition is the concept of extremes. Whenever we allow ourselves to drift to one extreme or the other, history has shown us over and over, that human agony is never far behind. Think Hitler, Stalin or North Korea to name just a few. Hell, think about your own life. What good ever comes from thinking, feeling and/or acting in an extreme fashion?

Who is doing the radicalizing, and who is being impacted? The news media screams about young people becoming radicalized toward extreme Muslim views and I'm sure that's true, for many complex reasons. But, more and more, I've been seeing people of all ages becoming radicalized to equally extreme views here in North America.

How are non-Muslims becoming radicalized in North America?

1. You only need to look to history for a long and depressing list of greedy, powerful men who take their followers to extremes, usually to line their own pockets. Look at Donald Trump, for example. He deflects attention from the real concerns of the day (like climate change) in tried and true fashion, by demonizing others. He openly spews radicalizing views on Muslims, immigrants, and 'losers' of all stripes. He doesn't even attempt to hide what he is doing....and is somehow still the runaway republican favorite. The ease with which messages of hate radicalize so-called 'normal' people is astonishing. Forget about Jihadists, we should be far more concerned about the ever-growing number of radicals in our own backyard.

(On a side note - if this hate-mongering, radicalizing narcissist becomes president, I am 99% convinced that life, as we know it, will come to an abrupt end. WWIII will start as soon as Trump starts "bombing the shit" out of all those "losers" around the planet. I wonder how all his radicalized followers will feel when their high-on-the-hog Western lifestyle is ripped apart and they become the next refugees?)

2. The NRA, along with their gun-toting zealot followers, insist all Americans have the right not only to carry concealed weapons of mass destruction, but actively encourage them to use them should anything...ANYTHING...untoward occur. Going to the mall, work, school? Strap on the weaponry. Stranger in your neighbourhood? Whip out the Glock, stand your ground. Unhappy with your government? Arm yourselves to the teeth and prepare for insurrection. Man, woman and child. Hate anything or anyone different from yourself. FEAR EVERYTHING. What is this, if not radicalization?

3. Fox News. It is depressing to watch one organization systemically and successfully radicalize average American people.

4. Social Media. The ability for any creep with deviant ideas to spew crazy hatred to a wide world-audience has never been easier.

Studies show that up to ten percent of all humans have psychopathic tendencies. That frightening segment of society must be dancing a jig right about now. Wake-up, people! We cannot allow ourselves to be manipulated by superficially charming psychopaths. The world cannot be reduced to good guys and bad guys wearing black and white hats. Reality is a far more complex.

Donald Trump, Fox news, and their ilk, have the right to speak freely, but that does not mean we have to blindly believe every insane thing they say. Don't kid yourself. If we don't pay attention, every one of us risk falling prey to the dark side. For the sake of our children, our grandchildren and this blue planet we all call home, we must real responsibility for ourselves, and our country, by resisting the siren call to radicalization.

Now is not the time to split apart. Now is the time to come together. We have far more urgent things to work on (like climate change) and we need to do it together. 

Should You Join a Writer's Group?

I'm not a joiner. Never have been. 

For me, group work can be brutal. When it doesn't work well, it can feel like being sucked dry.

I do like working in groups when there is a concrete problem to be addressed, everyone has their tasks to accomplish, and efforts revolve around the issue at hand. 

Don't get me wrong. I like socializing with people. (Yes, I really do!) I quite enjoy a bit of chit-chat, but only in small amounts. Stick me in a crowded cocktail party or plunk me in a room full of chatty strangers, and I'm exhausted. 

When I first started my creative writing journey, I took an introductory writing course in the evenings. The group was fairly large, maybe 20 people. That might have been difficult, but we were all there for a single purpose and the skilled teacher was able to contain the more extroverted students before they strayed off-task. It was a supportive learning environment and I not only gained knowledge, I left each session feeling full of energy and enthusiasm for the writing week ahead. 

Once the course was over, some 15 of us decided to keep the momentum going by forming a writer's group. Very quickly, it became apparent that without a skilled leader, the group devolved into a 'tea and cookies' sort of affair, where the focus was more on socializing that on writing. That group didn't last.

Another type of writing group that doesn't work for me is the 'Aren't we Fabulous' style of operation. This is the type of group where members bring their work for critique and everyone tells each other how awesome we all are. Afraid of hurt feelings or wounded pride, no one feels confident enough to give constructive feedback. That type of group may be useful for a brand new writer who still requires unconditional love, but I find it unhelpful.

I tried another group that was just too darned large. There were at least 20 members off and on, and as a result, each participant received only a few minutes for feedback on their work. Most of my time was spent trying to sum up and convey my thoughts on other people's work in less than one minute. Stressful and ineffective, in my opinion.   

As a result, five years into my creative writing journey I've avoided joining another writer's group.

Until now.

I've been struggling with my process lately. Too many distractions to take me away from my computer, so many excellent reasons to avoid writing. I felt bored with my characters and dulled out by my story. I needed to add some high-octane gasoline to my tank.

So, when I heard from a woman in North Bay who seemed to be in the same boat, and wanted to try forming a new writer's group, I decided what the heck? Why not give it a try?

Three sessions in to our new group and I am HOOKED! I feel energized when I leave a meeting, pumped up to write something new, and best of all, I know I've received excellent feedback.

Why does this group work?
1. It's small. Only 4 members. We've been able to get to know each other quite quickly (which is great for building trust) and the small number allows lots of time for feedback for each member.
2. It's diverse. There is a thriller writer (me), a romance novelist, a newspaper columnist and a playwright. Nothing is more energizing than learning something new.
3. Similar Skill Levels. None of us has to waste time teaching grammar or punctuation or story development. We are all fairly accomplished as writers and have a good grasp of the basic skills. 
4. Trust. I don't know how we came to trust each other so quickly. Perhaps, because we are all older, we've come to a place where we just don't want to waste time and energy on insecurities. 
5. Clear Goals. Every member clearly stated that they were there to receive honest feedback and to improve as writers. None of us were interested in tea and cookies, or a group hug fest.
6. Constructive Feedback. It's one thing to say you are willing to give and receive honest feedback. It's another thing to do it. And, that is what is happening in this group. No punches pulled! We each seem thrilled to not only do our best to provide helpful feedback for each other, but also to receive tough feedback and accept it for what it is, a chance to improve as a writer.  

Conclusion? Even when you are an introvert like me, joining a group can be a transformative decision. If you find the right people at the right time, with similar goals, a group just might be the push you need to keep on writing! 

 




   

Fixing Three Common Author Platform Mistakes

I recently read a Writer’s Digest article by Maria Ribas, literary agent at Stonesong, detailing the major mistakes made by many authors when developing a social media platform. I was not surprised to discover I was guilty on all counts, especially after receiving a call from my own agent, politely inquiring if she was perhaps viewing an outdated version of my website.

 

Oops.

As Ms. Ribas states, many authors view platform building as an annoying add-on to their busy writing day, a necessary evil geared toward selling more books.That’s exactly what I thought, and as a person who finds self-promotion difficult at the best of times, waxing eloquent about my awesome achievements on a daily basis, seemed ridiculous. I mean, who cares?

Nobody, it seems. According to Ms. Ribas, an author platform should be about developing a friendly, online community rather than selling yourself or your product. She discussed the three main problem areas and how to fix them.

Mistake #1: Post regularly. A site without action is like a ghost town, and who wants to visit a dilapidated dead zone? That being said, Ribas understands that not every social media site works for everyone. Some people prefer the homey nature of Facebook, others like the fast pace of Twitter, still others find that a picture paints a thousand words on Instagram. Ribas’ advice is to find the platform(s) that best work for you – and then post regularly.

I am currently on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and others I don’t even remember because I post so infrequently. I need to focus my efforts, bu which one(s) to choose?

Let’s start with Twitter. I just can’t get into it. I understand that it is an effective tool for high speed, mass communication. Would the Arab Spring have come about without it? To me, however, Twitter feels like a dumping ground.  

I follow mainly writers and news organizations, and every time I open Twitter, the stunning amount of information is overwhelming; serious personal reflections, amusing tidbits, pictures of every conceivable person, place or thing – usually accompanied by a perky caption, and endless calls to action. Read my story! Buy this awesome thing! Have your say! Sign my petition! Feel something!

My already short attention span dribbles away to nothing as I scroll through the endless realms of information, and I find it almost impossible to key in on those people whom I'd like to get to know better.  Until someone can show me how to separate the wheat from the chaff, my twitter account flounders.

I like Instagram for my personal life. I enjoy looking at pictures of friends and family, but I’m not sure how it would work for my author platform. How many pictures of me talking at one event or another could other people stand? Am I supposed to post personal photos? Grandchildren, picnic suppers, canoe trips – that sort of thing? I’m not sure.

I rarely go on Pinterest. Searching through the endless boards is like walking blindly up and down the aisles of a crowded Home Depot when all you want to buy is one small package of finishing nails.

I DO like Facebook. I find the personal ­and professional updates from others, interesting. I like many of the articles that people forward. I can Like or Comment on someone’s post, and they do likewise with mine. I appreciate that I can easily see who it is I’m talking to. For me, Facebook offers the right balance between personal and professional, and flows along in manageable chunks.

Mistake #2: Unpolished website design. Ribas notes that authors often advertise their websites through various social media sites but when readers click on the link, are disappointed to find an outdated, unprofessional design.

Guilty! As of a few weeks ago, I had a typical amateur site – built by hand, using a free web-builder that offered only the most basic tools. With input from Monica Pacheco, a tech-savvy agent at the Anne McDermid literary agency, and from a knowledgeable web-designer, I’ve updated my website. It is now more visually appealing, shares more relevant information and is mobile-friendly. My task now, is to keep it up to date.

 

Mistake #3: Unhelpful Posts. Ribas rightly notes that people get into trouble when they post personal musings instead of helpful information. Overly long, often-whiny, private thoughts belong in a journal not an online blog.

I started Dumpy Grace as a forum for keeping track of the vicissitudes of my writing journey, so I guess it was more of a personal journal than a helpful blog. The problem is, I love Dumpy Grace. I don’t want to give her up. I’ll work on being more helpful and a little less whiny – but Dumpy Grace stays.

 

In a global world increasingly defined by meaningless infotainment-bites, we let a deeper understanding of people, events and ideas slip away at our peril. Forging genuine connections with our extended community, both in person and online, is one place to begin.

I've been struggling with the online world. Time to plunge in and work harder.  

    

  

Heading into Dark Territory

I received the 1st pass of Dark Territory today from Simon & Schuster, Canada. After all the writing, re-writing, content and copy editing, I now get to see the way it will appear in book form.

And, if I do say so myself, it looks pretty great!

So, what's my next task?

I have to read through the entire novel yet again (no - that is not me sighing. I am just clearing my throat) I will check for any last spelling mistakes (found one on the first page - oops) and any other remaining booboos (all mine, of course)

This is also the point where, if I am very lucky, I will get a chance to change the ending. I have been feeling vaguely unsatisfied ever since it was strongly suggested to me that Signy Shepherd must have a happy outcome at the end of book two.

Ugh. Nope. Wrong. Cheerful, wholesome wrap-ups and Signy Shepherd are not ready to become acquainted. At least not yet. I wanted the novel to end on a poignant note, but compliant newbie that I am, kept it in the key of C. I've been feeling grumpy ever since.

From the few trial balloons I've floated, I think slipping in a new ending is unlikely, even though it would mean changing a few paragraphs on the very last page (I swear!). What do you say, S & S? Please, pretty please?

Meanwhile, I will start re-reading Dark Territory for the umpteenth time - and will try not to listen to that noxious voice in my head pointing out every bad word choice, each moment of cringe-worthy dialogue, and all those missed opportunities where I might have used brilliant metaphor instead of another repetitive beat.

I will try to pay more attention to the tiny, positive voice that occasionally weighs in with a quiet "Atta girl. Nice sentence.Way to go."

 

My First Public Book Reading

The publicity and marketing phase of Blown Red continues.

Yesterday, I participated in my first ever book reading at a Books and Brunch event hosted by Blue Heron Books in Uxbridge. I think I must be getting somewhat used to these public appearances as my anxiety level was not too bad. I think the lovely three-hour drive down from Little Partridge Lake helped. It was sunny and warm in the car and I was listening to Sunday morning CBC radio, which is always illuminating.

I thought I'd use a little Stoic philosophical practice to reflect on my performance. During evening meditation, Stoics ask themselves these three questions:

1. What went well? That's easy. I think the reading I gave went very well. I picked a good passage and gave it my all - reading as creepily as I could. I was happy with my performance and the feedback was positive.

It was also very helpful to have Sue Reynolds as the host of the event. Sue was one of my writing teachers and she not only has an intimate knowledge of Blown Red but is also wonderfully supportive. It makes the world of difference to have a friendly face cheering you on when you risk moving so far outside your comfort zone.

Ian Hamilton, author of the Ava Lee series, graciously agreed to share the stage with me, and he couldn't have been more friendly. He told me some great stories about his first forays in the public appearance world - some of them quite hair-raising, and he was a fun guy to spend an afternoon with.

2. What did I do Wrong? During the Q & A session, I think I answered some of the questions well enough, others not so much. I tend to ramble, go off on tangents and worst of all - blab about boring stuff. You know how drivers tend to head directly toward the object they are trying to avoid - that's what I do with excruciating stuff no one wants to hear. Gotta remember to focus on juicier topics and to be more succinct.

3. What didn't I do? I think maybe I could be more prepared with some funny stories to tell. Ian Hamilton had a few 'go-to' stories that made the audience laugh. I know that when I'm listening to people speak, a little humour goes a long way to keeping my eyelids from drooping. I think it would be wise in future to have always have few riveting anecdotes at my finger tips.


Live and learn...live and learn.

That's what it's all about, right?

#DresscodePM - A Dumpy Grace Rant

I am tired of being told what to wear...by anyone. I am exhausted by the endless debates over what is, or isn't appropriate attire for grown human beings.

Let me start with a couple of caveats.

Number one - I loathe annoying clothes. I have an almost pathological hatred of:

• tight waist bands
• scratchy labels 
• brassieres - in my opinion there is a special level of hell just for bras
• underwear
• zippers or buttons that pinch
• high heels
• narrow shoes
• clothes that are too hot
• wool
• hats
• bulky scarves
• collars that choke
• heavy clothes
• layers
• jewelry of any kind
• I could go on but I think you get the point.

Number two - as my friends and family will attest with eye rolls and groans, I don't care about fashion. I can't tell Gucci from Joe Fresh or Prada from Payless. I don't notice what other people wear and I mean that literally. I wouldn't remember if you were wearing pants or a dress a few minutes after you left the room. I certainly wouldn't notice the size of the rock on your finger, the length of your skirt, or your whether the streaks in your hair need freshening up.

I really truly don't care about clothes. If I was lucky enough to live in a hot climate, I would happily walk around nude all day.

That being said, I understand that most people get a great deal of pleasure from their clothes. The slippery feel of silk or the jaunty tilt of a fedora really turn some people on. Others love nothing more than a tight corset and a pair of six-inch stilettos. I'm fine with that. Whatever floats your boat.

But, please - don't tell me what I should be wearing. Whether it is the fashion industry, cultural norms or religious edicts, I am sick of being told what I can and cannot wear.

In my particular culture the rule is that I cannot step foot out of the house unless my breasts are tightly bound against my chest. WHY? What is so terrible about letting the girls dangle free? Is it that men might be overcome by desire and attack boob-free women on the street. Really? I think it would take less than an hour before the sight of all those free-ranging breasts would bore the hell out of most men, and if not - then it is the male of the species that need to address their weird obsession with mammary glands. Not my problem.

Religious rules are particularly touchy. Recently, what Muslim women wear on their heads came under attack by our Prime Minister. Hijabs are a loathsome symbol of an anti-woman religion, Harper claimed, and women should not be allowed to wear them when taking the Canadian oath of citizenship. What a dork.

Here's my two cents worth on the head covering topic.

I can remember when I was a little girl, my mother would take us to mass on Sundays. In those days women and girls were expected to cover their heads while men were required to leave their hats at the door. On the rare occasion when I forgot my hat, my mother would slip a tissue from her purse and stick it to the top of my head with a bobby pin. I was a pretty religious kid in those days, but I just couldn't get my mind around why God needed me to have Kleenex plastered to my skull before I could hang out with him.

Being forced to act a certain way, think a certain way, or dress a certain way in order to ostensibly be more pleasing to God did not sit well with me. It didn't make sense to me, and still doesn't. In fact, the power imbalance and need for control inherent in those restrictions eventually severed my relationship with the Catholic church. But that is ME.

YOU are different. If your killer shoes makes you feel great, if your lacy bra gives you confidence or wearing a wig over your natural hair helps you feel closer to your spiritual side, then go for it.

Just please...please...whether you are a priest, an imam, a magazine editor or a politician with your own twisted agenda, stop pushing me around.

I'll wear what I damn well please.