The Anarchist's Guide to Thanksgiving
by Cindy Layton
Like all things, Thanksgiving may be viewed on a continuum. On one end, there are those who approach the preparation of this meal as an ode to Betty Crocker, following a recipe for each dish. And there are those at the other end, who wing it. A little celery here, a dash of salt there. You know, the whole autocrats versus anarchists idea.
Either way, those in the middle are just happy to eat.
Writing is filled with similar contradictions. Those who favor the autocratic approach follow the recipe for success. Write with all the rules in mind. Submit your finely crafted piece to the gatekeepers of the world, Times New Roman and all that, with a properly addressed three paragraph query, formatted as they’ve told you via their Manuscript Wishlist on Twitter, and wait.
The anarchists throw caution to the wind, follow their creative spirit, and sneer at convention. They write with no caps, craft short stories that make a novel, or don’t submit queries at all, because why do they even need you, agents?
Either way, those in the middle are just happy to read.
As with any revolution, though, the results can be disappointing. The autocrats and the anarchists ultimately move closer toward each other on the spectrum. One decides that more celery in the stuffing is acceptable and the other concedes that turkey really is best cooked to 165 degrees or higher. Whether it’s selling out or a compromise, the parties move closer together.
In the world of writing, independent publishing was once the “wild west.” It defied convention. It welcomed all comers. When corporate interests took note, rules crept into the equation. Technology is the new gatekeeper. Technology likes recipes, not anarchy.
Think of the evolution of Facebook. It began as a place for Harvard boys to rate the girls on campus. It was known then as “The Face Book,” a name more fitting for its purpose. From there it adopted a more forward-looking set of ideals - a platform to connect people around the world. A way to exchange everyday experiences with everyday people. While selling ads. And collecting data. Now it’s a technology run amok. Trolls, bots, fake news. Anarchy, to autocracy, back to anarchy.
As independent publishing and traditional publishing move closer together, technology propels them. The platforms that once fostered the writer/anarchists have become industry behemoths. There’s been anarchy, now autocracy. Can anarchy be far behind?
When it comes, it will leave a vacuum. And open the door for the next revolution.
Happy Thanksgiving to all - from one end of the continuum to the other.
