Jim Vuksic's Blog, page 16
October 7, 2014
The Never Ending Book Pricing Debate (Different Strokes for Different Folks)
If you are a member of a literary website (it doesn't matter which one), you may have noticed that almost every discussion group includes a thread that hosts a seemingly endless debate regarding how much is too much to pay for a book. Everyone has a theory and everyone believes theirs is the correct one.
Not very long ago, a customer would walk into a store and purchase a book for anywhere from $7.00 to $40.00, depending upon the format (hard cover, paperback, or audio), subject matter, popularity, length (number of pages), or the inclusion of illustrations and/or photographs.
The invention of the personal computer, the internet, and the elctronic book reading device ushered in a renaissance for independently and self-published books; which in-turn radically changed the perceived monetary value of books forever.
Many avid readers have become so accustomed to paying as little as $1.00 to $4.00 for an e-Book, they have convinced themselves that anything more than that, for any type of book, is too much. Since so many independent and self-published authors often give their books away for free, for whatever reason, some readers have even come to believe that it is foolish to pay anything for something that you can get for nothing.
The purpose of this blog post is not to participate in or encourage the never ending book pricing debate. It is to serve as a reminder that the determination of whether the established price of any product is too little or too much is directly related to the perceived value of said product by the buyer and his or her financial status. In other words, different strokes for different folks.
Some think that flying on a commercial airline costs too much; while others would never dream of flying anything other than first-class. Some would never pay more than $25,000 for a new car; while others do not hesitate to pay cash for a Cadillac, Mercedes Benz, or BMW. When traveling, some always stay at a budget motel; while others routinely reserve a suite in a luxury hotel.
In a free-market economy, demand determines price. If enough customers are willing to pay a premium price for something, that is what the seller will charge and, by default, that is what the item is worth. Those who aren't willing don't have to pay it, so they have no reason to complain about it. They are free to purchase a less expensive version of the product.
The value of a book or anything else for that matter is relative. The perception that something is expensive, like beauty, lies in the eye of the beholder. Debating how much is too much will never resolve the issue or change anyone's mind, because the consumers are looking at it from different perspectives. Instead of wasting valuable time arguing, I suggest we all just relax and read a good book instead. The price paid for said book is entirely up to you.
Not very long ago, a customer would walk into a store and purchase a book for anywhere from $7.00 to $40.00, depending upon the format (hard cover, paperback, or audio), subject matter, popularity, length (number of pages), or the inclusion of illustrations and/or photographs.
The invention of the personal computer, the internet, and the elctronic book reading device ushered in a renaissance for independently and self-published books; which in-turn radically changed the perceived monetary value of books forever.
Many avid readers have become so accustomed to paying as little as $1.00 to $4.00 for an e-Book, they have convinced themselves that anything more than that, for any type of book, is too much. Since so many independent and self-published authors often give their books away for free, for whatever reason, some readers have even come to believe that it is foolish to pay anything for something that you can get for nothing.
The purpose of this blog post is not to participate in or encourage the never ending book pricing debate. It is to serve as a reminder that the determination of whether the established price of any product is too little or too much is directly related to the perceived value of said product by the buyer and his or her financial status. In other words, different strokes for different folks.
Some think that flying on a commercial airline costs too much; while others would never dream of flying anything other than first-class. Some would never pay more than $25,000 for a new car; while others do not hesitate to pay cash for a Cadillac, Mercedes Benz, or BMW. When traveling, some always stay at a budget motel; while others routinely reserve a suite in a luxury hotel.
In a free-market economy, demand determines price. If enough customers are willing to pay a premium price for something, that is what the seller will charge and, by default, that is what the item is worth. Those who aren't willing don't have to pay it, so they have no reason to complain about it. They are free to purchase a less expensive version of the product.
The value of a book or anything else for that matter is relative. The perception that something is expensive, like beauty, lies in the eye of the beholder. Debating how much is too much will never resolve the issue or change anyone's mind, because the consumers are looking at it from different perspectives. Instead of wasting valuable time arguing, I suggest we all just relax and read a good book instead. The price paid for said book is entirely up to you.
October 3, 2014
Claiming to be a Writer and Other Mistaken Assumptions
Today, anyone with access to a personal computer and the internet can publish a book and, technically at least, lay claim to the title of Writer, when actually they are not a writer in the traditional sense.
The established definitions of the words writer and literate reveal that the ability to write does not necessarily make one a writer.
The Merriam-Webster English Dictionary provides the following definitions:
Literate: Educated - Able to read and write.
Writer: One that writes esp. as a business or occupation - Author.
Not very long ago, a published author belonged to an elite group, since 97% of submitted manuscripts were routinely rejected, and still are, by tradtional mainline publishers. A number of independently and self-published books available in the market today would never make it beyond a mainline publisher's acquisition department.
Many independently and self-published books are just as good as, if not better than, some released through mainline publishers. Unfortunately, there are just as many that are so badly written, both technically and conceptually, that many readers avoid works by Indies and SPA's altogether.
To become a writer, in the true sense of the word, one must expend the time and energy to first obtain the knowledge and technical skills required: correct spelling, punctuation, grammar, syntax, and narration techniques.
Some will agree and support this blog post. They are the ones who have already honed their writing skills and routinely produce polished, entertaining literary works that, unfortunately, too often do not receive the recognition they should.
Some will take offense and deride this post as nothing more than an arrogant rant. They are the ones who inspired me to write it.
The established definitions of the words writer and literate reveal that the ability to write does not necessarily make one a writer.
The Merriam-Webster English Dictionary provides the following definitions:
Literate: Educated - Able to read and write.
Writer: One that writes esp. as a business or occupation - Author.
Not very long ago, a published author belonged to an elite group, since 97% of submitted manuscripts were routinely rejected, and still are, by tradtional mainline publishers. A number of independently and self-published books available in the market today would never make it beyond a mainline publisher's acquisition department.
Many independently and self-published books are just as good as, if not better than, some released through mainline publishers. Unfortunately, there are just as many that are so badly written, both technically and conceptually, that many readers avoid works by Indies and SPA's altogether.
To become a writer, in the true sense of the word, one must expend the time and energy to first obtain the knowledge and technical skills required: correct spelling, punctuation, grammar, syntax, and narration techniques.
Some will agree and support this blog post. They are the ones who have already honed their writing skills and routinely produce polished, entertaining literary works that, unfortunately, too often do not receive the recognition they should.
Some will take offense and deride this post as nothing more than an arrogant rant. They are the ones who inspired me to write it.
September 1, 2014
Beware of Amateurs Offering Expert Advice
I once built a birdhouse, attended a Roman Catholic seminary, served in the military, fought in a war, was married, raised children, enjoy a very comfortable lifestyle, and wrote a published novel.
That does not endow me with the privilege of claiming to be an expert regarding carpentry, religion, soldiering, marriage, parenting, wealth accumulation, or professional writing. In fact, I am not.
Whatever success I may have achieved during my lifetime has been obtained by learning through trial and error and often seeking expert advice from those who had actually achieved success in whichever endeavor I was involved in at the time.
Be wary of those offerng advice. Before taking it too seriously and acting upon it, check out their credentials and samples of their work.
You would not seek carpentry advice from someone who does shoddy woodwork; spiritual advice from a steet preacher; military-related advice from one who never actually served; marital advice from someone with multiple divorces; parenting advice from a child abuser; or investment advice from a bankrupt person.
Using the aforementioned examples as a reference point, one should not seek writing or publishing advice from a writer, even a published author, whose discussion posts and book blurbs are rife with poor grammar, bad spelling, excessive typos, incorrect punctuation, and improper syntax.
Seek advice from an expert and that is what you will receive. The best you can hope for from someone like me is an honest opinion; not to be confused with expert advice.
That does not endow me with the privilege of claiming to be an expert regarding carpentry, religion, soldiering, marriage, parenting, wealth accumulation, or professional writing. In fact, I am not.
Whatever success I may have achieved during my lifetime has been obtained by learning through trial and error and often seeking expert advice from those who had actually achieved success in whichever endeavor I was involved in at the time.
Be wary of those offerng advice. Before taking it too seriously and acting upon it, check out their credentials and samples of their work.
You would not seek carpentry advice from someone who does shoddy woodwork; spiritual advice from a steet preacher; military-related advice from one who never actually served; marital advice from someone with multiple divorces; parenting advice from a child abuser; or investment advice from a bankrupt person.
Using the aforementioned examples as a reference point, one should not seek writing or publishing advice from a writer, even a published author, whose discussion posts and book blurbs are rife with poor grammar, bad spelling, excessive typos, incorrect punctuation, and improper syntax.
Seek advice from an expert and that is what you will receive. The best you can hope for from someone like me is an honest opinion; not to be confused with expert advice.
August 18, 2014
Pen Names - Who's Who?
Have you ever wondered if the authors of some of your favorite books used a pen name or their real name? More have chosen to write under a pseudonym, for one reason or another, than you may have thought.
Here are a few of the better-known examples:
Robert Galbraith - J.K. Rowling
Anonymous - Joe Klein
J.D. Robb - Nora Roberts
Barbara Vine - Ruth Rendell
Anne Rumpling & A.N. Roquelaure - Ann Rice
Amanda Quick & Jayne Castle - Jayne Anne Krentz
Richard Bachman - Stephen King
Ed McBain - Evan Hunter
A.M. Barnard - Louisa May Alcott
Currer, Ellis, & Acton Bell - Charlotte, Emily, & Anne Bronte
George Eliot - Mary Ann Evans
Mark Twain - Samuel Langhorne Clemens
O. Henry - William Sidney Porter
Those are the ones of whom I am aware. Can you come up with others, without the help of Google? Please let me know in the box provided for comments.
Here are a few of the better-known examples:
Robert Galbraith - J.K. Rowling
Anonymous - Joe Klein
J.D. Robb - Nora Roberts
Barbara Vine - Ruth Rendell
Anne Rumpling & A.N. Roquelaure - Ann Rice
Amanda Quick & Jayne Castle - Jayne Anne Krentz
Richard Bachman - Stephen King
Ed McBain - Evan Hunter
A.M. Barnard - Louisa May Alcott
Currer, Ellis, & Acton Bell - Charlotte, Emily, & Anne Bronte
George Eliot - Mary Ann Evans
Mark Twain - Samuel Langhorne Clemens
O. Henry - William Sidney Porter
Those are the ones of whom I am aware. Can you come up with others, without the help of Google? Please let me know in the box provided for comments.
August 8, 2014
A Reality Check for Self-Published Authors
Not very long ago, the title published author merited respect and admiration, since only an elite group of writers could legitimately lay claim to it.
Every year, thousands of writers would submit query letters to mainline publishers. A few would be elated to receive a request to submit their manuscript, only to have their hopes dashed a few weeks later, upon receipt of a polite rejection letter. Approximately three percent would be accepted; allowing those fortunate few, from that time on, to refer to themselves as a published author.
Today, the literary market is rife with books that have been independently or self-published. Anyone with access to a personal computer and the internet may now technically claim to be a published author.
Many independently and self-published books are as well-written and entertaining as those released by a mainline publisher. Unfortunately, far too many are not. In fact, some are so bad that they have led many readers to believe that any independently or self-published book is not worth buying.
Writers who lack the knowledge and/or discipline to expend the time and energy necessary to produce a manuscript that is technically well-written and skillfully narrated, or are just too lazy to do so, negatively impact the reputations of those conscientious writers who work hard to create a quality literary work.
Exaggerated or blatantly false 5-star ratings and raving reviews which some indies and self-pubs routinely award eachother's badly written books have resulted in most serious readers ignoring reviews completely, which is a disservice to legitimate, unbiased reviewers.
Anyone with access to the internet or a public library can find books, guidelines, and low-cost or free courses that focus specifically upon spelling, grammar, syntax, punctuation, and writing etiquette. A copy editor's job is to discover and correct the occasional error or type-o, not salvage a manuscript full of misspelled words, bad grammar, and improper syntax or punctuation.
It is time for a reality check. Expend the effort and energy to obtain the skills required to produce a literary work worth reading, as many of your peers already have, and soon the stigma attached to independent and self-publishing will disappear. If you don't, it won't.
Every year, thousands of writers would submit query letters to mainline publishers. A few would be elated to receive a request to submit their manuscript, only to have their hopes dashed a few weeks later, upon receipt of a polite rejection letter. Approximately three percent would be accepted; allowing those fortunate few, from that time on, to refer to themselves as a published author.
Today, the literary market is rife with books that have been independently or self-published. Anyone with access to a personal computer and the internet may now technically claim to be a published author.
Many independently and self-published books are as well-written and entertaining as those released by a mainline publisher. Unfortunately, far too many are not. In fact, some are so bad that they have led many readers to believe that any independently or self-published book is not worth buying.
Writers who lack the knowledge and/or discipline to expend the time and energy necessary to produce a manuscript that is technically well-written and skillfully narrated, or are just too lazy to do so, negatively impact the reputations of those conscientious writers who work hard to create a quality literary work.
Exaggerated or blatantly false 5-star ratings and raving reviews which some indies and self-pubs routinely award eachother's badly written books have resulted in most serious readers ignoring reviews completely, which is a disservice to legitimate, unbiased reviewers.
Anyone with access to the internet or a public library can find books, guidelines, and low-cost or free courses that focus specifically upon spelling, grammar, syntax, punctuation, and writing etiquette. A copy editor's job is to discover and correct the occasional error or type-o, not salvage a manuscript full of misspelled words, bad grammar, and improper syntax or punctuation.
It is time for a reality check. Expend the effort and energy to obtain the skills required to produce a literary work worth reading, as many of your peers already have, and soon the stigma attached to independent and self-publishing will disappear. If you don't, it won't.
July 13, 2014
Belated Thank You or "Roll the Credits!"
Next month will mark the third anniversary of the release of my novel Levels - Aug. 9, 2011.
While thinking about all the hard work required to make it happen, I reminded myself that, without the skills, effort and dedication of several very talented people, employed by the publisher, my book would never have survived the publishing process.
Just as the credits at the end of a movie are often ignored, so it is with the people whose contributions are essential in helping an author to transform a manuscript into a commercially viable book.
So I now offer my long overdue, but sincere acknowledgment and recognition of those who made it happen: "Roll the Credits!"
Stacy Baker - Head of the Acquistion Dept.
Lauren Downen - Copy Editor
Patrick O'Donnell - Conceptual Editor
Sarah Kirchen - Layout Design Artist
Blake Brasor - Cover/Spine/Backmatter Design Artist
Stephen Rozzell - Professional Narrator
Brandon Morgan - Website Design & Maintenance*
Ingram Books/Spring Arbor - Distributors
Dallas Franklin - Publicist
Terry Cordingley - Director of Marketing
Better late than never! Thank you all for your advice, assistance, and patience.
Jim Vuksic - Author
* http://jimvuksic.tateauthor.com/
While thinking about all the hard work required to make it happen, I reminded myself that, without the skills, effort and dedication of several very talented people, employed by the publisher, my book would never have survived the publishing process.
Just as the credits at the end of a movie are often ignored, so it is with the people whose contributions are essential in helping an author to transform a manuscript into a commercially viable book.
So I now offer my long overdue, but sincere acknowledgment and recognition of those who made it happen: "Roll the Credits!"
Stacy Baker - Head of the Acquistion Dept.
Lauren Downen - Copy Editor
Patrick O'Donnell - Conceptual Editor
Sarah Kirchen - Layout Design Artist
Blake Brasor - Cover/Spine/Backmatter Design Artist
Stephen Rozzell - Professional Narrator
Brandon Morgan - Website Design & Maintenance*
Ingram Books/Spring Arbor - Distributors
Dallas Franklin - Publicist
Terry Cordingley - Director of Marketing
Better late than never! Thank you all for your advice, assistance, and patience.
Jim Vuksic - Author
* http://jimvuksic.tateauthor.com/
July 6, 2014
Be Willing to Sacrifice Today for a Better Tomorrow
One of the first lessons we learn in life is: "Listen to your elders!". As children, we are assurred that adults know best. Of course, we eventually learn that, not only do adults not always know best, some of them are not very wise and a few are evil incarnate; but that is a subject for another blog post on another day.
Upon being released from active military duty in 1968, I was hired by the H.J. Heinz Company as a clerk in the shipping office of its facility in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The annual salary was $4,500.
My father and uncles were flabbergasted when informed of my new job title and salary. They were all laborers in the numerous steel mills, paper manufacturers, or factories that were scattered throughout the city during its industrial heyday. Each was also a member of a labor union and despised that evil entity known as "management".
The lowest of the 14 pay-grades of a Heinz - Pittsburgh factory union employee in 1968 was $2.85 an hour. They were paid time-and-a half for overtime and double time if they worked on a holiday. My salary equated to just $2.16 an hour and I was not paid for overtime.
My father and uncles thought that I was very stupid or possibly insane and let me know it. My argument that I was thinking long-term and intended to work hard, learn the business, and eventually be promoted into the ranks of management convinced them that their assessment of my mental state was correct.
Eventually, the demands of their respective unions became so costly, the vast majority of the steel mills, paper manufacturers, and factories closed down. They did not go out of business; they just moved their businesses to "right-to-work" states where most still thrive today.
To make a long story short, my plan worked. Eventually, I was promoted to shift supervisor, then department head, assistant manager, module manager and, in 1996, I was appointed manager of the company's Pittsburgh facility. Over the years, my monetary compensation was increased to the point that I was able to retire in 2001 at the age of 54. Since then, I have been able to enjoy a very comfortable, retired lifestyle; travelling and doing all the things I never had the time to do before.
A life lesson: Never dismiss advice out of hand. However, learn to think for yourself and plan ahead. It is sometimes necessary to sacrifice today for a better tomorrow.
Upon being released from active military duty in 1968, I was hired by the H.J. Heinz Company as a clerk in the shipping office of its facility in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The annual salary was $4,500.
My father and uncles were flabbergasted when informed of my new job title and salary. They were all laborers in the numerous steel mills, paper manufacturers, or factories that were scattered throughout the city during its industrial heyday. Each was also a member of a labor union and despised that evil entity known as "management".
The lowest of the 14 pay-grades of a Heinz - Pittsburgh factory union employee in 1968 was $2.85 an hour. They were paid time-and-a half for overtime and double time if they worked on a holiday. My salary equated to just $2.16 an hour and I was not paid for overtime.
My father and uncles thought that I was very stupid or possibly insane and let me know it. My argument that I was thinking long-term and intended to work hard, learn the business, and eventually be promoted into the ranks of management convinced them that their assessment of my mental state was correct.
Eventually, the demands of their respective unions became so costly, the vast majority of the steel mills, paper manufacturers, and factories closed down. They did not go out of business; they just moved their businesses to "right-to-work" states where most still thrive today.
To make a long story short, my plan worked. Eventually, I was promoted to shift supervisor, then department head, assistant manager, module manager and, in 1996, I was appointed manager of the company's Pittsburgh facility. Over the years, my monetary compensation was increased to the point that I was able to retire in 2001 at the age of 54. Since then, I have been able to enjoy a very comfortable, retired lifestyle; travelling and doing all the things I never had the time to do before.
A life lesson: Never dismiss advice out of hand. However, learn to think for yourself and plan ahead. It is sometimes necessary to sacrifice today for a better tomorrow.
June 8, 2014
The Never Ending Writing Experience
Levels The Birth of an Audio Book
As pointed out in the very first post of this blog (Nov. 18, 2013), the conceptual editing phase of the publishing process proved to be a humbling experience when I learned that the polished, completed manuscript of which I had been so proud was neither polished nor complete.
By the end of the process, the 126,000 word novel had been reduced to 111,000 words. But at least I was finally finished writing - I thought.
A couple of weeks later, I was informed that the print formats of Levels had to be abridged to approximately 85,000 words so that the audio book would not exceed 8 hours listening time. Al Pacino's famous line from The Godfather III movie immediately came to mind: "Every time I think I'm through with the life, they keep pulling me back in!"
The abridgement required that I review the entire manuscript and create a shortened version that made sense and flowed smoothly. This required deleting entire sentences and occasionally a paragraph and then re-writing the scene so that the continuity would be flawlessly sustained and the listener would not notice.
It took me two weeks to produce a re-write that met the publisher's approval. But at least I was really finished this time. Wrong!
Samples of three professional narrators' previous works were sent by the publisher for me to evaluate and then choose the one whom I felt was best suited to narrate Levels. I chose Stephen Rozzell and have never regretted it. If you ever listen to the audio book, you will understand why.
Throughout the work-in-progress, I had to listen to each chapter and point out errors or dialogue which I felt did not express the emotion intended. The narrator had to return to the studio to re-record that particular part. After three weeks of this, production of the 9-disc audio book was underway and I was sent a complimentary copy. It was made available commercially August 14, 2011.
I was finally done writing! For real this time.
As pointed out in the very first post of this blog (Nov. 18, 2013), the conceptual editing phase of the publishing process proved to be a humbling experience when I learned that the polished, completed manuscript of which I had been so proud was neither polished nor complete.
By the end of the process, the 126,000 word novel had been reduced to 111,000 words. But at least I was finally finished writing - I thought.
A couple of weeks later, I was informed that the print formats of Levels had to be abridged to approximately 85,000 words so that the audio book would not exceed 8 hours listening time. Al Pacino's famous line from The Godfather III movie immediately came to mind: "Every time I think I'm through with the life, they keep pulling me back in!"
The abridgement required that I review the entire manuscript and create a shortened version that made sense and flowed smoothly. This required deleting entire sentences and occasionally a paragraph and then re-writing the scene so that the continuity would be flawlessly sustained and the listener would not notice.
It took me two weeks to produce a re-write that met the publisher's approval. But at least I was really finished this time. Wrong!
Samples of three professional narrators' previous works were sent by the publisher for me to evaluate and then choose the one whom I felt was best suited to narrate Levels. I chose Stephen Rozzell and have never regretted it. If you ever listen to the audio book, you will understand why.
Throughout the work-in-progress, I had to listen to each chapter and point out errors or dialogue which I felt did not express the emotion intended. The narrator had to return to the studio to re-record that particular part. After three weeks of this, production of the 9-disc audio book was underway and I was sent a complimentary copy. It was made available commercially August 14, 2011.
I was finally done writing! For real this time.
May 18, 2014
Too Much is Too Much - Period!
Some Goodreads members routinely confess to or boast of being a book addict. The books on their Already Read and To Read shelves often number in the several hundreds and sometimes exceed a thousand.
The Merriam-Webster dictionary's definition of the word addict is: To devote or surrender (oneself) to something habitually or excessively.
I enjoy reading and prefer it to watching TV, listening to the radio or playing computer games. However, I also enjoy spending time with family and socializing with friends, acquaintances, and sometimes even strangers. Occasionally, I'll hop into the car for a spontaneous road trip.
There are very few things or activities that are harmful in themselves, if enjoyed in moderation. However, an excessive amount of anything may negatively impact one's life - physically, mentally or emotionally.
This world is filled with wonders to behold, experiences to be had, good people to meet and good books to be read. Unfortunately, life is short; so we must learn to wisely ration the time spent enjoying each wonder, experience, person, book, and anything else we choose to do.
Each person is unique and, therfore, their situations are different. Not everyone possesses the same physical and mental capabilities, financial resources and personal preferences, or have the same opportunities. But everyone does have the ability to make the most of what they do have and to make good choices. An opportunity overlooked or ignored is an opportunity wasted.
We cannot afford to squander what little time we have to enjoy life by allowing an addiction to anything monopolize it.
The Merriam-Webster dictionary's definition of the word addict is: To devote or surrender (oneself) to something habitually or excessively.
I enjoy reading and prefer it to watching TV, listening to the radio or playing computer games. However, I also enjoy spending time with family and socializing with friends, acquaintances, and sometimes even strangers. Occasionally, I'll hop into the car for a spontaneous road trip.
There are very few things or activities that are harmful in themselves, if enjoyed in moderation. However, an excessive amount of anything may negatively impact one's life - physically, mentally or emotionally.
This world is filled with wonders to behold, experiences to be had, good people to meet and good books to be read. Unfortunately, life is short; so we must learn to wisely ration the time spent enjoying each wonder, experience, person, book, and anything else we choose to do.
Each person is unique and, therfore, their situations are different. Not everyone possesses the same physical and mental capabilities, financial resources and personal preferences, or have the same opportunities. But everyone does have the ability to make the most of what they do have and to make good choices. An opportunity overlooked or ignored is an opportunity wasted.
We cannot afford to squander what little time we have to enjoy life by allowing an addiction to anything monopolize it.
May 9, 2014
Death: The End of Life - Destruction - Extinction
The title of this post is taken directly from the Merriam-Webster dictionary's definition of death.
On two separate occasions, I have received comments via the communication page of my novel Levels' website criticizing the use of the term "died" instead of "passed on" whenever describing a character's demise as being crude or insensitive. Coincidentally, an attendee at a recent funeral service in which I was asked to deliver the eulogy also expressed their dismay regarding the use of the word "died" instead of "passed away".
I personally do not believe in life after death in any form. For me, death is the cessation of existence. Except for a few famous people, most are forgotten within a couple of generations after their death. It is as though they never existed. Someone once told me that everyone dies twice - once when their lungs, heart and brain cease to function and again when people stop talking about them.
Eventually, we all die. We do not pass away, pass on, move on, sleep eternally or go to a better palce. We die.
This is not an easy concept to accept. After all, as far as we are concerned, the world began when we became cognizant of it. The only thing we know about the world is what we ourselves have seen, experienced, read about or heard. Our ego makes it difficult to imagine a world or any other form of existence that does not include us.
Whether you agree or disagree is your prerogative. If you choose to believe that death is merely a gateway to another form of existence that includes an eternity of happiness, perfect health, reunion with loved ones and universal harmony, so be it. One of us wrong.
The only thing that really bothers me is the fact that, if I'm wrong, I and everyone else will eventually become aware that I was wrong. If I am right, no one, including me, will ever realize that I was right. Now that, my ego does have trouble accepting.
On two separate occasions, I have received comments via the communication page of my novel Levels' website criticizing the use of the term "died" instead of "passed on" whenever describing a character's demise as being crude or insensitive. Coincidentally, an attendee at a recent funeral service in which I was asked to deliver the eulogy also expressed their dismay regarding the use of the word "died" instead of "passed away".
I personally do not believe in life after death in any form. For me, death is the cessation of existence. Except for a few famous people, most are forgotten within a couple of generations after their death. It is as though they never existed. Someone once told me that everyone dies twice - once when their lungs, heart and brain cease to function and again when people stop talking about them.
Eventually, we all die. We do not pass away, pass on, move on, sleep eternally or go to a better palce. We die.
This is not an easy concept to accept. After all, as far as we are concerned, the world began when we became cognizant of it. The only thing we know about the world is what we ourselves have seen, experienced, read about or heard. Our ego makes it difficult to imagine a world or any other form of existence that does not include us.
Whether you agree or disagree is your prerogative. If you choose to believe that death is merely a gateway to another form of existence that includes an eternity of happiness, perfect health, reunion with loved ones and universal harmony, so be it. One of us wrong.
The only thing that really bothers me is the fact that, if I'm wrong, I and everyone else will eventually become aware that I was wrong. If I am right, no one, including me, will ever realize that I was right. Now that, my ego does have trouble accepting.
