A Play on Words
While being interviewed the year after comedian Kathy Griffin held a fake, severed Donald Trump head in a photo, she gave a very decisive and powerful response to the reporter’s final question. While I don’t remember the question verbatim, it centered around whether she believed comedians should have the creative freedom to make such bold choices given their line of work. Griffin replied, yes. You can agree or disagree. I’m making mention of this to say that writers should also get that same liberty. And they do! At least in my world. X, Y, and Why in the working title of my potential third book was meant to be a play on words.
When I wrote my first book It’s a Sign, Stupid; in 2013, I did so haphazardly and without much regard for the detail and sophistication involved in the process. However, the book did have some impact, for which I’m humbled. The Light Year, written in 2014, had a simpler title and yet another play on words. It wasn’t a reference to science, rather spirituality. Earlier this year, however, I discovered a scientific connection — at least by my calculations. I suppose I should have known better to keep with this theme of double entendre titling, but I suppose if it’s somehow working, why deviate? So, let me attempt to dissect the latest title.
If x, then wh(y)? The Art & Science of Kindness
An ” if, then” statement is more commonly referred to as the hypothesis and conclusion statement. The x and y are the variables. However, for this book, the x and y variables take on a slightly different meaning. While they are variables, the x and y refer to a list of topics and interests of mine including the generations, actual letters, chromosomes, love, music (xylophone), mathematics & science (education), medicine, and law. Words can’t describe how grateful I am for my college education and degree. But my actions and personal study into topics including (psychology, music, cultural heritage, philosophy, etc.) should be enough signal of respect I have for academia. Present-day, I’m fascinated with Latin — a language that is not dead, in my opinion. To give it some additional CPR, I’ve taken the motto of my home state of New York, translated it into Latin, and use it as a personal motto. “Semper Supra,” which means Ever Upward.
Sidenote: I was not very good at math or science in grade school, but I have come to appreciate their value. I also respect the work of teachers, doctors, nurses, etc. These are not jobs I want to do or feel called to do. However, I can certainly teach and heal in other ways that are connected to Journalism. The beauty of this field is the ability to cover stories across a wide range of fields and topics.
Out of Order
Interestingly, the book’s working title literally translates to: If x is true, then why is (y)? Another way to interpret: if the knowledge or variable is absolute or correct, why continue? The reason, in part, is a rumbling or feeling that a decision or wrap-up might be needed. The first two books were written from a spiritual perspective. This potential third book deviates — but with decorum. However, it would follow the same format as the first two books while serving a broader purpose. The basis of the book stems from the idea that Generation X was not given a great outlook or an encouraging moniker. “The slacker generation!” While I understand why that the attachment exists, it’s also safe to say that Generation X is an incredible part of our history. Another book titled “X Saves the World” by Jeffrey Gordinier speaks to this — I’ll assume. I’ve only read the jacket copy and some reviews of the book. The remainder of IXTW’s title, “The art and science of kindness,” would be the application of the x’s and y’s and speak to ideas of expansion, legacy, chaos, order, and the world at large. Truth be told, I feel like my books were written out of order. Perhaps a better title for the third book is “Preface.”
More Importantly…
Lastly, I never intended, nor do I still really want to be an author. My aunt, who passed away in March of 2020, asked me to write the first book, and I agreed. The Light Year was written out of guilty feelings. However, both books seemed to create a much bigger soundwave in the world and universe. And if I do, in fact, write IXTW, I will attempt to explain why. It’s not just about the words written. Even the punctuation marks are even important. I’ll leave you with this: whatever it is you do in life — the so-called good, bad, esteemable, dreadful — it’s important. It’s how we learn, grow, and bring about change. Even what we do for work has value. Every job and the person attached is important. Nothing, in my opinion, is too infinitesimal.
