The Nora Ephron/Stephen King Connection
In 1989, Nora Ephron posed the question, “Can men and women really be friends?” Perhaps it’s still debated almost forty years later, though as a man with several female friends, it doesn’t feel as topical. Perhaps, the 2026 version of When Harry Met Sally is, “Can two people hold opposing views still find common ground?”
The tagline might not be as charming, but maybe more relevant?
A prime example is the fact that Stephen King’s On Writing sits among the few writing books that I own. Its presence is ironic because 1) I can’t say I’ve read more than 1 or 2 of his (nearly) 70 published works 2) I’m still recovering from my first introduction to his creation Pennywise the clown…
*shudder*
What I love and appreciate is his passion for storytelling and his ability to put that process into words. While 97% of his books aren’t for me, I eagerly sit as his feet to learn what he has to offer the world of writers.
One particular quote has stuck with me ever since I read it:
“Life isn’t a support system for art. It’s the other way around.”
The Audacity of Childhood
I won’t waste my time (or yours) droning on about how important art is because (spoiler alert) it is. What I’ve been thinking about lately is the odd disconnect the world has with the creators of art.
Perhaps you are fortunate enough to have an artist in your life. Maybe they work with words, paint, yarn, glass, or clay and perhaps they do it as a hobby or receive payment for their skills. Regardless, you have been privileged to get a glimpse into that world and see the work and talent it took to get there.
For the majority of the world, “art” lives in a far distant land, as though coming into being like mountains and wildflowers; around when you want it but not sparing much thought where it came from or how to support it.
When does this happen? When do we stop listening to the elementary school teachers who told us to follow our dreams? When does practical win out over passion? Are we afraid that if such dreams persist, everyone will abandon the “practical” for the arts?
Hardly.
Anyone who’s ever taught or had children will be the first to point out that children’s interests are vast and far-reaching. As a former teacher, I can attest that there are children who would rather analyze the migration patterns of birds than attempt anything artistic.
So what stops those of us who spent way more time creating the diorama than writing the report?
The Audacity of Dreams
Let’s do a mini experiment and read the following statements:
I want to be a doctor.
I want to be a lawyer.
I want to be a singer.
I want to be an accountant.
I want to be a writer.
I want to be a football player.
I want to be a politician.
I want to be an artist.
Now read them again and pretend someone close to you said them. Which ones make you uncomfortable? Roll your eyes? Which ones do you say “Go for it!” and which ones make you go quiet?
Why?
Money? Pride? The desire to protect someone from harm?
Look at the list again. Of the ones that made you feel uncomfortable, do you value those professions in your own life? Do you have a favorite musician? Do you hang art on your walls? Do you read novels at night in bed?
If we value these things in our lives, what makes the difference between someone we know vs. someone in a recording studio in LA?
In the musical Into the Woods, there is a lyric that says:
Must it all be either less or more,
Either plain or grand?
Is it always “or”?
Is it never “and”?
While there is much to say about being a responsible adult and not living a life devoid of consequences, I think we can take such ideas to extremes where we admire (and even emulate) suffering as the goal. Because the reality is that we do live in a world where we can have a lot more “ands” instead of “ors.”
The Audacity of the Artist
The artist, in particular, has to be bold/brave every time they create something even if that thing is seen by no one but themselves. They dare to reach into the realm of nothing and create something. That’s audacious! No one told them to, the earth will keep spinning whether they do or don’t, but something inside them compels them to do so.
If that bravery weren’t enough, there are artists who share that work with the world, exposing a piece of their souls to be judged.
I don’t think we consider this as often as we should.
Genuine art requires sacrifice from the artist. Sacrifice of time, energy, and pride.
And yet…
It still takes a tremendous amount of courage to expect some sort of remuneration. Unlike most jobs, artists have to wear their price tags in the open for everyone to see. “My skills are worth $_____.”
That’s rough.
In a world of inflating grocery and gas prices, artists have to be willing to proclaim that their art is just as important!
It’s a rough gig and I applaud each and every one of them. Not because I’m a fan of every artist (quite the contrary in some cases) but, just like Stephen King, I can appreciate and learn from the talent and skill it takes to become a master.
So, support the art that most appeals to you.
Go to the movies, attend a concert, find a local bookstore, browse Etsy instead of Amazon, etc. So many ways to keep art in our lives.
Oh, and stay off ChatGPT. 😉