I have never professed to being a great writer. Sure, I am proficient, but certainly not great. But I am a great reader. I read voraciously, I literally consume books... I have to really because a good story will consume me otherwise. I will pine all day when I want to get back to my book.
Every day I read blogs, newspapers, marketing materials. Pretty much every day I have my coffee and check my feeds. On days when I wake up late, I head straight for SFDB to catch local news and blogs. A few weeks ago, Rick picked up a story published by Jane Doe at Miami Beach 411 about her relationship with addiction.
That story was one of a three part series, and it grabbed me for several reasons. Firstly, it's well written, it's highly personal without being disengaging. Secondly, while I have never personally battled with addiction, I have been close to several people who have. It's scary. It's all consuming. And this story expresses that. You have to read through all three chapters of the story, and I certainly will not recap it, because it's not my story to tell, but I will say this: Often, it's difficult for people to separate themselves enough from addiction to be able to clearly tell a story about it's destructive forces. I think Jane came as close as they come, especially with as recent as some of these incidents seem to be in her life.
I also think it's a very brave thing to write this story and then give it away to the world. Even as an anonymous author, it's something that has to be revisited. Additionally, I find it commendable that MB411 posted the story. As a travel website, they know very well how people perceive Miami Beach - as a fun party place where everyone is sexy, everyone does drugs, and that's "cool." To publish a story, three in fact, that portrays hard-core drug use as a truly destructive force is pretty amazing.
So kudos to you Jane. I know you will stay strong, I know good things are coming for you.
3 comments:
Thanks for your post about the perception (sometimes correct) about Miami Beach. Instead of partying and drug use, however, I believe that the trend in Miami Beach is towards small lounges, older age groups, and expensive restaurants.
http://www.thekleerteam.com/blog/2010/01/My-Favorite-Miami-Beach-Restaurants.htm
and lounges, older people, and expensive restaurants aren't filled with drug use? Trust.Me.They.Are. No offense, but the positive spin smacks of being a realtor. When I was one, I wanted everyone to think shiny happy too, if I wanted to sell anything.
and lounges, older people, and expensive restaurants aren't filled with drug use? Trust.Me.They.Are. No offense, but the positive spin smacks of being a realtor. When I was one, I wanted everyone to think shiny happy too, if I wanted to sell anything.
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