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Novel Idea |
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PODCAST SLIGHTLY CHANGING DUE TO "NOVEL IDEA" - 7/15/2006It's true! I mentioned a couple weeks ago that I was going to move from the fixed, weekly schedule, and that I'd explain why, and what that means to you when time allowed. Here goes!First, what I don't believe and don't intend it means is that I will "podfade". I so greatly enjoy learning, and sharing my learning, that I doubt you'll be able to make me go away. On the other hand, I have two reasons that my time has to be rationed a bit more carefully, including moving from the rigid, weekly schedule.One, I am excited to announce I've begun work on a vastly different type of book - a novel. I figured I've never read one, so I'd might as well write one (joke). As time goes by I'll keep you up to date, but the basic premise is this. People like stories. They like drama.The main purpose of Truth-Driven Thinking is creating awareness of our human tendencies toward emotion-driven thinking, rather than truth-driven thinking - asking ourselves what might complex reality really look like here, and how can I use reason, science, logic to best estimate truth. So for some time I've been drafting a plotline and character sketches for a tale that weaves many of the concepts we discuss at TDT, into a novel. As an emotion-driven thinker myself, it just seems clear that we humans tend to enjoy real-world emotion and drama, and in this way perhaps I can effectively entertain, and also illustrate how our sometimes dry, non-fictional notions apply to the real world. At least that's my goal.It is designed for a mass market, not a small skeptical niche. In fact for some it may be too open-minded, as the podcast show is. Some want me simply to militantly rant and shout every time we discuss religion, that there is no God and I'm positive, and there is no value in any system of looking outside ones self for one's 'Otherness". Many days I agree that there is no force outside of the natural observable universe, but I'm also unwilling to say that definitively.And in fact let me share one sliver a concept that will come out in the novel. One of my struggles with the TDT show is that by focusing on potential areas of conventional wisdom that are unfounded or challengeable by evidence and reason, I often irritate people by focusing on differences. Of course I'm okay with that, and will continue to do so because we have to learn to stop tying our ego into right and wrong. What should matter is putting truth ahead of ourselves and our emotions.On the other hand, as a uniting personality and admitted emotion-driven thinker, sometimes I get concerned that by focusing on divisions, my efforts divide - not unite people in the areas where agreement can be found. I think that's why I so enjoyed the messages of Bishop Spong and Tom Harpur, even if though having those guests still divided some.But I digress. Let me recap. I'm moving the show from a fixed weekly schedule, to a "when I can" schedule, which I hope means still at least every other week while I feverishly work to write my novel.The second reason is more personal and financial. Since my big lung May surgery and more lengthy recovery than I'd planned, I've gotten behind in all aspects of life, and especially at making a living. So I really need to put a bit more energy into something that could do this for me - (of course I fully realize the odds of making money on this book, despite an intended general audience, are somewhat long - I also get more excited everyday about what is taking shape here, a book that explores these concepts in novel form, and think there could well be a mass market if the underlying story - about tragedy, religion, and love & loss - if it is good enough).I will tell you that I also still do some business consulting through my Truth-Driven Strategies business. Basically I perform interpersonal communications coaching and small business coaching focused on implementing standardized processes for small businesses in service sectors - but I've got to tell you that business today just doesn't hold the passion for me that it once did. I could use the money, but in many cases I see such bigger issues in the world that need our open inquiry.In summary, the podcast will continue. I have some good guests lined up. I hope you'll stay with me as I move from every Wednesday, to "as able" - which hopefully will still be at least every other week.With your input and/or guidance, the show might also become a bit more bloggish - me sharing my thoughts & struggles (as I've several times said it would become, but these darn guests fascinate me too much), including updates on the struggles with the novel.Many thanks again for the support. Keep the feedback coming! |
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