On the Overuse of the Word "Genius" and the Damage it's Causing.

The word “genius” is about bandied about entirely too much nowadays. Lately, it seems as if anyone who does something somebody else likes is automatically provided with that label. The bar has been lowered so ridiculously close to the ground for true genius that almost anyone who can string a sentence together or shoot something in focus is held up with the likes of Leonardo Da Vinci and that guy who invented the pet rock.

What exactly is a genius anyway?  What does the word actually mean and, more importantly, how does it relate to the individuals being praised as such?

According to the American Heritage Dictionary, the only truly reputable source for definitions in my opinion, the meaning of the word “Genius” is as follows:

 

1.

a. Extraordinary intellectual and creative power: artistic works of genius.

b. A person of extraordinary intellect and talent.

c. A person who has an exceptionally high intelligence quotient, typically above 140.

2.

a. A strong natural talent, aptitude, or inclination: has a genius for choosing the right words.

b. One who has such a talent or inclination: a genius at diplomacy.

 

In 1711, when the notion of genius was becoming mainstream, Joseph Addision wrote, “There is no character more frequently given to a writer than that of being a genius', wrote Addison. ‘There is not a heroic scribbler in the nation that has not his admirers who think him a great genius; and as for your smatterers in tragedy, there is scarce a man among them who is not cried up by one or other for a prodigious genius.”

Even back then some people understood the word genius to be an overused descriptive employed by people who were easily impressed by the creative or intellectual processes of others.  Okay, fine.  There were also far fewer people alive then than there are now.  These days the word is used by more than just scholars and intellectual hedonists.  Online communication has shrunk the world and given everybody with fingers a voice.  It has also convinced a large amount of the population that they are experts on whatever subject they find interesting or entertaining.

This all-around expert status has also led to irresponsible usage of words such as “genius” and even “essential,” which is a commentary unto itself (and one that’s in the works).  Much like hopeful parents desperate to have their children labeled as “gifted” when they’re clearly average, millions of people in the Western world ascribe genius to works that, while often well-written, performed, directed, etc., are most certainly not works of genius.

For instance, a certain writer/director who is the darling of the fanboy/girl contingent can do no wrong in the eyes of these people.  However, when someone who might know what he or she is talking about takes an objective look at this person’s work, what emerges is something different from blind, unquestioning, cult-like adoration.  Instead, one begins to see a list of contrivances and gimmicks that have served him so well, admittedly to positive effect in several cases, that aren’t works of genius, they’re just very clever and entertaining. 

One of my Facebook friends referred to this person’s “quiet genius,” a comment that made me chuckle.  He is definitely soft-spoken, so they got the quiet part right, but a genius? Sadly, no. Heavy-handed pop culture references, self-conscious dialogue and supposedly unexpected deaths are not indicative of genius.  Calling him that puts this individual on the same level as Martin Scorsese or Francis Ford Coppola or even Kubrick when he wasn’t succumbing to his one sense of importance.  I can guarantee one thing in this piece above all others: The unnamed auteur will never create anything on their level and thinking otherwise is simply embracing cluelessness.

However, his fans will never come around to my way of thinking either.  Nor do I necessarily want them to.  People are entitled to their viewpoints, no matter how damaging they are to the Big Picture.  And make no mistake: There is damage being caused here. 

Hailing modest talents as geniuses has led to an overall reduction in quality in the arts, the ever-lamented Law of Diminishing Returns.  Derivation has become its own animal, with music “sampling” and “mashup” fiction on the front lines of the struggle to bankrupt imaginations and marginalize more original voices.  I see no end in sight to this and, while I try to write mostly stories from my own head and not someone else’s, I certainly don’t view myself as the heir apparent to the throne of righteous originality.

But genius, true genius, will always distinguish itself from the rest.  It’s just going to need to develop a much louder voice~

 

The Undying Anthology That Refused to Die and Kept Staying Alive!!!

 

 

This anthology seems to have achieved an ongoing life of its own, and I am proud to be one of the authors whose work is included in its pages. I keep finding reviews online despite the fact that it's over a year old now. Below are a some pull quotes from a few readers  who singled out "You With Me," my contribution:

 

"You With Me by Christopher Nadeau: you can feel the horror coming on this one, like little flickers of light at the corners of your vision.... You don't quite want to look the whole way! Nothing prepares you for the ending, but it is a good one! Nothing says I love you quite like this!"

 

"You With Me by Christopher Nadeau. 4* This one reminded me of an old Stephen King collection cover from the 80's. "

 

"‘You With Me’ (Christopher Nadeau) is a very short tale which covers the issue of obsession and one man’s inability to cope with rejection. To say more would be a shame, but his process of dealing with it is quite grisly to say the least."

 

Quote of the Month.

"A word to the wise is efficient. But only if you're speaking to the wise."

-David Gerrold

On Context and Them What Don't Get it.

There's a little thing I like to call "contextual comprehension," because I often like to act as if I created terminology someone else has no doubt already used. It refers to understanding the meaning behind things that are written and said. A prime example of that is how people often have no understanding of the context behind the written word, taking it at face value and completely missing the point of what's on the page or screen.

Nowhere does this phenomenon rear its hideous countenance more often than when religion and politics are being discussed. As a person who was trained to read beyond the surface, I often find it infuriating when trying to describe my reaction to something.  I long ago gave up on trying to convince others.  Nowadays, the arguments tend to result from people misinterpreting my own words because they first misinterpreted the words of the original source.

So, in keeping with the spirit of twits not grasping concepts, I present to you an exchange that took place regarding the now infamous or misunderstood picture of the Obamas at Nelson Mandela's funeral.

In order to follow the conversation below, it's a good idea to take a look at the commentary written by Andrea Peyser, which comes off like a poorly rendered stab at erotic fan fiction.  Look at the picture as well, although you've probably seen it many times by now.

For the conversation, I have edited out the offending individual's name and the names and comments of others. I think you'll be amazed at how calm I remained, considering what she called me:

Christopher Nadeau Amanda Peyser clearly has major sexual hangups.

Woman: Amanda has sexual probs, it's been blown out of proportion, and "they" need to "just stop" finding fault with this poor guy???? What is wrong with you people? Oh wait, I remember - you are complete idiots. I say you are complete idiots because only a complete idiot would continue to dig this deep for a defense of anyone that conducts themselves in this manner. Just because you support him does not - not in any way - mean that he is never ever wrong. Nobody on this planet can be as right as you complete idiots claim President Obama is.

Christopher Nadeau Interesting. Nobody on here debated the inappropriateness of Obama's actions (selfies) yet we're idiots for pointing out the words of a sexually repressed hate monger.
Yeah you have credibility.

Woman: Yes, you are one of the idiots Christopher.

You point the finger at anyone and everyone but Mr. Obama.

Christopher Nadeau Do I? I didn't realize we'd met.

Woman: I don't hate him or anything... but let's face it... he was wrong for doing this. And, I didn't realize you personally now Amanda Peyser enough to know about any sexual hangups...

Christopher Nadeau As a writing professional, I am trained to read the work of others with a critical eye. If this woman had sung Obama's praises my assessment would have been identical. This woman writes like someone e with major sexual hangups. You can practically hear her moaning over her keyboard.

Woman: So what? It does not make Mr. Obama any less wrong for doing this. In fact, if you are able to hear this woman from her keyboard, doesn't it stand to reason that Mr. Obama was doubly wrong for doing this? Are you able to admit that he was totally and completely wrong for this one thing, Christopher? It won't make him any less Presidential if any of you (notice I left out the word "idiots") would simply admit the man's mistakes.

 

Christopher Nadeau I honestly don't care. My concern is the abuse of the written word being used to manipulate people into stupidity. ( I included that word). It's already been verified that the various claims surrounding what was going on have been exaggerated to great effect to suit a specific agenda.

 

Woman: I am simply saying that Mr. Obama was totally and completely in the wrong to take a selfie with anyone at this gathering. Nothing anyone else is, or was, or says, makes that any different; and, to imply that he can't even be human without coming under attack is - in my opinion - wrong, wrong, wrong. He is the President of the United States and he should conduct himself as such - especially in public - and even more especially - at this particular gathering. If anyone here is implying that Mr. Obama did not know what kind of a person this was - as you, Christopher, have kindly pointed out and corrected me on - then he is even more wrong than I originally thought.

 

Christopher Nadeau I'm not sure what you mean by ". If anyone here is implying that Mr. Obama did not know what kind of a person this was." Are you referring to Nelson Mandela, the woman sitting next to him or the writer who penned this penny dreadful of presidential erotica? Either way, I'm wondering if you're aware that in many African cultures, even found most notably in Louisiana in the States, funerals are a joyous celebration of life as opposed to a mourning of death. So, am I offended and wounded by my president having a goofy, human moment. Oh, sure. it's devastating. I think I'll go write about the White House pool boy and Mrs. Obama to show my outrage.

 

The discussion went on but the gist of it is she never got it.

 

         

My Latest Anthology Appearance.

I don't say or write this often because I don't blow smoke up a reader's arse unless it's true. So, take my word for it, this is an epic work of fiction! Featuring several works of high-quality fiction from top shelf dark fiction authors, I am proud to have my short story "In Green Remembered" included in this massive tome of awesomeness.

482 pages for $17.10 in paperback or only $4.99 on Kindle sounds reasonable to me!  Order it for the holidays!

Cover image below:

My Adventures With Door-to-Door Solicitors.

I understand the need for direct marketing to peoples' homes.  I've worked in sales, although not the kind that has me going door-to-door, thank Zeus. As much as I find it annoying when someone shows up at my door unsolicited, I also know it's a tough job and try not to be rude when dismissing them. 

All that changes, however, when they keep coming back.  If I have sent you away at least twice, telling you I have no interest in your product or service, you have no reason to return to my door. Yet, one local cable company has been doing just that for well over a year now. Last week, I finally had enough and decided to put a stop to it once and for all.

Below is the email I sent this company and the series of replies they sent me:

I am requesting that your company stop sending solicitors to our door. This is occurring on a weekly basis and is extremely disruptive. My wife has a heart condition and does not need to have it set off by some clipboard jockey banging on our door like an angry cop. We have informed your field reps each time we are not interested for a year straight. When will the subtle hint sink in? Stop coming to our house or we will consider this harassment and pursue legal solutions.

First reply:

Hello, This is an automated reply to acknowledge that we received your email inquiry. It is our goal to reply to your request within 24 hours. Our Promise to you shows that we are committed to providing the level of service our customers have come to expect. We appreciate you taking the time to write us and we will respond soon. Thank you for contacting (Company Name Omitted)

Second reply (30 minutes later):

Dear Christopher,

Thank you for taking the time to contact the e-Care Customer Support Team of ______ My name is Teresa, and I will be pleased to assist you with your request from solicitations from _____. I can certainly appreciate your frustration regarding this matter. I have sent off an e-mail to our Billing Support Department, to cease this solicitation from happening.

If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact _____Have a great day!

Sincerely,

Teresa H

eCare Specialist

 

Third and Final Reply:

 

(Later that Night)

 

Dear Christopher,

Thank you for emailing _____ my name is Aaron, an eCare Specialist for _____ We appreciate you taking the time out of your day to contact us regarding sales agents visiting your home.

I'm very sorry for the disruption these visits have caused you and your wife. I can understand that with the medical concerns you mention why it is so important that this solicitation end.

I've sent a ticket to our billing support department to advise of the need to stop these visits. As they handle issues relating to the serviceability of addresses they should be able to note on the location information for your address that no in-person solicitation should be done at that location.

I'd very much like to thank you for taking the time to contact us regarding the on-going undesired solicitation. Should you require any additional assistance with this or any other concern, please do not hesitate to email us again or contact us by chat or by phone at ________

Sincerely,

Aaron

E-Care Customer Support

 

 

 

 

"Kaiju" Now Available on Amazon!!!

The wait is over. Click here and order my latest novel today for just $11.39! (Odd amount but screw it)

On Genre Ignorance & Why Tight-Asses Still Don't Get Stephen King.

One thing that always used to annoy me when I was younger was a clueless radio DJ. Guys who made statements on the air about a certain performer or music style about which they knew next to nothing, as if they were experts because someone paid them to spin records.  I have no idea if they still exist, as my radio listening days are mostly behind me and my passion for music in general has been waning for years.

However, as an author, my passion for fiction remains as intense as ever. As does my interest in genre-literacy, meaning, in so uncertain terms, people selling fiction knowing what the flaming Hell they are talking about.

Case in point: A certain library I happen to frequent which shall remain nameless has, like most libraries, a “Friends of the Library” book sale every so often. It just so happened today that they were offering “Buy One Science Fiction or Fantasy Novel, Get One Free.” I’d like to you store that last part away for not-too-far-in-the-future reference: “Or fantasy novel.” Got it? Thanks. Let’s move on, then.

After I’d finished browsing the library proper, I decided to go to the Friends sale and see what they had available. As usual, the majority of their offerings were not to my liking, but the advertised F&SF table had a few interesting things, including an entire row of Stephen King hardcovers. I had most of them, those I wanted anyway, but I had never purchased a copy of “Lisey’s Story,” my favorite post-Dark Tower King novel with the possible exception of his JFK one.  Still, I didn’t decide to get it until I located an old copy of “The Year’s Best Science Fiction,” my absolute favorite annual anthology.  Both books cost only one dollar, but combined they was buy one, get one free.

I took my choices up to the counter, enduring the annoying woman standing behind it bragging to an annoyed elderly couple about her dancing prowess at some get-together.  Once they’d beaten a hasty retreat, I placed both books on the counter and she said, “Oh, did these come from the science fiction shelf. One dollar, please! Wait, this is Stephen King. That’ll be two dollars.”

“Really?” I said. “The sign said they were buy one, get one free.”

Genuinely perplexed, the woman asked me if Stephen King was science fiction. I chuckled and told her sometimes.  “Well, let’s take a look at the back.” She read a few lines and frowned, “It says it’s about an unruly marriage…” She shook her head as if to say such a plot couldn’t possibly be the foundation for a work of science fiction or fantasy.

I felt my eyes blink rapidly, momentarily stunned by what I’d just heard.

“Let me go ask her,” the woman replied, referring to a woman who was helping another group of patrons.

The woman returned, seemingly displeased with the direction their brief conversation had taken.  With a heavy sigh, she said, “Okay, she said Stephen King’s on the table with the science fiction. One dollar, please. Although, I think he’s more of a horror…” She shook her head again. "Science fiction is more like Star Trek."

I dug in my wallet for the dollar. “I read the novel a few years ago and it’s more of a dark fant—“

“THANK YOU!” she said and grabbed the dollar, turning away from me.

I stared at the man who was bagging my books but he kept smiling and small talking as if nothing had happened.

For a moment, just a moment, a stream of not-so-nice words begged to erupt from my mouth, then I turned and walked out.

I realize I wasn’t at a book store, nor was I dealing with a librarian. Either of those things would have made the entire experience unacceptable and this piece would be a complaint letter going directly to the library. Still, if someone is going to be part of a Friends of the Library organization and act as if they know from books, they should know from books! And if they don’t know something as elementary as the fact that Stephen King’s work can be placed into several genres, they should be willing to listen and learn from someone who does know.

Genre ignorance is often a direct result of arrogant elitism combined with an inability to be wrong. What should have been a pleasant diversion had now turned into a rant about small-minded twits and their undue influence.

That’s all.

My Next Novel Revealed.

You might have seen the teaser image a while ago, but if you didn't, here it is again:

This cover was created by fantasy artist Larry Lonsby Jr. from an idea I had.

You might have wondered what exactly it was for (although the title of this post probably answered that question). Well, it's the cover to my next novel, to be released through Source Point Press.

Now, I present the back cover, which details the plot:

 

Word is the novel will be released at or around October 12th, in time for the ironically named Kaiju Festival. I'm thrilled to be working with Source Point on this one. More details as they materialize~

...And the positive reviews continue to roll in!

Before I unveil some pretty big news in the coming weeks, feel free to take a look at some of the positive reviews the Horror Zine anthology Shadow Masters has received, including my short story, "Willard Junction:"

From an Amazon reader.

From B&N:

Have read other Horror Zine anthologies, but this by far beats t

Have read other Horror Zine anthologies, but this by far beats them all.  Jeani Rector has lined up an amazing array of writers that blow my mind with the sheer talent.  By far my favorite story in the set in Shaun Meeks' Red Velvet.  The title brings to mind delicious cake, and who doesn't love cake?  But when you get into the story, the red velvet the main character enjoys is far from delicious and causes him a world of problems.  I loved the creature in this one, so vivid with the description.
The book is packed with great stories though and they are all new.  I loved the stories by Bentley Little, Lisa Morton, Christopher Nadeau, Ronald Malfi, Simon Clark, Jeani Rector, Christian A. Larsen and so many others.  The book is full of win and will leave you wanting more.  If you do want more, check out the recommendations I have added on the side.

There are more but I'm too tired to include them today~

 

WHAT'S THIS???

Something is coming! Keep your eyes on this blog for more information...