I'm not religious. Yeah, that's an understatement. But I do believe in being nice to people. And that's a trite statement. What I'm trying to say is that my whole world view boils down to this: use your power for good. Not goddess power. Not mythical power. But just the power that you have. Whether you have the chance to give a compliment to a coworker or hold a door for a stranger or post a swell review on Amazon (hint, hint)—everyone has power. What type of power do I have? Well, I'm most proud of this quote from Clean Sheets: "Alison Tyler has introduced readers to some of the hottest contemporary erotica around." I'm not done with my stats yet, but I have published more than 1,000 stories by different authors. For Cleis alone, I believe I've sent out more than 750 contracts. (Some day, I'll do a proper accounting. And some day, I'll also organize the shoes at the bottom of my closet, and put all my lipsticks in alphabetical order, and empty out my junk drawer in the kitchen.) But basically, I think that the power I have is to showcase writers. I do my best to put out books that feature the sexiest, sultriest, smuttiest smut around.
However, I'm so often surprised (because at heart I'm really naive) at how many people choose to use their power in a negative way.
Recently, a wicked neighbor of mine used all of her substantial power for evil. I won't go into details. The woman is clearly insane. But I watched her create this whole swirling situation of dramatic ick in our neck of the woods, and I just shook my head. Meanwhile, I did a little offhanded favor for a friend, and was rewarded in spades. Okay, to be honest, I do not think you should use your power for good in order to get rewards. But when prizes appear on your doorstep, I think you should slip them on and zip them up. At least, if what you receive are these unreal orange boots from Cole Haan.
Because that's what she gave me.
Now, let's hear about you. Make my weekend. What power do you have? And how do you use it? For good or evil? For sweet or saucy? For catsup or mustard? (Hmmm. I think I'm hungry.)
XXX,
Alison
7 comments:
I provide dark chocolate for those in serious need.. or just in need.
I also like to send unsuspecting friends & family members care packages with books and some of my personal drawings. The drawings are for comic relief. ;)
Sweet boots.
- Jessica
I'm not religious. Yeah, that's an understatement. But I do believe in being nice to people.
I'm so glad you opened your post that way. Just this week, I once again ran up against the benighted attitude that nonbelievers by definition have no moral code. Sheesh. I've been an atheist my entire adult life, and ethical/moral/"I want to try to do the right thing" concerns are constantly in my mind.
All I know is that last night I went to In The Flesh in NYC for the first time - and it was crowded - Susie Bright was there after all - and I have never felt such ... overall "niceness" in a large group of people in a bar in my life! It was astounding.
I'm not religious - haha, we've raised three very moral heathen children (my mother was quite upset that we didn't have them "christened") - but one thing I know - the "Golden Rule" is definitely golden - that's the only rule you need.
Yeah, I hear you Jeremy. I'm always thinking about whether what I want to do is the "right" thing. It gets tiring sometimes. But what else is there?
Oh, wow, Jessica. I think I'm just in serious need. And wow, that must have been so totally cool, E!
JE, glad I'm not the only heathen around...
XXX,
AT
Tall orange boots. Who could not possibly need a pair of those? *_* I'm a boots junkie, and those are some tasty treads.
Hm, the power of good. Is it bad of me that I think of that movie Little Nicky? Release the evil... *snicker*
Seriously, though, is it weird to think of being good as also being responsible? Just today I bought a dog house for the neighbor's pregnant dog. They're not taking care of her, and she's been looking for a place to have her pups in the hedges by my front door.
Of course, I could end up catching all kinds of flack for that, but if they'd dip into their own power of good, that poor dog wouldn't be in that situation.
Oy. Now I'm self conflicted, and expecting retribution.
Heh heh. No retribution from here. Plus you used the magic word, "Oy," which I believe erases all sins. (Don't tell me if I'm wrong. I don't want to know.)
I think what you did deserves a prize, btw. Sweet and thoughtful and a whole bunch of other lovely adjectives I could probably add if I hadn't gotten up at 3.
XXX,
AT
Oy. Oy. Oy. Oy. Oy.
(Just in case I have any outstanding sins.) ;-)
I genuinely try to use my powers for good but sometimes it backfires. Not everyone has the same concept of "good" or "the right thing" and people can perceive actions differently from how they were intended to come across.
Oy.
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