Tag: Mysteries

I REALLY LIKE JARED GOFF, AND I DON’T EVEN KNOW HIM, by Art Smukler, MD, author & psychiatrist

by artsmuklermd, posted in Writing

Jared Goff is a 29 y/o NFL quarterback. In 2016 he was the first pick by the LA Rams, and in 2018 he led them to the Super Bowl. Then after a few disappointing seasons, Sean McVay, the Rams head coach was on board (as far as I know) to trade him to the Detroit Lions. Now two years later, the Lions are at the top of their division, and the Rams are at the bottom of their’s.

It got me thinking about my first day at Penn State when I was scheduled to meet with a guidance counselor.

I entered a small room and Mr. Lancaster, a blond, medium built guy, stood up from behind his little desk. He held out his hand and I shook it. He motioned for me to sit down in one of the two chairs across from him.

“Welcome to Penn State, Arthur,” he said.

“Art. Just Art. Thanks.”

“I was looking over your application and transcript,” he held up a folder. “I see you went to Central High, one of the best schools in Philly.”

I nodded.

“So, what are your interests? Any ideas about choosing a major?”

“Yeah, uh, I was thinking about pre-med.”

He looked back at my folder and scrunched up his face. “You got a D in calculus, a D in chemistry, a C in physics. Excellent grades in everything else.” He sighed. “How about an alternative?”

I shrugged.

“Pre-med at Penn State focuses on the sciences.” He pulled out a curriculum pamphlet. “Four years of chemistry, a year of physics, introductory calculus and advanced calculus, a full year of technical German, genetics, cat anatomy, histology, just to name the basics. Science is your weakest subject.”

I nodded. He was right.

“I’d recommend making another choice. Go for a BA in English or history. Stay away from the sciences.”

“But then I can’t become a doctor.”

“Well, not everyone can be a doctor. Any other questions?” he asked, obviously wrapping up my first, and last, counseling session at PSU.

“Not really,” I answered, left, and walked back to my dorm.

Later that evening it struck me that Lancaster spent a total of maybe ten minutes with me. At least he might have suggested that I take a few science classes and then make a decision as to my future. The next day, as an English Major, I signed up for all the same classes as the pre-meds.

So why didn’t Sean McVay try a little harder with 26 year-old Jarod Goff? Maybe he did? I don’t know. But, no matter what was going on, Jarod found his own way without McVay.

I wish I were 6 inches taller, 80 pounds heavier, and had an arm like a bazooka. I can only imagine the thrill of playing football in front of over 100,00 screaming fans. On the other hand, I wouldn’t relish being pummeled by 300 pound defensive linemen or making an errant pass to an opposing linebacker. Having my neck potentially broken definitely scares me.

My only similarity to Jarod Goff is that neither of us gave up. He became a really good quarterback and I became a really good doctor. Not perfect. But who is?

No matter how old you are, or what you want to accomplish, don’t give up! Don’t let others dictate your future. Of course be reasonable. Mr. Lancaster was right in that not everyone can become a doctor, but he was wrong to assume that I was one of those people. At this moment in time, it seems that McVay was also wrong about Jarod Goff not being good enough to be an LA Ram..

Maybe the people in your life are wrong to assume that you can’t accomplish your dream? Maybe they’re right. That’ll be your call. Whether you take their advice or make your own lonely decision is what growing up is all about, no matter how old you are.

Thank you for reading. Make sure to check out how Joe Belmont and Jake Bennett overcame the adversity in their lives. It might make you smile now that you know a little about the author.

Art

#JarodGoff, #LARAMS, #SeanMcVay, #NFL, #Don’tGiveUp, #PSU, #Premed, #LITTLEITALY, #PATIENTX, #Mysteries

WHY WRITE FICTION? by Art Smukler, MD, author & psychiatrist

by artsmuklermd, posted in Writing

Worldwide there are millions of authors.

Writers who sit in front of their computers and make up stories are a special breed. They devote countless hours searching their souls to find just the right way to portray their imaginary characters, to make them come alive on the page and make their make-believe-lives something that readers will want to devour.

It can’t be just the money. The percentage of Grishams, Cobens, Patchetts etc. are so rare that it’s like a girl who writes songs and aspires to become Taylor Swift. It can obviously happen, it happened to her, but the chances of it happening are minuscule. If you become a rock star or a famous author you can make a fortune, but everyone else is doomed to getting their pittance from Amazon or Barnes & Noble. And obviously, 99% of writers support themselves with a real job, with savings, or with family money.

Is it simply a silly hope that you’ll be the one who breaks through and garners all the money and acclaim? No. Writers aren’t stupid. They’re smart enough to create an imaginary world and they’re smart enough to know that the chances of them making enough money to live off their books is like winning the lottery.

So why? With everything stacked against success, why do very bright people keep persevering?

Lester, one of the detectives on THE WIRE, the TV series that ended 15 years ago, said it so well, when describing why detectives battle the odds to catch and then convict the crooks, ‘It’s the journey, not the destination.’

And for me that’s the answer for writers too. Authors love the journey. They complain, describe the misery and loneliness of writing, how frustrating it is, but in the end they keep doing it. In spite of all the obstacles, the creative process is engaging, exciting, and meaningful. Even if no one else agrees, the author like the determined detective, will not be derailed. The process is too important. Agents and publishers have their opinions and we have ours. And if every so often you lose your impetus just give it a little time. You’ll bounce back.

If we can’t write, we suffer.

Don’t suffer!

Get back to your characters, your plot, and your fantasies.

You never know who your story will touch.

Check out PATIENT X, a mystery. If you think you have a problem as a writer, you’ve got to meet Jake Bennett.

Thanks for reading. If you’re not a subscriber to Tales From Smukler’s Couch, just click away and you can become one.

Art

#authors, #writers, #psychiatrist, #mystery, #suspense, #romance, #JohnGrisham, #HarlanCoben, #AnnPatchett, #TaylorSwift, #amateursleuth

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