Weighing in on the DNF Debate, Part Two

…To finish another author’s book was, in some retroactive way, affirmation that I mattered. That my investment in this field mattered. That if I wrote my stories, those could matter, too.

Ooof.

Nothing quite like a psychological deep dive into your entire core belief-system that’s framed your identity, shaped your career choices, and set a trajectory for your life… ~see Part I, January 5th article “To DNF or Not to DNF”

Back to my supposition… the book industry and culture has shifted significantly over the past four decades since I was born. I’ve realized recently that the premise to my approach is too flawed for today’s world and is, therefore, no longer valid for two reasons:

1)      The literary “authorities” whom I looked to for my reads more often than not had common values and standards that agreed with mine. This is no longer the case. One can take this debate in two directions. Yes, I believe in the value of diverse literature to help us have greater empathy and compassion for humanity up to a point. That doesn’t mean I have to force myself to read and finish everything that’s out there. Afterall, I also understand—and our STEM counterparts are researching and proving more and more—that what my mind consumes does impact my brain, my very wiring as a person. So…

2)      Now I must consider WHO is vetting WHAT types of books these days, and whether those are ones that I want to spend my time reading. Afterall, the very processes of the publishing world have not only evolved but also pivoted and even jumped ship from the way things used to be. There are only a handful of “Big” publishers “gatekeeping” the “good literature” of contemporary society. Technology has allowed anyone who wants to write with the means and time to avoid the red-tape altogether and simply self-publish a book.

(Note: I’m NOT slandering indie authors at all—more thoughts on doing away with gatekeeping literature will have to be a separate article. Plenty of indie/self-published artists are just as good if not better than those a Big Five House puts out.)

BUT, there is certainly not a consistent standard that exists anywhere among the hundreds (thousands?) of books published each day or anyone verifying the value of what is available on the market to readers. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It does mean, however, that I can allow myself the freedom to DNF if I find a book is dragging me down, wasn’t what I thought I was getting, or just isn’t worth my time. I myself will actually have to become the gatekeeper for my own reading lists.

And this is the amazing part of finding myself finally on the other side of the DNF debate. I have finally realized that my value is not defined by someone else’s standards. My time, my mind and heart are valuable. I am worthy. I know this because I have chosen the values by which I want to judge my life by—those of the Greatest Storyteller and Creator of all time—not some academic or awards judge.

This doesn’t mean I don’t take recommendations or offer those of my own. In fact, I still strongly believe that there is such a thing as “good literature.” I’ve taught English for nearly sixteen years and make my living off a belief in the importance of story and writing after all. And, sad to say, but at this point, I’ve read plenty of bad books to substantiate that there are definitely degrees to the quality—or lack thereof—of a novel.

However, now I don’t force myself to finish a book—even if it’s a NYT bestseller or award-winning—if I find it is not offering enough value to my life. Why? Because I am important, too. And that book’s author does NOT somehow dictate my worth or my own writing’s significance. Only God can. 

He told stories that offered truth and life. I certainly don’t intend to waste the spare minutes I am not working with my students, editing, writing or investing precious time in my husband and three kids with a book that is not enriching me. And I hope my own stories serve my readers well, too. But more than that, I hope my readers find God. That’s the only thing of value in the end. (And praise God that he never DNF with us!)

There’s freedom in a DNF.

I feel kind of silly that it’s taken me so long to get to this point. I feel so much more confident now though in putting a book down and saying no to finishing it. And maybe we can all continue to analyze our lives and be aware of other areas we should walk away from even if we’re halfway down the road, through that show, or invested in that venture. If you have a proper value system by which you judge what you DNF, then you have learned how to stand on your convictions and to hold your boundaries.

So, this DNF convert from a self-professed committed reader is giving you permission to do the same.

You are worthy.