THE WIDGET OF WORDS
One of my favorite cartoons as a tyke was the Flintstones, although I didn’t like the part in the intro when Fred’s sabertooth house cat tossed him outside. Another cartoon I got a kick out of was the Jetsons.
The idea of future living with all the modern conveniences was mind marveling, especially to a kid watching on a black and white TV from a humble abode. I recall considering where George Jetson worked as being a place where they made what could have been considered “widgets”. They made sprockets. I don’t fault the writers of the cartoon for not seeing the digital age coming…
George’s boss, Mr, Spacely, of Spacely’s Sprockets fame, was a gruff entrepreneur that pushed George, the slacker, for more production, always more production.
Of course, what would a good story be without conflict? To fill the role of the antagonist, there was Mr. Coswell of Coswell’s Cogs. The cog being his widget, another name for sprockets. He was Mr. Spacely’s competition and arch nemesis.
Even as a kid I instinctively knew that both Mr. Spacely and Mr. Coswell were fighting for more than business that equaled money, they were fighting for pride sake.
In real life some of us play the role of the George Jetson type; the folks just longing for a decent life and working just enough to live it. Others are like Mr. Spacely and Mr. Coswell; pushing to get and be more.
Regardless of where we land in comparison to cartoon characters, most of us provide a service in exchange for money. We produce our “widget” for others. We provide a value to other folks that are willing to part with their hard earned green backs to have or hold the widget we produce.
All of us are part of the process without exception. Rich folks that just invest their money require other people to track and measure, which means employment. Even retired folks support the widgets or services of others. Everybody eats, gets their electric and or gas meters read. We’re all reliant on others for goods and services.
Then there are the different kinds of widgets, the optional kind, the non-necessity type of widgets, like say a cruise on a ship… or how bout this, the widget of words.
The “widget of words” came to me as I was writing another prospective literary agent. I’ve been in business a long time and know my widget fairly well, but knowing one widget and the commonalities associated with it isn’t the same for all widgets… especially the widget of words.
We all use words, but it’s a rare and select group that gets to turn their word widgets into intellectual property. Some of us share words like Jane, George’s wife, always in wisdom and always in love and always to help. I think that describes most of the eyes rolling over this widget of words.
Where and when being proud turns egocentrical only God knows. Even the fine things we do to try to honor God and fulfill our calling can slip fast into the flesh. That’s when the Mr. Spacely in us rears his cartoon head.
I remind myself of things like this… just in case the crickets one day do stop chirping…
I can only imagine how much more painful the rejections from agents would be if I used the video phones first introduced on the cartoon called the Jetsons…
Jennifer Dougan
Sunday, June 21, 2015 @ 10:51 am
Hi Floyd,
Hang in there! Good job for putting yourself out there to literary agents and working through rejections. You can do it! Keep going. What style of writing piece are you submitting now?
Jennifer Dougan
http://www.jenniferdougan.com
Nannette and the Sweetheart
Sunday, June 21, 2015 @ 5:43 pm
I loved the Jetsons! And Flintstones too of course. My favorite gadget the Jetson’s have is now my all-time fave gadget in an airport: people mover. Oh. My. Word. George knew what he was talking about. Genius. Love your words today and saying a prayer along with you that the Big Whigs will see the beauty in your writings as we do. Blessings!
Cheryl Smith
Sunday, June 21, 2015 @ 7:04 pm
Oh, I do trust God will let your writing fall into the right person’s hands! You deserve that so much. It would be so amazing to open a post from you one day stating you have landed a publishing deal. The only reason you haven’t is because the right person has yet to meet you and read your work. May God open the right door for you, brother. P.S. I like the Flintstones, too. 🙂
Kim Adams Morgan
Sunday, June 21, 2015 @ 10:27 pm
Keep on trying, Floyd. The yeses will start pouring in.
I loved the Jetsons and the Flintstones. I still call my sister and do a spoof of Wilma and Betty. We always crack up laughing.
Hazel Moon
Sunday, June 21, 2015 @ 11:34 pm
I suppose a widget can be a lot of things, but that is a new approach to have a widget of words. That should get the agent’s attention, and I do hope and trust that it does. We enjoyed those cartoons, with their fancy widgets that were later invented. Perhaps someone actually got the idea from the FlintStones and made their million $$. I appreciate your widget’s of words on your blog and I know others do too. Thanks for your continued sharing.
Diane
Monday, June 22, 2015 @ 3:35 am
“Widget of Words” shows what a creative writer you are, Floyd. May God open doors for you speedily!
Sharon
Monday, June 22, 2015 @ 7:02 pm
Floyd, I truly believe that it’s just a matter of time before the *right* person comes along. Your writing is unique, and I love your *voice* – others will, too. You are a master of the “Widget of Words” – painting visuals, people and surroundings, with such clarity. God has plans for you. I don’t mean any of this to sound cliche – for I truly believe it for you. I can only imagine dealing with those rejection letters. But persevere, my friend, for I know that the day is coming…
I loved the Jetsons, too. I liked Astro, the dog. So, of course, I was also a big fan of Dino on The Flintstones (he was sort of like the family dog, right?!) Perhaps my favorite cartoons were Looney Tunes. I’m a big fan of dry humor.
I’m always asking the Lord to rid me of those Spacely/Coswell tendencies. And to help me speak more clearly than Elmer Fudd! 🙂
GOD BLESS!
Hazel Moon
Monday, June 22, 2015 @ 10:21 pm
Thank you so very much Floyd for sharing your widget of words with us here at Tell me a Story. Your stories bless so many!
Betty Draper
Monday, June 22, 2015 @ 11:04 pm
I am sure with each rejection you are perfecting your writing skills…your knowledge of how to get a book published, but most of all you understanding into grace has had to grown through this process. How do I know that? You are still writing about Him, you have not let rejection quiet your words. You continue to pour out truth in “widgets” of words. And those of us who read your words will continue to pray…
Bill (cycelguy)
Tuesday, June 23, 2015 @ 5:36 am
Me telling you to hang in there is like calling the kettle black since you have encouraged me to write and I have not taken heed to your widget. 🙂 I use words all the time. It would help if I would be more sensitive and caring at times. Less bull-charging.
saleslady371
Wednesday, June 24, 2015 @ 9:15 pm
Hi, Floyd,
Creativity is flowing wonderfully through your words here. I’m praying that God pours out His favor on you and gives you your heart’s desire. May He connect you to just the right agent.
You have a command for words; even in the comments you leave, you touch me. (I agree with you and think God truly is blessing me in this season with several to share my faith with.) I still think, though, that you’re His favorite! Ha-ha.
Jason Stasyszen
Thursday, June 25, 2015 @ 1:18 pm
Yep, I watched those same cartoons. I like that idea, the widget of words. It’s a tool and used properly can do so much good. I appreciate that you use your gifts to encourage, inspire, and challenge us to think–both here and the comments you leave. Thanks for all you do, Floyd!
June
Friday, June 26, 2015 @ 11:13 am
Not much really left to be said. You have a good group of encouragers and I’m right there with them. God’s timing is always perfect. He’s got a sweet deal waiting for you, I am sure. Steady on.
Nancy Kehr
Tuesday, June 30, 2015 @ 11:25 am
Ever thought of just self-publishing? My dad has shared many things through Amazon and it’s kindle programs. Mom( Hazel Moon) went ahead and self-published. Might be a thought. In the meantime, thanks fro your continued sharing! Blessings!