This postOne of the first items of business for me when starting a new project is coming up with a name. Names matter a lot to me; a good name is a catalyst, energizing me to work on the project and inspiring me with a fountain of ideas, but a bad name drains any energy out of it. Writing in my journal and in these blogs probably has something to do with my need to name, I think, because otherwise I’m stuck with vague phrases like “that book project” or “my new project” or what have you.
I’m reminded of Adam naming all the creatures in Genesis, and also of Aslan naming all the creatures in The Magician’s Nephew. Names are powerful things. I’m unable to really observe much of nature because I don’t know the names of plants or trees (or even many colors, for that matter). Sure, I see, but I don’t truly see. It’s not until we know the names that go with the territory that we really get it.
The same goes for people, too. That one fellow I see on campus all the time is a fuzzy blur in my brain until I learn his name, at which point a blaze of light anchors him into my memory and whatever sort of filing folders I’ve got going up there. (I’ll admit that I don’t have any trouble remembering cute girls, though. ;))
Moral of story: learn names! Life is more interesting that way.
So, speaking of names, I’m now writing a book and it’s called Like Father, Like Child. It’ll be a collection of essays on creativity in a Mormon context. As I write each essay I’ll post the first drafts up here so y’all can comment on them and I can get some good feedback. The book will be able for free download as PDF, and you’ll also be able to order a paperback from Lulu.com at cost. But I’m getting ahead of myself. :)
