Collecting Objects or Collecting Stories?

"They'd only remind you that all you're doing with your life is collecting objects."

-Douglas Coupland

For as long as I can remember, I've maintained the opinion that Douglas Coupland, author of novels such as "Generation X" and "Hey, Nostradamus," is one of the strongest writers I've yet to encounter. Though I very rarely come into contact with another who has read his works, I do my best to persuade readers that his novels are worth their time.

Recently, I took some time out to re-read one of Coupland's novels and stumbled upon the above quote. As an author I enjoy reading, it's safe to say I tend to agree with many of Coupland's ideas. However, this particular quote instead served as a reminder of one of the many reasons I enjoy working with Signal Hill.

While it is true that some may choose a path that leads merely to the collection of objects, here at Signal Hill we're in the business of collecting stories. So far my largest project has been with Signal Hill's venture Senior Correspondent. This means that each day, I get to hear a new story! Some stories are delivered directly to my computer by chance, some stories I search out on my own and some storytellers pass their thoughts along my way weekly. I've heard about a couple competing in a recreation of the 1908 World Race, traveling through multiple continents in their 1967 VW Beetle! I've heard about John Tate, a man who tells the stories of a youth spent growing up in the South. I've even been introduced to the fictional character of Millie, an Appalachian girl out for adventure.

Through this I have come to realize that, while many may get caught up in the collection of objects, we must never forget the amazing stories that we collect along the way. These stories may be your own, or they may very well be the stories of others. In the end, the tales we have to tell will mean the most.