Thoughts On Being An Author
There are many activities in life that can bring a person happiness. Having a wonderful life is just the start, there are some things in life that everyone should try at least once.
For me, this includes having written a book, or two. Being an author has a special kind of rewards to it. To say that writing an entire book with your own two hands and publishing it is a feat would be an understatement.
Writing your first book will make you pull your hair out. Learning to think in words and writing well, while trying to keep the plot strait, and not loose sight of the goals, it is quite the task to perform.
It gets easier once you write on a regular basis. However the first book will always have a special place in your heart as something you can be proud of having done. It takes an incredible amount of focus and attention to detail to write an entire book.
It is something everyone should do. Really! I think most people should write at least one book in their lifetime. With the technology we have available today, it is not only possible; it is also very practical.
Learn To Write, Learn To Think
People that write, are also people that read. My thinking in this matter is that if people were to write more often, then maybe they would start reading a lot more too.
While there is no proof that writers read more, I think it is sensible to believe that people that write read more often. I know my ability to read and write have improved over the years.
However, I have not undertaken the massive effort to write a new book in some ten years. While I have dabbled in short stories off and on over the years, actually writing a full book; daunting and frightening.
This may be one reason I recommend that others take on this project of writing their first book, because people need the experience of writing that first book and being scared shitless and out of their minds with trying to edit it.
I want the best for you. I really do. Hence, my suggestion that you take the time, learn to write; then start writing your first book. If you start now; four or five years from now, you might make it happen.
Results Are Few, But Worth It!!
Don’t expect success. Don’t expect rave reviews. However, what you will learn about the process and the effort it takes to complete this project are invaluable. It’s the kind of feeling you couldn’t get from watching TV.
Take the time, start today. Write the book that you want to read. Someone has to, because if they don’t; this world will be book poor in no time. There is a quote: Books will get you through times with no money; but money won’t get you through times without books.
That is likely very true. I wouldn’t know; the only thing I have are my books. It might be nice to have a taste of what the other side feels like, but I think I will keep most of my books.
Like I said, there is no experience like writing and publishing your first book. It’s a gigantic task. It takes months or years of effort, and will make you question what you know. You have to write something that you really believe in. See where it takes you; you might like it.
Please write something that puts beauty back into life. We have enough problems with life as it is. However, the issues of how to resolve conflict are subjects of entire library’s. Yet, remember to write something with a sense of hope, and make it beautiful so that the reader wants to read it.
Have Some Love
This takes being really in love with the words you write. You have to have a respect for them. Words and ideas can change the world, given enough time and skill.
As far as writing a new book; I have my doubts about taking on this task in the near future. Maybe someday, when I have the idea that really sits with me like a ton of bricks. My interest is really in putting something beautiful back into life. I’m going to have to work on it for a while.
Thus, you should start today. Because it may take many years for your book to come to completion. It is an important project that everyone should undertake once in their lifetime. It is also something that everyone should have to endure too. It will change your opinion of the task of writing good books.
Maybe if enough people write their first book, they will start to appreciate what good writing is really about? Maybe. One can always have hope. Maybe your book will change the world; give it a shot.
Photo Credit: Ctopher Thomas