On Writing
I am a writer. I love words. I love how you can string them together like paper clips and it forms a sentence that relays a thought. And then if you string enough of those together, you’ve got an essay that tells a story. And if you’re brave enough, you can string a bunch of words together and you have a book.
That’s where I am. Writing a book.
Actually, I’ve written “The End” three times, which actually feels pretty good.
But, there’s so much more to writing a novel than that and I’m fast learning that just because you write “The End”, doesn’t mean you’re ready to share. There’s the revising and the revising and the revising and then there’s more revising.
There are beta readers, who are strangers, who appreciate the work, but criticize the voice or the characters or the middle or the ending.
There are agents who read a synopsis and first pages who fill my email with rejections. And then there are more revisions.
But, it won’t stop me – it won’t stop the desire I have to hold a book in my hands, see it on a shelf, and know that it’s mine.
Since I’ve retired, I’ve made it my mission to satisfy this dream. I’ve attacked it, like I have any job. Learning, reading, taking classes. And I’ve surrounded myself with writers, picked their brains, and read their work.
I’ve become friends with others, like me, who can say things better with words on paper. We are in communion with others, strong with desire to use the words that we so love to insert ourselves into the minds, hearts, and souls of strangers.
We are the quiet ones, the introverted souls, who watch you, with eyes remembering the way your eyes crinkle on the edges when you smile or the way you unconsciously rub your fingers together when you’re upset. You turn your head slightly when interested, you blink your eyes rapidly when trying to make a point. We are the silent observers who notice what others take for granted. I see you. And watch with curious eyes, so I can describe you on paper.
I’m on my 4th but will be my best novel.
A friend of mine, a fellow writer told me, “write the story only you can tell”. That’s what I’m doing.