Samuel DenHartog's Blog: The Road to 1,440 - Posts Tagged "writing-books"

Hey there, everyone!

It's Samuel DenHartog here, diving into some storytelling about my life story. You might know me as the guy who spent two decades in programming and another 15 years designing video games. Yep, that's a lot of code and a ton of pixels!

But here's the twist in my tale: I've traded in my virtual worlds for the timeless realm of books. Why, many who know me have asked? Well, let me take you on a little journey.

In recent days and years, I have had to constantly update my software or games to keep up with the latest operating systems. Between juggling updates, wrestling with ever-changing ad SDKs, and staying on top of international regulations, it felt like I was on a never-ending tech treadmill.

Creating those dynamic game worlds was a thrill, no doubt about it. Who doesn't like to play god in a digital universe? But keeping that universe alive and kicking was like trying to tame a wild, ever-evolving beast. Fun, but exhausting!

And then came my eureka moment: Books! Unlike my digital creations, books are like time capsules. Once penned and published, they're out there for good; no updates are needed. They're like little pieces of me that will outlast even my snazzy gaming rig.

It's awesome to think that what I create now will be around for years, maybe even centuries. Talk about leaving a mark!

Each book I write is a new adventure. Not just for the characters, but for me too! I get to dive into new worlds, play with ideas, and toy with words in ways I never could in programming or game design. And the best part? I get to do it all on my own; no team is needed. Just me, my imagination, and my trusty laptop.

So, there you have it, folks – my journey from the transient world of tech to the enduring land of literature. It's been a wild ride, but I wouldn't trade it for anything.

I hope you'll join me in this new chapter (pun intended) of my life. Grab a copy of my latest book, dive in, and let me know your thoughts. I can't wait to hear from you!

Happy reading, and much love,
Samuel DenHartog 📚✨

Hey there, fellow bibliophiles and dreamers!

Your favorite storyteller, Samuel DenHartog, is coming at you with a tale that's not just about me for a change! Today, I'm diving into the inspiring true story of Ryoki Inoue, a man whose life reads like one of his novels. Trust me, by the end of this post, you'll understand why his journey has lit a fire under my own ambitious goal: to write 1440 books over the next 12 years. That's right, ten books a month, twelve months a year, for the next twelve years to secure a Guinness World Record!

Let's start with Ryoki. Born in 1946 in São Paulo to a Portuguese mother and a Japanese father, Ryoki began his career not as a writer but as a thoracic surgeon. Yes, you heard that right. But beneath his surgeon's gown beat the heart of a cowboy, a writer waiting to unleash his stories upon the world. In 1986, at 40, Ryoki swapped his scalpel for a pen and embarked on a literary journey that would make history.

Now, imagine this: Throughout his career, Ryoki wrote an awe-inspiring 1,283 books! From Westerns to romance, his prolific output made him a household name in Brazil and earned him a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records as the most published author. His secret? A combination of 98% sweat, 1% talent, and 1% luck. Ryoki's work ethic was nothing short of extraordinary. Sometimes, he wrote three books in a single day, working through the night with relentless passion.

Ryoki's dedication to his craft is a testament to what's possible when you combine discipline with passion. And that's where my story intertwines with his. Inspired by Ryoki's journey, I've set my sights on surpassing his record. With a background in computer programming, video game development, and film production, I have a unique perspective to bring to my storytelling.

But here's the kicker: Unlike Ryoki, I don't stick to a formula for each book. Each of my creations is a unique universe, a testament to my diverse interests and refusal to be pigeonholed. I'm not just aiming to break a record; I'm looking to shatter expectations of what a single author can achieve regarding variety and creativity.

My journey might sound a bit crazy, but it's driven by the same love for storytelling that fueled Ryoki's late-night writing marathons. I want to explore every genre, every style, and every kind of story there is. No narrative is off-limits, from the deepest realms of science fiction to the tangled intricacies of human relationships.

So, dear readers, I invite you to join me as I embark on this colossal challenge. Your support, your feedback, and your enthusiasm are the fuel that keeps my creative engine running. Together, let's prove that anything is possible with enough sweat (98%, to be precise), a dash of talent, and a sprinkle of luck.

Keep an eye out for my upcoming titles, and don't hesitate to drop me a line with your thoughts. Remember, every book is a journey, and I can't wait to take these journeys with you.

Here's to writing history, one book at a time!

Cheers,
Samuel DenHartog 📚✨🚀

Hello, my cherished community of readers and fellow dreamers!

It’s been three months since I embarked on my audacious journey, inspired by the legendary Ryoki Inoue, to etch my name beside his in the annals of prolific writing. Today, I’m here to share the raw, unfiltered truth of my quest to author 1,440 books in twelve years.

Three months ago, I set out with a fire in my heart, fueled by Ryoki’s story – a man who, with 98% sweat, 1% talent, and that crucial 1% luck, transformed from a thoracic surgeon to a literary legend. His feat of writing 1,283 books seemed like a mountain peak I was determined to climb. My goal? Transforming myself from a lifelong computer programmer, game developer, and CEO into a literary legend in my own rite, surpassing Ryoki by penning 1,440 books and diving into every genre imaginable, from the depths of science fiction to fantasy to the intricate dance of romance and human relationships.

Reflecting on Ryoki’s monumental achievement of writing his first 999 books in just his first six years brings to light the sheer magnitude of his dedication and productivity. This milestone is a stark reminder of the incredible pace he maintained, a benchmark that, by comparison, highlights the ambition of my own journey. Despite my rigorous schedule and unwavering commitment, my projections estimate that I will reach 720 books in the same timeframe. It makes me even more amazed at what he accomplished.

The initial leg of my journey has been both exhilarating and daunting. In these first three months, I’ve completed and published my first 36 books – a pace that, while impressive, has me questioning the sustainability of this marathon. Writing between 10 to 14 hours a day, every day, 7 days a week, has been a testament to my commitment but has also taken its toll, leaving me already often feeling tired and wiped out. I used to work like this when I was in my twenties, but it has been some time since I worked this hard. I feel tired at the end of every day, yet it is hard to fall asleep as I either have the book I am working on in my mind or I am thinking about what book I will start the next day. Can I keep up this pace for another twelve years, when I will be 64?

The thrill of creation has been my driving force, pushing me to explore new universes and narratives with each book. Yet, as I pause to catch my breath, I can’t help but wonder about the road ahead. How will I continue to find the inexhaustible well of ideas needed to reach my 1,440-book goal? Doubts about my ability to come up with so many unique literary concepts creeps in, yet my resolve remains unshaken. I have plenty of ideas in my mind right now, but I have not even completed my first 100 books. This is probably a much bigger worry for me than whether or not I can keep up the pace, or at least eventually make it from a physical standpoint.

I am not contemplating surrender. Far from it. This journey is about more than breaking records; it’s about shattering the very notion of what one author can achieve. Each book is a new adventure, a unique story waiting to be told. And while the path is more challenging than I envisioned, my passion for storytelling remains undimmed.

There is nothing else I would rather be doing. I have been writing computer programs since the age of 11, with one my text adventures games became #1 on Quantum Link, a dial-up online service for the Commodore 64 (that eventually became America Online), for 3 months when I was 14. I have been coding professionally since the age of 14. After writing structured computer code almost daily for 40 years, the joy and freedom that comes with writing books is beyond compare!

To you, my readers, who are joining me or have joined me on this voyage, your support is my stronghold. Your enthusiasm, feedback, and encouragement are the winds that propel my sails forward. Despite the hurdles, I am still excited to try, to push the boundaries of creativity and endurance.

I’ve often reflected on Ryoki’s journey, drawing parallels to my own. He wrote without the lure of records in mind, driven by a pure love for storytelling. In his spirit, I remind myself that it’s not the quantity but the quality and diversity of stories that will define my legacy. I believe the quality of my books has improved substantially as I write more and more. I am a little embarrassed now by the quality of writing in some of my initial books. I feel I am learning how to create better stories with each new book I write. Some feedback, while critical, has helped me notice where I have repeated phrases too much or not paid enough attention to some details in earlier works. While I love getting 5 star ratings, I do appreciate written reviews that are critical as well, since they help me improve. Probably the worst thing is 1 star rating with no review, then I do not even know why or what to improve. As an independent author, all ratings and reviews are always appreciated.

Anyhow, here I am, three months in, standing at the foothill of my own personal Everest, looking up. The climb may be steeper than I thought, but the view from the summit – a world enriched by 1,440 stories of my making – is a vision that keeps me moving forward.

I invite you to continue this journey with me. Together, let’s embrace the challenges and celebrate the milestones. Your company on this journey is a source of inspiration and strength.

With gratitude and determination,
Samuel DenHartog 📚✨🚀