To Write or Not....No Question

Last night was spectacular. To me. Not loud and crazy spectacular like a rock concert, but quietly spectacular, like a great hair day, or a perfect dessert, or Spring. Our neighborhood Barnes and Noble held a local author event and I was invited to participate. The Community Relations Manager, Robbie Bryan, put together a sweet gathering of people, all of whom had at least one thing in common (besides all wearing black---an interesting factoid). We were (are) authors.

Now, none of us have been on the Best Seller List (yet), but our books were there last night and looked so comfortable on that table, that prime real estate in the front of the store--if only for the evening. And the people who stopped to talk to us were interesting as well. But the truth is, most of us were there to learn. From each other. And I am so glad I was included.

Being an author means many hours holed up alone, by necessity, to put down on paper the thoughts that tumble around, unceasingly, in your head. And while we all had that one thing in common, our work and our way of accomplishing our goals were very different. My novel took two years to write. I lived with 'Prophecy' almost daily for that long (and the editing another four to six months-I know--Yowza!). There was another novelist there last night who was able to complete his manuscript in two months! Amazing to be that clever and organized! I was so very impressed!

I write in the morning. Most of my work is accomplished very early, between five and noon. By three o'clock I am tapping my toes waiting for my Prince (Lloyd) to walk through the door an announce "Happy Hour"! I am so ready by then, to talk and talk and talk. (Sorry, honey But I met authors last night, who work full time and then come home, only to write into the wee hours of the morning. (Long after I finish whining and am in bed for the night!) Until they can't write another word. Or who write during those precious hours of silence when their kids are in school, or down for a nap. Or during their lunch hour. Or whenever they can squeeze it in. The need is so great. To see the words. On paper.

And research! I count myself fortunate, that, as a novelist, my research, for the most part, can be carried out on the  internet. I am not sure if I could even figure out how to use the cataloging system at the library anymore! But I met an author last night, who, by the very nature of his body of work, by necessity, had to spend many hours doing just that! Imagine leaving work and heading for the library to do research for hours on end. To get it right. For yourself. Passion. For. Writing.

So last night was a winner for me. Fireworks. The passion for the craft, undeniable. The collection of works on that table was as eclectic as we were. From the how-to's, to the spirituals and devotionals, to the fact- filled tomes, and the novels, to an author, we were all part of something timeless and priceless. And to a person, our need to be heard was evident by the very fact that we were there. And who knows when one of us might just make it to the Best Seller List, or whose works or creations will stand the test of time. Everything is possible if you believe...and keep dreaming.

So a proverbial 'tip of the hat' to my colleagues. Proud to know you. New found friends.

And pssst...If you have the need, to write, to paint, to sculpt, to sing, to create anything, just start. There is someone else out there who shares your passion, your fear, your delight. It might just be time to take you toe out of the water and jump in. Be there. In the moment. Let it flow. Not because you can. But because you can't not. And if your dream is something that you must, by it's very nature, carry out alone...remember that you are not alone, but part of the bigger picture. There are so many others out there, who choose to be alone right along with you! Fill yourself up. Be true to your dreams. And then, step out to meet with people who have the same aspirations. To share. To learn. To teach. That golden moment of recognition. And to the last person, creating something beautiful. Unique. Wonderful. Extraordinary. Just like you.

I can't wait.

Until next time,
Debbie
 

 

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Published on January 22, 2011 15:03
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