The Written Word That Has Given Me So Much

I appreciate books that are written with emotion.  Usually this is portrayed in the characters, the rhythm of the story – where the flow captures you like a wave, and you let it carry you to the end. Most of all you discover a book that you really connected with when you finish the last page, the last word and close it. You feel your heart sink a little, already missing the characters, the world that was created for you to step into. It’s as if you are now standing outside in the cold, and you want nothing more than to step back into the warmth again, and get some shelter from the storm of life.

As a writer I try and take all that I get from reading and put that into my books. I write for those who need escape, who need motivation, and most of all for those who need comforting. I try writing about characters that one can draw from, sympathise with, and maybe gain inspiration from. I write stories that have underlying meanings, not just a thriller or a suspense novel to allow an individual to forget or indulge for the time they read. I craft stories, that I would like to have read, stories with substance and a grain of truth to them.

My dream would be to make enough income from my writing to live off of, but I don’t write for the money. I don’t treat writing as a business, as a lot of successful authors do. That’s not to say that they’re wrong for doing so, I have no right to judge anybody or anyone, but only tell you my view on what I do. My top priority as a writer is to entertain, inspire, and move the reader. Have my words put a smile on the reader’s face, one of those smiles that last way after the text that gave them that elation.

My biggest reward from my writing besides the gift of being able to write would be feedback from the readers. The few good words I have received for my writing already, have really been the highlights of my work – to know my words have had an impact on somebody else walking the earth. Even though I make an income from my writing, I like to think of it as giving or providing a service. And receiving messages from readers that they have enjoyed my work gives me validation for that service.

Right now I’m at the beginning of my journey. I am still trying to create a readership among my stories. In a world of competitiveness it’s hard to put yourself out there and try and market your books, when you see so much success around you. It’s tough not to get overwhelmed and discouraged that your stories will find their way to the readers who will love them. They’re out there somewhere; I just wish I could find them. I don’t say this with arrogance, but with a belief that if the stories that I have written have touched me, surely this would apply to others. I can only persevere and keep hope and also allow a little room for faith that everything will work out.