Reading Your Work
t’s been over a year since Bridge of Memories first came on the scene and to date I’ve still never officially read my own novel except for while I was editing it and putting everything together. I actually don’t even look at the book all that much, except for tonight when for some strange reason I decided to attempt to use a copy as a mousepad in lieu of my current mousepad which is falling to pieces. As I stared down at the beautifully crafted cover my good friend worked so tirelessly on I couldn’t help but want to pick it up and attempt to read it. Of course, I knew there was almost no chance I could ever read it objectively without wanting to change every little word, but a part of me really wanted to try. I have to wonder, as I think I’ve wondered aloud on this blog many times before if every author has this problem or just a few of us. I seriously doubt I’m completely alone, but at the same time… it’s hard not to feel alone. Even though I’m extremely fortunate in the vast array of fellow writers and bloggers I often get to communicate with via my blog, sometimes writing can be a very lonely experience. And even if someone close to you happens to be a writer, they can’t know exactly what you’re feeling and it’s quite alienating. Most people have no idea what it’s like to create a person in your head that feels so real you could almost touch them. To hear their voice as if it’s right next to you and to see them as clearly as you can see anybody else. Most people have know idea what it’s like to watch these peoples lives go past, to experience the ups and downs of some of their greatest achievements and darkest hours. How you can share in their pain and occasionally in their joy. Most people have no idea what its like to have a million ideas for various books all clamoring for your attention, day in and day out without ceasing.
Granted I don’t want to be like most people, but knowing how few people can possibly understand what this feels like can make you feel like a visitor on an alien planet, studying the indigenous population in the hopes of getting a glimpse into their world. As writers we have the unique opportunity to be a part of the world, while also seeing it from the outside as well.
