My Journal

Here I will be posting random notes and articles, thoughts on writing, sometimes the writings of those whom I have enjoyed, and events where I'll be participating.  I will be posting things here on a regular basis, and I will try to keep it interesting.  If there is something you would like to see or read about, please feel free to drop me a line.

July 11 2008

"Do I have what it takes to become an author?"  If someone were to ask me that question, I’d have to say I have no idea.  The simple fact is every person has a story, but not every person knows how to tell it.  In my humble opinion, it takes a special breed of person to become an “Author” with a big A. That would be the type of person who actually writes and finishes that novel, or book of poetry, or even that book of short stories, and see it all the way to publication.  The following is a list of things I’ve noticed in conversations with other writers and authors: 1. They like to sit for hours in front of a computer screen (or with pen and paper), writing away. They see a blank screen or page as a new challenge, an open invitation to share thoughts and emotions otherwise held deep inside. 2. They think about their book, even when they're not writing. I can only speak for myself, but I go over the plot or plots over and over while I cut my grass in the summer, or blow snow out of my driveway in the winter.  I get some of my best ideas when I’m not writing, and find a way to put them down on paper when I am. 3. They are motivated to finish their book. Again, for me, it is a huge sigh of relief when I finally get to write my favorite word at the bottom of the last page.  “END.”  4. They are motivated to proofread, edit and revise their finished book until it is the best it can be.  And remind yourself that “END” doesn’t always mean it’s finished. Don’t be afraid to let a fresh pair of eyes look at your work from time to time.  They won’t kill you, they can’t eat you, so there’s really not much to fear, and you will learn something from the experience. 5. They are motivated to publish their book. After all, it would be a shame to keep the next great American novel under wraps now, wouldn’t it?  6. Once they publish the first book, they are already working on the next one. Don't listen to those people who say it's a competitive market out there. Don't listen to those people who say they've written five books and haven't had one published yet. And don't listen to those people who send you back your manuscripts! Learn from them, to be sure but don’t let them steal your dream.  Listen to that inner voice, the one that is whispering in the back of your mind. But wait until you get started. Once your book is written and published, that inner voice will be roaring! And the whole world will hear about it. For the novice writer who would like to start writing that first book, the best way to begin is to start writing. Stop the other activities, the television, the reading, the shopping, the chatting on the telephone, and find the time to devote at least one hour a day to writing.  If that same hour were spent on writing, then there would be a product in your hands, something that will be shared, hopefully, one day with others. From experience, I can tell you there is no feeling quite like walking into a book store and seeing copies of YOUR book on the shelves, with YOUR name as the author. So, go ahead, shut the door to the rest of the world for one hour (or more) and make yourself comfortable in front of the computer screen (or pen and paper). Take that first step to becoming an author.

July 11 2008

Believe it or not, summer does come to Buffalo, New York. After endless months of bone-chilling cold and gloomy skies, shorts and t-shirts have replaced the parkas. It’s the time of the year to sit back, relax. And read! Let’s face it, when I go to the town pool or the beach with the family, I can always find someone, and usually more than one, digging into a book. Here are some suggestions guaranteed to make your summer months an enjoyable, book-filled season!   On the road again…  Do you associate reading with the memories of being holed up in your room finishing your summer reading list or scribbling a book report before you could run outside to play. Why not combine the two? Summer is the perfect season to embark upon a little road trip, drive to nearby field or travel to the nearest beach. This time, bring a book along. Thanks to the scenery, chances are you’ll forget you didn’t want to read in the first place. This time, why not the best…  You’ve probably encountered lists of classic book titles, ranging from the lengthy "War and Peace" to the simplistic yet worldly "Little Prince". You’ve heard their titles, but you’ve never actually read some of the world’s greatest novels.  Summertime is a perfect opportunity to read what you’d otherwise let collect dust. Suggested classics include the following: • “Treasure Island • "Following the Equator" • "Catch 22" • "Moby Dick" • "The Three Musketeers" • "Slaughterhouse Five" • "Dracula" • "1984" Only the lonely…  If you’d rather enjoy human interaction to reading in solitude, join or create a book club. Gather a few friends or relatives and make a list of suggested books to read. Creating your own book club gives you the freedom to select the genre of books you like. Hopefully, your fellow bookees won’t judge you for your book nomination. Hey, any occasion for a party! Read what you love…  There is no summer reading law that mandates the genre or topic that readers enjoy; even reading People magazine still counts as a summer read. Historical romance novels more your style? Great! Prefer a hardboiled detective story? There are hundreds to choose from. A sure-fire way to keep you reading is to find topics, writing styles and genres that keep you interested in your book. Cheapskates Rule!  I love cracking the binding on a new book. Sure, owning novels is handy, especially if you like to loan or archive the books you’ve read, but it can become a pricey habit. But wait- there’s hope for you! Most towns have public libraries that are often accompanied by a free membership, or a small membership fee. Be sure to locate the library nearest you and return books on time because, well…we have all had that nightmare before!  And if you still want the pride in ownership, try your local used bookstore.  Locally, a place called Crazy 4 Books sells used books for $1.99. Talk about a bargain!   So grab a beach towel, your sunscreen, and a good book, and head for your favorite summer spot.  I’ll see you there.