Why write books?

If you are wondering why I took up writing at the ripe old age of 58, well it was a long time in coming. I have always had a love affair with books from as far back as I can remember. Now that doesn't always translate to transforming to the writing side. It was something that was in the back of my mind, but I let life get in the way. My excuse was that I was working full time and helping raise my daughters. I also had self doubts because I didn't take creative writing courses in school.

The event that started me on my writing journey happened 19 years ago, almost to the day. I suffered a serious heart attack. It really shook me and I was lucky to survive it. After some time to heal and self reflect, the origins of my first novel started to take shape. As you have seen when you read the book, the opening paragraph is based on my personal experience. I wrote out that paragraph all those years ago and then put it away. After forgetting about it, I let life get in the way until I came across my forgotten manuscript. I drew inspiration and commenced to work on it again. Alas, after writing a few pages, I got distracted again.

It wasn't until last year that I retired and decided to get serious about my "hobby". From the beginning, I had a good idea where the book would go. So it was just a matter of getting it all written down. I was surprised how easily the words flowed and I was writing 1500-2000 words a day. The book was really about me going on a journey of self discovery knowing how close I was from my mortality. I used the premise of trying to save Abraham Lincoln and the impact that would have on history to reconcile my dilemma. It was also the perfect platform to explore how altering history could change our lives during the present time.

So even though I found writing my first draft relatively easy, it was the next steps that were my greatest challenges. All the things about writing that I didn't know, like; Point of View, telling vs. showing, and structure were my Achilles heel. I reasoned that I would tell a story, which is something I am good at. When I finally got to the point of shopping my book out to agents and publishers, I was exposed as a novice writer. I had done my research and knew to expect rejection. What I wasn't prepared for was the large scale rejection. Most of the rejection was in the guise of a form letter and not very helpful. There was one exception. One of the small publishers I submitted the book to gave me some constructive feedback that I took to heart. They even gave me some articles to read which were instrumental in the book eventually getting published.

Since getting my first book was published, I have continued to write. I wrote a short story which was based on my grandfather's experience in WWII that is in the process of being published as a collection. I have also completed my next novel about the trials of a young boy being forced to serve on a British man of war during the Seven Year War and his subsequent experiences in the American Revolution. I will keep you updated on the progress of these exciting tales.

Find your passion and follow it.

Dan