Few choose.
A book I read not too long ago said that you should do something when you're not afraid to lose it all. He was talking about opening a church mind you, but the principal is the same.
His exact words:
"When should you open a church? When you're not afraid if no one comes. When you're just doing it because you feel this need to."
The book? Velvet Elvis.
Great read.
This I think applies to everything in life. You do things not because you expect a gain or a reward, but rather because there is this great need to do it. You shouldn't ignore this feeling, but embrace it.
Tomorrow I send out one novel to Tor Books. Next monday I send out another to Ace books. I'm not afraid of rejection. In fact, I have zero expectations one way or the other. But no matter what happens, I've arrived. I'm ready.
I got two novels I'm really proud of. One is a classic science fiction piece, and the other is something truly unique. I know I'm biased, but I'm proud of both of them.
Last year I started to turn a corner writing wise. I realized two things: I wasn't personal enough. By my nature, I tend to live in my own head quite a bit. There's nothing wrong with that, but I also realize that I wasn't touching a lot inside. I made a vow to add more of a human touch to my stories. I think it's made a difference. Editors or their assistants are reading my stories now, instead of giving me the usual polite indifferent rejection. They still said no, but they are at least giving it a chance.
Finally, I realize writers always have something to say. Oftentimes, you read one author's work, and you realize that they are saying the same thing in all their pieces all the time and it comes from something deep and profound within them.
Ray Bradbury to me is the easiest one. He writes about joy, wonder and terror, and he does it so effortlessly. I'm envious at how well he does it, and I wouldn't have wanted to be a writer if I hadn't read him. I hope I get a chance to meet him someday.
James Owen writes along similar lines - but in my view, (and this is only my opinion mind you) what fascinates James in all his works is the connections stories have in shaping our lives. He captures this wonderfully in both Starchild and his Imaginarium Geographica series.
Charles De Lint I think is somewhere between both of them. He writes about music and stories and myths and magic and the power of the human heart. Whether its Little Grll Lost, Moonheart or The Onion Girl. He also has a connection with people who are lost, alone, and adrift.
These are three of my all time favorite authors. I didn't just pick blindly here. Their work speaks to me and I think more importantly, especially in Bradbury's case, make me realize just how precious things are.
So what do I say?
We matter.
We make a difference just being who we are.
And you know what? We can do anything.
And now I'm off to do everything.
Wish me luck.
One final thing:
If you believed in me at all, regardless, thank you. Especially to Cory McConnachie, Eric Moreno, Sarani Rangajaran, Amber Wood, Megan Hallstrom and Matt Plachta.
I know I haven't done anything yet. But I will.
JP
JP
His exact words:
"When should you open a church? When you're not afraid if no one comes. When you're just doing it because you feel this need to."
The book? Velvet Elvis.
Great read.
This I think applies to everything in life. You do things not because you expect a gain or a reward, but rather because there is this great need to do it. You shouldn't ignore this feeling, but embrace it.
Tomorrow I send out one novel to Tor Books. Next monday I send out another to Ace books. I'm not afraid of rejection. In fact, I have zero expectations one way or the other. But no matter what happens, I've arrived. I'm ready.
I got two novels I'm really proud of. One is a classic science fiction piece, and the other is something truly unique. I know I'm biased, but I'm proud of both of them.
Last year I started to turn a corner writing wise. I realized two things: I wasn't personal enough. By my nature, I tend to live in my own head quite a bit. There's nothing wrong with that, but I also realize that I wasn't touching a lot inside. I made a vow to add more of a human touch to my stories. I think it's made a difference. Editors or their assistants are reading my stories now, instead of giving me the usual polite indifferent rejection. They still said no, but they are at least giving it a chance.
Finally, I realize writers always have something to say. Oftentimes, you read one author's work, and you realize that they are saying the same thing in all their pieces all the time and it comes from something deep and profound within them.
Ray Bradbury to me is the easiest one. He writes about joy, wonder and terror, and he does it so effortlessly. I'm envious at how well he does it, and I wouldn't have wanted to be a writer if I hadn't read him. I hope I get a chance to meet him someday.
James Owen writes along similar lines - but in my view, (and this is only my opinion mind you) what fascinates James in all his works is the connections stories have in shaping our lives. He captures this wonderfully in both Starchild and his Imaginarium Geographica series.
Charles De Lint I think is somewhere between both of them. He writes about music and stories and myths and magic and the power of the human heart. Whether its Little Grll Lost, Moonheart or The Onion Girl. He also has a connection with people who are lost, alone, and adrift.
These are three of my all time favorite authors. I didn't just pick blindly here. Their work speaks to me and I think more importantly, especially in Bradbury's case, make me realize just how precious things are.
So what do I say?
We matter.
We make a difference just being who we are.
And you know what? We can do anything.
And now I'm off to do everything.
Wish me luck.
One final thing:
If you believed in me at all, regardless, thank you. Especially to Cory McConnachie, Eric Moreno, Sarani Rangajaran, Amber Wood, Megan Hallstrom and Matt Plachta.
I know I haven't done anything yet. But I will.
JP
JP