I want to tell you why I write.

Quite some time ago, I downloaded an author's book. I consumed it in record time. I had been a reader all of my life, but had taken a hiatus, for a time. What caught my attention, rather than the marvelous story the author told, was the fact she gave her work away.

I decided to go to her website and learn a little more about her. Quickly, I found that not only could she write an amazing story, she was an amazing story.

Her first book, written on a dare, was traditionally published. She left the corporate world to write full time. She had two sons that she adored. She was married, thirty-some years, a feat that is very admirable, in this day and age.

I decided to drop the author a note to tell her I appreciated the book she wrote. Quite gracious, she responded. Over time, we swapped a few e-mails. One day I asked about writing a book. She was fast to tell me that I should and if I needed help, to ask.

Anyone new to the process may have expected a more hands on approach. Perhaps an outline of what you should do first, or an offer to read, edit or analyze your work. Her approach was quite different. She taught by example, telling me that she writes every day, asking if I was on Twitter or telling me that her day was consumed by re-writing a chapter. Most importantly, she told me that I was doing something that many talk about and that few do. Her attitude about being an author gave me the confidence to write.

Don’t get me wrong, when I tripped on the curb, and hit my head, she helped me up and would grab me by the shoulders, turn me a few degrees, until I was going in the right direction.

I was not surprised to learn that this author teaches creative writing to middle school kids and also teaches a writers class at a university. Many people will not share what they are mediocre at; She gives freely, what she is amazing at. That is a very admirable trait.

I have several books published now, we don’t e-mail as regular as we did. Just the other day, my wife asked, “Have you heard from that author, how is she doing?” I answered, “She’s doing great. She just won a readers choice award.”

I hope that I have said thank you to my friend, for the amazing gift she has given me…I can call myself an author. In case I haven’t, I want to take this opportunity to say, “Thank you”.

If I never sell another book, the exposure to such a remarkable process, the incredible fans and other authors, is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life. It is a gift, I attempt, in my own way, to share with others. It is a gift, which binds all authors together.
HcB