Something on your “to-do list” that never gets done.
Something that I’ve always wanted to do is write a novel. I think it would be a great legacy. Providing a piece of literature to the world would be a great way to leave my mark. I’m not sure if I want to write a fiction novel or write a memoir. When I was younger, it was a novel but as I get older I realize that I want to write a memoir. I think that’s because as the number of experiences I have had rises, I have more to write about.
But yes, I’ve always wanted to write and publish a book. It’s easier than ever to accomplish that now, but fewer and fewer people are reading books. I don’t have hard statistics on that, but that’s the way it seems when you speak to people. Specifically young people. A lot of young people don’t seem to have the zest for reading that the older generations had. Which is sad.
I think that reading and writing are important. I was just listening to NPR and they spoke about how handwriting increases memory retention and other learning skills when compared to typing. So many young people have no interest in writing or reading anything other than text messages. I think part of that is because attention spans have been reduced. I also think that because it takes dedication. You have to set aside a time and a place to read. Many people aren’t willing to devote that much energy to it. It does take a lot of energy.
Oh well. I’m reading a book right now and have another one lined up for when I’m done with this one. There are so many books available these days that there is nearly an endless supply. I bet Fran Lebowitz loves that. She’s an avid reader. I wish I had her passion for reading. I enjoy it, but not quite to the extent that she does.
I think reading is like anything else. The more you do it, the easier and more pleasurable it will become. That’s why I try to force myself to read each night before I fall asleep. I did that when I was young, but dropped that habit as I entered adulthood. I just recently picked it up and I’m grateful that I did. I realized after I got to a good part of the book how much I had missed reading.
Maybe I should take the same approach to writing that I take to reading. Force myself to do a small bit every day and over time I’ll see improvements in my abilities. I suppose the part that I have to remind myself is that just because I write it doesn’t mean I have to share it. I have a hard time starting anything because I feel that it’s garbage so I just erase it and stop. Is it too late to start a New Year’s resolution?
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Most schools don’t even teach handwriting anymore. Basics, yeah, but not cursive or anything like that.
I think there are still enough people who read novels to sustain it for a long time to come. That said, maybe a series of short stories with an overreaching theme is the way to go. Kind of like musicians release a series of singles now instead of a full album in one shot.
Writers block is the worst. Fran Lebowitz says that the only job harder than being a writer is being a miner. LOL
Let me be the little voice that says “Join us..dooo it.” Start anywhere in your story, beginning, middle, or end. Whether its fiction or non-fiction. And you’re right, no one has to read it. I can be strictly for your eyes only. I’ve been writing for what feels like forever and I’m always mesmerized that the same words we use every day can be regrouped over and over to create a myriad of songs, books, short stories, or poetry. It’s kind of cool.
You’re welcome and good luck with your decision. I hope you’ll try it.
If something inside of you tells you to write and 1000 other things tell you to not write, always listen to that one thing that pushes you to do it.
I will definitely read your book once you publish it. I love reading ☺️
Thank you for the support! I really appreciate it.
Well said, Justin. Writing leaves a legacy and reading helps us grow in my opinion … if you’re passionate about writing and have a gift for it, it’s a really good idea.