While reading through my Sunday paper I read over the new books and authors as I usually do. It was there I noticed a new book authored by three women. I thought about this for a few minutes, thinking how difficult that would be to accomplish, having two others critique your thoughts and words, to throw them out or change them. Each of these women took their own stories, but they still had to agree on what would be published at the end. I have not yet written fiction, but, even then, I’d be possessive of my thoughts and words; those are my babies!
I don’t consider myself close-minded on new ideas, they always have their place. During my working days, most businesses were built on new ideas and the more employees with fresh ideas, the better. We cannot all agree on everything, this is simply impossible. I have said this before, but I think it bears repeating – how boring our lives would be to always agree with everyone on everything.
Fiction writing might be different, and maybe ideas and suggestions would be more welcome. But, I am not a fiction writer, not yet. I mostly write of life moments, experiences and thoughts that have brought me to where I am today. Mainly to promote thoughts in others that may or may not help them in their life journey.
If you are familiar with my writing, you may remember my comments about each of us has our own story, no two alike, and how exciting it would be to know all those stories, though impossible!
A person writing their autobiography may use a ghost writer, which is a writer that writes for another person (the actual author.) The ghost writer puts the author’s thoughts into words with an order. He would never change the story he is penning.
As you live your life, you are the author of your life story. Never allow others to change your story. Only you have that right and that power. Wherever you land is where you directed your story. It all goes back to choices, do you remember? I am like everyone else in that I am living my life and doing my best to make the correct choices. That doesn’t always happen, but at least I know I chose my direction. The only advice I can give, which I also tell myself, is “Always listen to your gut feelings.” They are there for a reason!
I will continue to “write” my life story as I live and dip into the writing pond, maybe I shall try my hand at writing fiction. However, I’ll do this for myself, my way, and in my words. If the time comes, and I publish a book, I’ll deal with agents, editors and publishers at that time. Maybe. We’ll see. I might stay a loner there too, like so many writer friends who self-publish, right Peggy? Many of us in the Heritage Writers Group were encouraged by Peggy as she led us newbies.
I believe it is important to live so that you will enjoy looking back on the life story you have written!
