An Avid Reader
This quote certainly rings true for me. There are still a few books that even bare the mark of baby teeth to prove it. When I was young, I would devour book after book, and I wouldn’t be surprised if I have read 100, or should I say 1000 by this point. I was the Kid who could (and did) walk home from school reading a book without missing a step. I was the kid who could (and still do) read an entire book in a library or bookstore before standing up again.
The Joy of Writing
I have absorbed many stories, and while I don’t remember every title, I do remember their snippets, twists and interesting turns-of-phrase. These flavours last longer than the meal, so to speak. Soon my taste for books turned into a goal. My aim is to create works of fiction that can stay with you for a long time. Writing can offer new perspectives and ways of thinking, can even become a part of you. I aspire to write books that will be worth reading.
Back in elementary school I already knew I wanted to be an author. At the time, I was a little worried that we were all growing up a bit too fast and losing that sense of playful imagination. I wanted to preserve that joy, so the spark could stay with all of us. I still wish for my stories to be a comfort to others, to be a bright light in times of darkness or boredom, or a most wonderfully needed distraction.
Building Character
One of my favourite parts of the writing process is building characters. I enjoy getting to know them, picking them apart, finding out what makes them tick, their habits and who they are. I truly cannot wait to get to know the new and not-so-new characters of this emerging story!
I must admit, growing from a speed reader into a writer is quite the change. When the pencil hits the page, it all seems to slow down. It’s not a bad thing, not by a long shot. It has offered a different perspective. But it does show me that I need to work on my time management skills and discipline. These things take time, and I need to learn how to plan and organize myself better. It’s not easy, but the stories are worth it, and the reader deserves my best effort.
Someday I hope to be someone who nourishes others with my characters and stories.
I hope you’ll join me.
Enjoy the ride!