While at the San Francisco Writers Conference this past weekend, I had the pleasure of hearing David Morrell, author of First Blood (Rambo) speak. He gave the lunchtime keynote.
I figured this would be another boring fiction talk, especially since it was by an author writing the type of fiction I don’t read. Plus, I “do” nonfiction, not fiction. However, Morrell spoke about finding your own voice and subject matter, so my ears perked up. This was a topic in which I was interested.
And one thing he said rang in my ears for a long time: There comes a time when you stop writing about what other people want or about what you say you must or should and you write about what you want–what’s important to you. You stop listening to other people. You write the book you must write or want to write.
I thought about the book I started writing when I first said I was going to become an author. I felt a sense of purpose about that book. I was passionate about the topic. I felt inspired to take on the project and complete it. However, when I got negative feedback from publishers (and others), I tabled it and started on another project.
I felt a sense of purpose and passion about that project as well. I was inspired. And then I left it behind as well when I didn’t immediately get a green light from an agent or publisher.
I gave up too soon. I didn’t continue believing in myself. I didn’t pursue my project relentlessly. I wrote about other things…sometimes about things other people told me I should pursue.
The book I felt I must write remained unwritten.
It’s time…time to write that book. Have you written the book you must write?
Wonderful advice. So often, as new writers (especially of memoir or personal essay), we are confronted with, “Who wants to read your story? Why should anyone care?” And because of the plethora of writers and memoirs and personal essays, we’re discouraged to write the stories that are burning to be told. So we put them down and write what’s “saleable.”
I believe that if you have a passion about a subject and you feel a strong drive to write it, then you should do it. The message always finds its audience.
Thank you for encouraging us to follow our writer’s heart.
I think the questions you pose–the same ones agents and publishers pose–have a place, and writers should ask them. They should find answer to them and try to angle their books so they do know who wants to read their story and what benefit they provide to readers. That’s what makes a successful book. That said, what creates a successful book varies from writer to writer–and no one should tell them not to write their book and publish it. Today we have too many options to reach reach readers. That’s what I’m writing about today. So, by all means, follow your purpose and your passion. Get inspired. Write and publish your story!