Have I mentioned I’m writing my fourth novel? Oh, I know, everyone is either writing a novel, plans to write a novel or has the next great story idea. So, with that in mind, I’ll start over.
Writing My Fourth Novel
Did I mention I am writing a novel?
Yes, I am. While I’ve published a science fiction novel, a historical fiction novel, a short story anthology, a poetry collection, and have a second unpublished science fiction novel, I have never published a literary fiction novel. Novel number four is literary fiction.
Even though I have hundreds of paid writing credits over the last 40 years in dozens of trade journals, magazines, literary journals, and science fiction magazines, few people view me as a writer.
Response of Family and Friends
Have you ever noticed the response of family and friends when they learn you are writing a novel? You know the responses I’m talking about. You’ve seen them.
There’s the rolling of the eyes up toward the sky.
There’s the bobbing the head up and down while shaking it in disbelief.
Sometimes they will express condolences to a spouse that you’re using your time in this way. other times they will say “That’s nice. Everyone needs a hobby.”
When I get responses like these I want to put my hands on their shoulders, look them directly in the eye and say, “Hello, did you hear me? I said I am writing a novel. That’s because I am a writer!”
At this point they usually repeat, “That’s nice or I thought you worked with computers.”
I reply “Working with computers paid for my passion for writing before I became a full-time writer.”
It’s sad. They still don’t get it. Oh, I can send them running out of the room in a hurry if I say, “Would you like to hear a chapter?” Those words are like saying “FIRE, RUN, FLEE FOR YOUR LIFE!”
Don’t Let Anyone Steal Your Dreams
I mention all this to say, don’t let anyone steal your dream. If you’re like me, you have to write. You can’t help it. It’s part of who you are. So write! And, tell your friends and family that you’re working on a novel. Let them the progress you are making. And you can drop me a note from time to time in the comments section. I’ll understand.
