On Becoming a Writer

[Monica Poling]

Do you remember what book made you want to become a writer after you read it? Was there an aha moment of "I could do this," or maybe "I could do this better?"

Was a series of events? Did it start from childhood or were you older?

Monica

[Murry Stapp]

Pierre Boulle's "Planet of the Apes" was truly inspiring. The subtle, but brilliant narrative set the mind free to wander and visualize, and set the standard of descriptive writing for me. I read this book from time to time and am still in awe that such a Sci-Fi work can be so literate and stir the imagination in different ways each time I read it. This should be required reading. It would inspire and encourage more young people to read, read, read. I was in my late twenties and first entertained the idea of someday becoming a writer after reading this wonderful book. This book was my 'aha!" moment.

[Monica Poling]

Wow! I've never read the book, but now you've motivated me to add it to my TBR pile. Thanks for chiming in. Glad to have you with us.

[Natasha]

Hi all! This is my first time posting here, and I am just slowly starting to put my toe in the water with actually taking my writing beyond journaling and my comfy spot. Reading has been such a vital role in maintaining my sanity, but the first novel that really gave me that aha moment was when I stumbled upon The Talisman while I was yardsaling through Main with my family many years ago. I was only 12, but from the moment I started reading, I was unable to put it down. Needless to say, I don't remember much else about that vacation. Mind you, I never imagined being able to do it any better, but for the first time, I truly understood the power of a good story, and perhaps the power of the written word. No movie, tv program, video, or anything else has come close to reeling me in the way that book did, and the gratitude and appreciation I still feel to this day has no hope of being replaced.

[Shelly Goodman Wright]

I've wanted to be a writer since the day I could hold a pencil! Although the aha moment happend to me this year--and I'm now 38. I had a dream and for once instead of saying "I'll write it later", I sat down and began to write. In month, I had a 70,000 word novel. I passed it around to a few friends and family members. I wanted to know what they thought, even though it was pretty rough. The feedback I got was great and now at draft 5, I'm happy with outcome of the story and the development of the characters--"A Light into the Darkness" was born.

I haven't been able to stop wriing as now I'm on the sequel "The Lost Scrolls". I've done a few submissions, but still not confident on the query letter or my synopsis. I know agents can't just read the whole novel, but I wish I could just say 'here you go' tell what you think? What could make it better? Do I have what it takes?

No matter what happens from here, I love the writing process. I also love spending days on various sites, putting my name out there. I've had several hit my site asking where they can buy my book. I guess I could self publish, but I really want to do it the right way....seen as a serious writer with something to say.

[Steve Conover]

Hello Shelly

What is your site that you mention? And that's great you finished one Novel and started another. How wonderful.

[Shelly Goodman Wright]

My site is www.shellygoodmanwright.com and I also have a Facebook page "a light into the darkness--series" Just last week I was offered a contract by Tate Publishing, but believe it's not the right one for me--so I think I'm going to continue to write. I have finished my first draft of my second novel--taking a break over Christmas and then start working on my drafts. I also have an two outlines for two more books in the series. I'm so excited.