I don’t know about you but I can trace my interest in creative writing right back to childhood. Considering I am let’s just say, way out of my teens… that’s a long time ago! I guess lots of us wannabe writers have an interest in the world of creative writing that starts from a young age. Am I right?
That’s the thing with creative writing as opposed to any of the other arts, it’s a slow burner. For me certainly it has taken that form. Even when I was not doing too much about it in the way of sending out short stories or novels, I still THOUGHT about writing. Furthermore, I often pondered what it would be like to live my life as a full-time writer. Wow, even now that prospect still thrills me and I have by no means given up on the idea of making that dream a reality. But for now my aim is to keep getting better at writing because better writing means better fiction.
You picture the scene: you walk into a bookshop or you go onto the Amazon website and you see a load of your books up for sale. Or maybe you see someone reading your novel on the train or somewhere public. Just remember this is not a member of your family you made buy your book (smile), this is someone who chose your book and is reading it willingly! For your information this is certainly possible for everyone! However it does take sheer hard work and then sending stuff out to publishers and agents.
The Wolfen – Whitley Strieber
Do you know, the beginning of my interest in creative writing/fiction can be traced right back to the late seventies, when I brought this chilling thriller/horror book called The Wolfen (1978), written by Whitley Strieber. It was later made into a movie starting Albert Finney. The book is about super intelligent wolf/werewolf/animal entities that are out to murder two cops who know about them, therefore threatening the continued existence of The Wolfen!
This short book is well written, tense, and quite graphic, it will certainly leave you feeling chilled to the bone. It did me. And the thing is, it inspired me immensely to want to pursue the art form of creative writing.
I think this is how good fiction is supposed to make you feel. It should inspire and encourage you to be a better writer and I believe for its own sake, and not just to be published!
Needless to say my writing journey had commenced. Well, actually it had started a lot younger than that as mentioned before.
So how far back does your interest in creative writing go? And what books or events have inspired you? Would love to hear about it.
Until next time,
Happy writing, S
Ps. Not sure if you can still get The Wolfen, by Whitley Strieber, but try Amazon, they seem to have most things.
Sharon's Writers Tidbits 