There's another first-time author, Neil Anderson, with whom I've been corresponding (see his book--THE LEAD GOAT VEERED OFF--link further down), and when I first went to his website and clicked on "Author," there was a quote which I liked so much I copied it down on a piece of paper. It was:

In a Charlie Brown moment I thought: THAT'S IT! That's what being a good writer is all about. It's also what makes you a better person--being interested enough to look beyond the surface of the people in your life and the situations in which you find yourself to explore the motivations that drive the engine. [...] It's really beautiful. It's called "Declaration of Non-Interest."

If you're like a lot of us, you think, "Why can't I take 18 months off to go on some sort of an adventure, write a book, and get it published?" Well, what's stopping you? Maybe after you read Neil's book you'll see how it IS possible. You'll discover, along with Neil and Sharon, that expectations and reality don't always jive, but an adventure is still an adventure, even if you didn't predict the outcome. From the book:

"We noticed that something about our trip had begun to change. Before, the scenery had been our focus -- everything was new and different. But it was startling how quickly we had become accustomed. Orange, cork, and olive trees--so exotic when we first saw them--had become as familiar as pine, fir, and spruce trees. Architecture that had held such charm when we first arrived became about as exciting as a doughnut shop. Our days had become: 'Oh, another church. Want to look inside?' 'Naw, I've seen enough churches.' Even the food tasted less foreign--we could eat olives with the best of them.

"Maybe it was inevitable for a trip of this length, but we found that people were becoming the most important aspect of our journey--both those we met while traveling, and our poor neglected friends and family back home. The scenery remained grand, but we began to realize it was the persons we met along the way that we cherished the most. We were sure that long after we had returned home, they would be our fondest memories. Our trip had definitely entered a new stage."

JAN: I'm writing this week about how so many of us like to read and it would therefore follow that many of us think we'd like to write a book. What stops us?
NEIL: A whole lot of hard work and time. (Perhaps sanity sets in.)

JAN: Why do you think some succeed and so many fail?
NEIL: There are probably as many reasons as there are stars in the sky, but two "requirements" come to mind: discipline, and belief in oneself. You need both. To complete a book, one must consistently put pen to paper, even when the words are not flowing easily. I think many people lose interest because the process is such a long one... the time to write and publish a book is measured in years. Many like the idea of writing, but are unable to commit the required time and energy to see the project through to its end.

JAN: Was it difficult to translate your adventure into written words?
NEIL: At first it was. As a first-time author I struggled to find my voice.

JAN: Did you keep a journal?
NEIL: Yes. Extensive journals. While it was often difficult to find sufficient energy at the end of a long day cycling, they later proved invaluable. Without the journals, many details would have been lost.

JAN: Did you always plan to write a book based on this adventure?
NEIL: When we set out, it wasn't. But as we traveled, folks we met asked us about our journey, and upon hearing our stories, often remarked "You should write a book!" Fortunately, I was already keeping detailed journals, and regularly posting them home to friends and family so they could vicariously experience our adventures... and it just progressed from there.

JAN: What was the hardest part about writing your story?
NEIL: I initially struggled with tone. I rewrote, and rewrote, and rewrote, until it finally became me.... I learned that it's a lot of hard work to make writing look easy.

JAN: What was the easiest part?
NEIL: Being honest. Not trying to make it out as some grandiose adventure, bigger and better than it actually was, but being satisfied with the little stories. And I believe the reader feels that, and appreciates it.

JAN: Any other commentary about being a first-time author would be great.
NEIL: If you want to write a book, you can do it. It is hard work and it takes a long time, but obviously, it can be done. Don't quit. Don't give up. Don't look too far down the road. Enjoy the process.

256 pages softcover

colour photo section

All major credit cards accepted

VISA credit card orders may call toll-free

1.866.825.1837

Also available from Amazon.com

256 pages softcover

colour photo section

All major credit cards accepted

VISA credit card orders may call toll-free

1.866.825.1837

Also available from Amazon.com