My Amateurish Views On Writing

Are you trying to reach out to a larger audience as a Book Writer?  Good on ya! There are things to keep in mind. Here are a few thoughts of mine:

1. It's fun to have fun! and writing should be fun!
2. I believe everyone has at least one good book in them, some many.  All who take pen to paper in order to express themselves ought to be encouraged.  "If thoughts were not penned, there would, unfortunately be much less to ponder," I've often heard myself saying. 
3. Recently, an authoress noted that "writing is often like calling out into the void."   True, true.  Sometimes we do write primarily because we seek a reciprocating response.  Like, say you are stranded on a deserted island, (or 'Is it really deserted?' you wonder?)  "Hey!  Anybody home!  ANYBODY OUT THERE?" you call....But other times we write simply to express ourselves, to get something off our chest, or just to blather away.  "This is my island!  And I am the king of MY island!"  
4. I figure that most writers write because they must, (oh, yeah, and because it's fun!)  And yes, it is an added bonus when someone shouts back "I hear you, brother!" or "Why can't you shut the (bleep) up?" And yes, any response is preferable to Total Silence, unless, of course, the island actually is deserted, and you ARE totally alone...

(Side notes:  What is the difference between a writer and an author?  Is either an actual "artist?"  Which, if either, actually has more fun?)

Writers need occasional diversion.  For literary diversion, I sometimes visit http://betsylerner.wordpress.com/   Betsy and her "writer posse" are both enlightening and entertaining.  Although their banter offers a rare glimpse into the struggling mind of aspiring writers, you eventually have get back to work and come up with your own material to blather about.  (Oh, but how come I'm not having as much fun as they seem to be having?)

For me, finding material is the hard part.  Writing is much easier, and so much more fun, when I have a "muse" to inspire me, and interact with.  Such a person not only notices what you have to say, but also "gets you," and takes the time to respond in like-kind, with encouragement and wit, (i.e., one's literary 'play-mates.')  I've been blessed to have two such in my life in recent years.  Each has been gold.

My hat is off to artists who go "Pro."  The expectations are higher, and of necessity must include the expectations of  business people whose interests are only marginally related to the "art."   "Art for art's sake!  Commercialism sucks!"  (Oops,I'm starting to sound like Betsy"s "posse.")  Any way, "Hats off to you, Pro writers!"

--keep writing and try to have a little fun!