Like many writers, when I started out, I wanted to be the next Hemingway, Joyce, Neruda or whatever famous author you could name. I realized very quickly I simply didn't have that level of talent (since, obviously, few people do).
But then I was stuck in a quandry. What exactly was I suited to write about? And what form would it take?
It was pretty easy to dismiss romances, since I'm a guy and could no more write in that genre than an elephant can flap its ears and fly. Unfortunately, I also knew that the profitable murder mystery genre was out since the rigorous logic of plotting and I are seldom on speaking terms.
I wanted to do mainstream novels, but I've seldom lived in a mainstream world (in my mind, anyway). Everything I tried in that genre kept bending itself toward satire.
"Aha," I thought, "satire is my literary specialty." And I did write a satirical comic tragedy in the form of American Job. Since it was my first book, it's still my favorite just like your first child.
But, of course, few people buy satire, especially at 190,000 words, unless a famous name is attached to it.
Finally, I realized that science fiction is my place in the writing world, not because I'm particularly scientific or up on the latest technological advances, but because the field gives me the freedom to invent whatever the hell I please!
Science fiction unleashes my imagination and lets it roam the inside of my skull at will. Few other genres (fantasy, of course) give you that kind of permission.
I also found, for some unfathomable reason, that I was very good at action scenes and cliffhanger chapter endings. I'm grateful for this ability but have no idea where it came from since my life has been about as exciting as dryer lint. (Well, I did almost die once in the Grand Canyon, but that's another story for another time.)
Through trial and error, I found the place I want to be as a writer. I suspect many writers go through the same process. And that's an encouraging fact for you if you also want to become an author!
Don't get discouraged. Wander out into the literary world without a map. Get lost in the wonder that is your imagination and find your place. Then apply determination and dedication, and you'll have success in your chosen genre!
In the meantime, enjoy one of my books below on Amazon, Fictionwise.com, or Synergebooks.com!
The First Misadventure of Fragger Sparks, A Ranger Finds the Way
The Second Misadventure of Fragger Sparks, A Ranger Loses His Way
The Third Misadventure of Fragger Sparks, A Ranger Paves the Way - now out in ebook and print!
American Job
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