When was the last time you went to the library or bookstore and experienced the thrill of being in a place that appeals to your sense of adventure?
I remember as a child going to the library and sitting amongst the tall shelves, admiring the covers of the books…for me, a visual treat for the senses. I would sit for hours and enjoyed being in a place that allowed me to daydream about the future.
My favourite section was “biographies.”
I never thought I’d be a writer or become a blog host for that matter, but here we are after writing two books: A Diary of Change 12 Personal Tools, Breaking Barriers 10 Entrepreneurial Women Share Their Stories and now co-author of a complimentary e-magazine, W2.
Who knew?
I think back to a time when the only way you would find your name in the hallowed halls of a library or bookstore was to become “published.” Find a literary agent who would represent your work to a publisher who would “sign you on” and only if they felt you were marketable and had the credentials.
In today’s business climate, you have the ability to become self-published…a journey into the world of words where you may share your sense of adventure and market yourself!
I have had the pleasure of pursuing both options; self-publishing and being represented by a publisher. To anyone in the biz, you are then able to use the phrase “published author” which confirms the time when someone has taken the leap of faith to “sign you on.” I have heard it described as having “bonafides” – establishing yourself as a trusted author. I am not sure if it makes a difference, but, there is something to be said for seeing your name on a bookstore shelf.
It is truly surreal.
For the love of writing, I collaborated with two colleagues and co-authored an e-magazine. Instead of writing in insolation, I had the pleasure of brainstorming, sharing ideas and editing as a team.
A totally different experience!
If you find yourself in a place where you’d like to share a story, may I suggest that you find a few like-minded individuals to assist with the process of writing. It will alleviate all of the responsibility and stress of going solo on your first book title.
I have found in my travels, that there are so many amazing authors who have written books sharing stories that inspire great ideas. They are not only found in the bookstore but on-line.
The art of reading has changed to include various electronic devices that ensure our stories are portable, easy to carry and just plain convenient.
Who has not read a newspaper or magazine article on our personal device?
I guess, it is not only the publishing industry that has changed but the way we’d like to read the words that share a story.
If you have a sense of adventure and enjoy storytelling then maybe writing your first book or short story is great way to spend the summer months.
It all starts with a good idea…
Who knows, perhaps it may inspire a whole new appreciation for your love of reading.
(Trish is also the blog host for the Share Your Story series built on a platform of: Mentorship…sharing stories to inspire great ideas.)