Though not all children who are avid readers grow up to be prolific writers,
there are few such writers who weren’t also lovers of words from an early age.
And I am no exception.
I’ve authored/published more than thirty books of my own, plus
ghostwritten/edited scores of others. I’ve also published countless newspaper
and magazine articles and stories, devotionals and poems, and I constantly get
the question: How in the world do you produce so much on such a regular basis?
Though I give credit to my journalism training and experience, I always go back
to my passion for words, which was evident even before I started school. My mom
always told I was reading the comics when I was three, and my favorite outing
throughout my childhood was a trip to the library. I read voraciously! And if I
found myself without something to read, I immediately set out to write my own
stories. One such story, which I wrote in the third grade, was turned into a
play for the entire PTA—parents, teachers, and students. I was hooked!
I went on to write for the school newspapers and won writing contests throughout
junior and senior high school, and even told my boyfriend (now husband) when we
were about thirteen or fourteen that I was going to be a writer some day. To be
honest, I can’t imagine being anything else.
Of course, the one thing I NEVER wanted to do was public speaking. Surprise!
Little did I know that as I ventured out into the publishing world, I would
begin to receive speaking invitations. Though I quickly declined, explaining
that I did not do public speaking, I soon discovered that my book sales suffered
because of it. Hmm… Seemed I had no choice but to get over that common fear of
public speaking and just get out there and do it.
Now, amazingly, I enjoy public speaking nearly as much as I do writing, and I do
both on a regular basis. But all of it goes back to my love of words and that
inborn call to be a communicator. If you have ever sensed that same call—whether
to writing or speaking (or maybe even something else entirely)—and you find
yourself hesitant to answer, ask yourself if you have an innate love for
reading. If the answer is yes, perhaps it’s time to consider the next step.
My 14-year old daughter seems to be headed down your path. She's taking journalism as a freshman and is a voracious reader. Thanks for the post! (Molly Wilsbacher 12:05pm December 11, 2011)
Before I even started to read your blog entry today, I have to say that I noticed the cover to your book. I think that the artist did an outstanding job on it!! I was awestruck by it!! Anyway, I was taught how to read at the age of 3, and was reading physics books that my Dad had in the basement. My Parents would have me read to relatives when they would come over to visit. Other than the set of "Funk and Wagnalls" (which dates me) encyclopedias that were on the shelf, I was itching to read, so they would take me to the library, where I would take out as many books as I could carry to read. I also wrote poetry and plays. In Kindergarten, the teacher would have me read to the class when she would get called away. I always loved the English language, and got A's in that class throughout school. I wanted to major in English, and go to college, but my Mother said some things to me, which discouraged me, so I never went. It was a big mistake, and I regretted it all my life. My friends told me I should write a book, and perhaps some day I will, because I have some stories to tell. I do admire any author, because it does take a lot of grit to be in the business. Have a wonderful Christmas, and a Happy and Healthy New Year!! (Peggy Roberson 12:31pm December 11, 2011)
That is so cool to hear - I am a voracious reader, myself, and back in grade school, my favorite part of the school week was our weekly visit to the school's library - in 11th grade, my British Lit teacher, who was also my homeroom moderator, also encouraged my reading habit - I don't have what it takes to be a writer, and like Peggy Roberson said in her comment, I admire authors as well, since it takes that certain something to be in that business! Blessed Christmas and New Year's greetings to you! (Felicia Ciaudelli 7:12pm December 11, 2011)
My father was an avid reader and so am I. Neither of us would have ever been able to write a novel. I tried when I was still in my teens and realized that I was lamentably lacking in the requisite imagination--and he was too. We're both good with logic. He was an architect, but don't look for beautiful edifices from him; he was much better at making the buildings function electrically, spatially, etc. I, on the other hand, love languages and language; I love making them work as to grammar, vocabulary, etc., especially in English, though I know two others well and have studied three more. If anyone wants help with the given aspects of language, give me a wave. In general, it is badly needed. (Sigrun Schulz 3:40am December 12, 2011)
I find that voracious readers make the best writers, since they've digested so many words and tend to venture into new territory. (Alyson Widen 5:22pm December 17, 2011)
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