Friday, May 11, 2012

Time Isn't On My Side

Most of us have heard the phrase, “So many books, so little time.” It generally refers to the books we want to read, and realizing that we don’t have time to do it – even if we have a short list.

But on the other end of the spectrum – those who write books – it can mean there are so many books they hope to produce, but know that they probably won’t be able to reach their goal. I know I’ll never write all the books I’d like to see in print.

I would even bet that prolific writers such as Joyce Carol Oates, Stephen King, Nora Roberts, James Patterson, and Danielle Steel would say they have many more books in them and probably won’t be able to write them in their remaining years.

Books aren’t easy to write. If that were the case, then everyone would be writing them. I’ve heard that everybody has a book in them, but I believe that’s only true in that we all have individual stories to tell. But not everybody can put those stories down in the printed form. That takes discipline and dedication -- and time.

That’s not to say folks can’t orally share their stories, and I believe that’s difficult as well. Some people are gifted storytellers, and they spin wonderful yarns about their observations and adventures, while others sputter and stammer along they way. I‘m in the latter group.

I’m more comfortable putting stories on a page, when I have time to think and reflect on the words that come to mind, and then make changes over time. I admire those oral storytellers who can pull you into their stories with vivid images that can make you laugh, cry, smile, and think.
Until the next time...

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