10. It Showed Up in My Head
I tend to look back and have some insight into why I chose to write a book. In the drafting phase, though, I’m far less aware, less conscious. People, situations and issues just show up in my imagination.
They’re kind of irresistible – beckoning me like an open door to a walled garden.
The other nine reasons I wrote this book are all good reasons, but I don’t think many novelists just crank out books for logical reasons.
There are many logical reasons not to write a novel – they take a super long time, they’re hard to get published and even with healthy sales, you wouldn’t want to calculate your hourly pay. Probably about as much as someone who knit a scarf getting eight bucks for it at a craft show.
We kind of do it for love – we knitters and novelists and artists of all kinds. Many of us feel like that’s what we were made to do and that’s the gift we can give people.
To have someone enjoy it – that’s compensation too.
I certainly enjoyed your novel!! You DO have a gift for developing a compelling story with intriguing characters. Thank you for sharing your gift; I’m confident others will also be grateful, once your book is published!