The Rebirth of Reading and Writing
I remember when parents and educators were worried that children would not be interested in reading now that they had television, then video games, then computers, and lo and behold, now smart phones. I have no idea what comes next, but here’s the good news. People are reading more and writing more than ever before.
Sure, it’s not all great literature. There are emails and blogs, self published books of varied quality, short essays and digital books that never get into print. It has become very egalitarian. People believe they have something to say and they’re saying it in writing. And others are reading it on all manner of electronic devices.
Even if it isn’t all the best possible writing, what’s great is the interaction among people all over the world and the mutual interest in ideas and creativity. Memoir writing groups, writing as recovery, and other kinds of writer support groups are springing up–I’d like to offer one myself once the original surge of activity around my book launch levels off–and people of all ages believe that their written words matter.
Remember this, when you see a familiar way of life change and you get dreary, doomsday thoughts. We don’t know what amazing rebirth is just around the corner.
I produced “The Woman in the Photograph” myself. I didn’t do it alone. I hired excellent editors and consultants, a visionary cover designer, a passionate interior type designer, and I stretched myself to understand what book publishing really requires. I’m sure I added, and continue to add, to my stockpile of brain cells. It was sometimes really challenging, but worth it.
I encourage you to step into the arena of writing if you haven’t already. Start simple. Write in a journal. Consider a blog. (WordPress is pretty user friendly). Find out how easy is is to publish it in some digital media. Tell your friends on Facebook. I guess I have turned the corner of accepting the new age of communication. No more kicking and screaming for publishing as it used to be. Yes, every now and then some publisher would take a chance on a new author and yes, they did a little PR for you, but this is the age of reading and writing and you can take charge of your creative process.
I have given you the link to my book on Amazon. Also, here’s an interview Pam Fingado did with me for her blog about creativity. I hope you enjoy it.
What are you writing today?