Friends and acquaintances have reacted differently when the subject of writing a book comes up. Some are impressed, stating they’ve always had in mind to write one. Others, to varying degrees, are unimpressed.
As a bored teenager (normal for the immature), my mother kept pressing me to read, as I hadn’t been attracted much to reading, enjoying outdoor sports instead.
Books can be exciting adventures, she insisted. So, finally (and I recall the day and time clearly), one summer afternoon, I relented because I had no other options. I gave in and asked her to recommend one. She took Green Mansions by W. H. Hudson and handed it to me
Once curled up in the easy chair by the living room fireplace, I started to read. I was fascinated. I couldn’t put the book down. As a reader, I was hooked. I’ve been a reader ever since.
What does it have to do with being a writer? EVERYTHING !
You learn to be a writer by first being a reader. Then, all you have to do is (quote the cliché) “apply the seat of the pants to the seat of the chair” and write. You’ll learn by doing. Like everything else, the more you do it, the better you get at it.
