I am a self-published storyteller, not under contract by a major publishing house and have sold a very limited number of books. In the literary world, I am insignificant. That is the truth, but that truth doesn’t change the reality that I am a storyteller.
Storytelling is my passion and drive.
Storytelling is my love and lust.
Storytelling is my wife and mistress.
I am influenced by both Hemingway and Poe, but my favorite authors are Joe Leonardi and Scono Sciuto. I am of the strong opinion that – if you paint, you should be your favorite painter. If you create music , you should be your favorite musician.
I am on a handful of author and writer pages on Facebook, Scono Sciuoto is on quite a bit more. These pages are akin to the organizations Hemingway mentioned in the above quote. Writing is a lonely endeavor. It is us, a keyboard, typewriter or blank sheet of paper and our thoughts. Social Media has given a way for writers to connect, however I wonder if potential harm outweighs potential good. One of the reasons I tend to either shy away, or not comment much, is because of the inherent insecurity fostered on these pages. These pages act as enablers for the writer’s self-doubts. Members ask questions not on style or technique, but seeking validation for their art. We all have a degree of uncertainty about our writings, that is normal. However, we should not seek the approval of others to pursue our passion.
When I write, I write to please and entertain one person, the person whose reflection I see in the mirror. Of course, I desire others to enjoy and be entertained, but that is not the driving force. When I complete a story and ask others to read it, I never ask if they like the story – I ask if they think I told a good story.
My goal is not to write stories others will necessarily like — it is to tell that good story. I have read plenty of good stories that I did not like or understand — that didn’t mean the author didn’t tell a good story. The problem with many reviewers is that they are giving their opinion of what they like, not the quality of the story, and more importantly, not the value and understanding of the writer’s heart and soul.
“Who am I?”
I am an independent, self-published teller of tales. I am an author of scarcely any renown. However, as a storyteller, I know who I am, and with that persona, I am both confident and comfortable.
I invite you to visit my website,
and/or Amazon Author Pages
if you are so inclined please purchase a copy and leave a review.
Thank you,
Joe
Do you really experience loneliness when you write? A lot of writers say writing is lonely but I don’t understand how it is lonely.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Monica,
Yes. But, at least for me, that isn’t a negative.
I don’t really enjoy the company of others. In my professional life, outward joviality is more a forced persona, while the lone writer, perched over a keyboard, creatively conjuring characters is the person who is more accurate and the persona with whom I am most comfortable.
As far as how it can be lonely. Thankfully, how can it be anything else? Unless doing a direct collaboration, there is no one but the writer. Either setting up a distraction free environment, or using tools to block out distractions. There are no interactions, no conversations, no meetings. It is a solo endeavor that is to itself the very definition of alone and Eden.
Thank you for reading and taking the time to comment.
Joe
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice Post. Even I am a self published author and haven’t really made my mark in the writing world as yet…but I would be really grateful if you could read my book and drop in your reviews. This being my first book, it will be really encouraging! Here’s the link to the ebook-
Waiting to hear from you on how you liked it! It’s a short story and hence a pretty quick read!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I purchased it. Not sure when I will get to read it, I am in a heavy writing phase, but it is on top of my kindle list…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much! Please do take your time! I will patiently wait to hear from you😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Sneha,
I actually read it and left a review on Amazon. It is a heartwarming story. I kept the review without detail because I didn’t want to give any of the story away. The part where she answers the question about having friends, had tears in my eyes.
You told a good story.
Joe
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much! It’s a real pleasure to know you enjoyed reading it! And do share the book with your friends and other book lovers! Thanks once again! 😊😊😊🙏🏻
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yw
LikeLike