I created this space for the purpose of writing….uhhh….stuff.
I have always been enamored with the prospect of being able to write a story and have the bravado to have others read it.
Being brave enough to put my real name on it….that’s another story.
For now, I go with this blog as my channel for bravery.
Writing about family events and happenings are one thing
(that I do often),
but creating fictional stories are quite another.
I have written quite a few. They are listed on the menu…..
Or…
If you are fortunate enough to not have to use the iPhone app for your blogging experience then most of the bold capital words underneath my blog name and tag line represent the titles to said fictional stories.
It is my belief, than in order to write fiction it is best to read fiction.
Therefore…..
I read a lot of fiction.
We have 1 bookstore in our town. It is a books slash movies slash video games slash music…store.
I go in there often and slash through their bargain novel section.
I buy a virtual cornucopia of books that are not very good….at least to me. I will buy 4-6 books for a total of under $10.
Every once in a while I will find a diamond in the coal.
About 6 months ago…I found THE diamond.
For $3, I bought a book by an author named
Carlos Ruiz Zafon.
Go ahead…
Say the name again and just let it roll off your tongue.
Carlos. Ruiz. Zafon.
Here is the book.
That book…..
That one book……
Has created doubt in my mind about being able to write fiction.
Why?
Because anything I have started to write, I have compared to that book, and have deemed it unworthy.
I know…I know…that is exactly what my wife tells me.
I can’t compare myself to someone else.
Especially not to an novelist that has been translated into over 50 languages, published around the world gathering numerous international prizes and reaching millions of readers (at least that’s what the back of the book says)
But….
I have.
And because of it, my fictional side has gone on hiatus.
Crappy.
Anyhoo….
Tonight, we went into the slash store.
I went to the novel section, like I always do, and headed for the “Z”.
I have done this for the last 3 months.
Always the same book by Mr. Zafon is there……
The one I have already read.
Until today….
I paid full price….no mark downs. I never pay full price.
DAMN YOU CARLOS RUIZ ZAFON!
And it’s a continuation with the same characters.
Mr. Zafon…..I will read your continuation and I am quite sure that I will be left in awe of your ability to create…
But….
I will write fiction again….
And you can translate THAT into over 50 languages….
Good2begone 