Today I’ll step a little aside from speaking with self-publishing authors to encourage all writers—whether published, not published yet, or who never plan to publish yet seem to find themselves “writing little things” all the time.
Last week one of my very, very best friends (yes, I know, it’s not quality writing to use the word very, let alone use it twice; but the truth of it stands as is) passed from this earth. She was one of the people I consider to be an extraordinary writer; one who could write with great empathy whether she was developing a children’s novel, poetry, or creating magazine articles. Her gift of writing extended beyond the written page as she used those intricate, intuitive skills to bring out the best in all the people she knew—whether a writer or not.
I will give my friend the name Annie, so this will read more smoothly.
Annie never wanted to stop learning. This desire sent her back to school in later adult years, where she graduated from college the same year as one of her sons. Of course, her favorite class assignment was writing essays, and she was often acknowledged for the excellent work.
This love and passion for writing was what drew both Annie and me to the same creative writing summer class, which eventually spun itself into the cocoon of our own writer’s workshop. We both fed off the high energy of our eclectic group of writers and were inspired through the many hours of weekend critique and work sessions.
Over these many years, being privileged to know numerous writers, I’ve developed a great appreciation in the uniqueness of each individual. But it was Annie who taught me how to listen to their writing voices and see their unique perspectives—ideas that must be put forth. Yet, that won’t happen—can’t happen—until the writer becomes the author who releases their work for publication.
Much of Annie’s work has been published, especially in her magazine editorial years. But she always returned to her prose writing. At one point Annie became a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers, which helped her hone this specific genre. One story in particular carried such intensity of emotion, woven with the power of colliding circumstances, that I have not forgotten it—in twenty-plus years. The characters were alive and the workable resolutions were clearly demonstrated; inspiring to all of us who were privileged to read the manuscript. However, she never published that novel.
So it is that I dedicate my writings today—in honor of my very, very best friend Annie—and to all those writers out there who are holding tightly to a manuscript that needs to see the light of day. Don’t hold back! If you need help to complete it, call a writing friend, join an active workshop, or find a ghostwriter who shares the passion for your topic, and GET IT PUBLISHED!
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ABOUT ROYALENE DOYLE: Royalene Doyle is a Ghostwriter with Outskirts Press, bringing more than 35 years of writing experience to authors who need “just a little assistance” with completing their writing projects. She has worked with both experienced and fledgling writers helping complete projects in multiple genres. When a writer brings the passion they have for their work and combines it with Royalene’s passion to see the finished project in print, books are published and the writer’s legacy is passed forward. |
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