Hi WestWorders,
Sadly, it’s time to say goodbye. Where has the time gone? It seems like only yesterday that we were saying hello to each other.
I thought I would leave you with a few thoughts on what I love about being an author.
- Meeting new people
While I miss the tight community of teaching in schools, I love meeting new people at different schools, bookshops and festivals around the country. There are so many interesting characters out there. I’ve met hilarious teachers, quirky kids, passionate booksellers, knowledgeable teacher-librarians, and a host of other creators – authors and illustrators. Along the way, I’ve been lucky to make some new friends!
- Having written
Sometimes I don’t feel like writing and I have to work hard to be disciplined. After a solid session as the keyboard, however, I love the feeling of having written. Looking back on a word count is an extremely rewarding thing.
- Public speaking
I still get nervous from time to time, but I love the thrill of meeting a new audience and getting to know them as quickly as possible. I love hearing people laugh, so I aim to include lots of silly bits in my sessions. The best part is Q&A. I’m constantly amazed at some of the thoughtful questions.
- Brainstorming new ideas
Getting hooked on an idea is a wonderful thing. It means there are questions to be asked, further ideas to be explored, and notes to be jotted down. It’s liberating knowing that no rules are set in the story world you’re creating, and you’re free to do as you please.
- Proofreading the final page on a typeset page
Most authors would agree that this is an AMAZING step. And that’s because the next step is opening up a box of books and seeing the final result of your hard work. Proofing that final page signals the end of a project for me. (Mind you, there is still lots of work to be done in promoting the book!)
- Teaching
I find that I’m forever learning new tricks and skills as a writer. I enjoy sharing this knowledge with others.
This brings my April blogs to an end. Did you have a favourite post? Let me know in the comments below.
Tim
hi, my favourite post is the five tips for creating great characters because I learnt that making up names can make your writing better because it can bring humour to it e.g Mr Sternblast who is very stern from the book Mr Bambuckle Remarkable
Hi, I have a lot of favourite posts that you had posted on. My top two favourites are about being disciplined writers and creating humour.
Hi, I like your thoughts on what you love about being an author. My favourite posts you made are “five books I love”, and “five ways to create humour.” They were very interesting.