When I'm Not Myself
Page 30
It turned out that my first book, With You and Without You, was readily embraced by countless book clubs. I have been fortunate to have been invited to discuss the story with women of all ages, races, and beliefs. These discussions taught me that while reading a story is a very independent, personal experience, discussing it offers an entirely different perspective.
During these discussions, I learned a couple of things about my writing. I learned that the thing readers most often praise about my writing is my character development, which is, perhaps, the biggest compliment I could ask for. I find the stories I like best are those in which we lose ourselves in the characters. For me, the women in this book exist in one form or another, even beyond the voice in my head. They’re my best friends, my confidantes, and my heroes. They represent some of the things I like best about those around me, and some of the things I like best about myself.
I’ve also learned that in reading this book you may have a very different relationship with them than I did. You may not agree with what they’ve done, or how they’ve reacted, or even with who they are. You may question their actions, disagree with their motives, and become frustrated with their choices. You may think of their conduct as unacceptable. There were times when I did as well.
I suppose that’s the point. For they are not characters I created, but only those which I allowed to develop. Their stories are not mine to write, but theirs to tell. Being allowed the great privilege to do so is my greatest joy.
I sometimes say that I am called to write. What I mean by this is that I am physically drawn to sit down and start telling a story, one that just grows and brews and brims until it has no choice but to escape from the tips of my fingers onto the keyboard. Before me, it appears on the screen, and sometimes, just like turning the pages of a really great novel, even I’m surprised to uncover what happens next. It’s really quite thrilling, actually.
Recently someone asked me what my third book would be about. Mind you, I’d barely finished editing this book, so the thought of sitting down to another blank computer screen was more than a little unnerving. I mentioned this to a friend of mine, complaining that I’d like to just enjoy the moment, even if it’s for only a minute. In his very kind way, he replied, “Maybe they’re just curious because they like what they’ve read so far and they want to know what they have to look forward to.”
Truth be told, I do have an idea for a third book. And quite frankly, I can’t wait to write it. I started, and shelved it, about a year ago. I’m not someone who can read more than one novel at a time, so I know I certainly can’t write more than one at a time.
I can tell you this about it. The characters are like none I’ve ever explored before, not in any depth. First off, they’re men. And although they’re struggling with their own lot in life, not unlike the female characters I’ve had the opportunity to develop before them, I suspect they’ll do it in a way like nothing I’ve had the license to investigate before. And that sounds like a great deal of fun.
Thank you, thank you, thank you, sweet reader, for taking the time to spend with Cara, Mel, Leah and Paige. I hope you were able to laugh with them and cry with them. I hope they touched some part of you or reminded you of someone remarkable in your life. Even more, I hope you’ll share them with someone you think will enjoy them.
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Copyright © 2007 by Deborah J. Wolf
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ISBN: 978-0-7582-1384-6
ISBN-10: 0-7582-1384-0