There are many reasons why people write books, but I’ve come to believe the best reason of all is writing for one’s own enjoyment. You see, my writing journey has been different than most. I wrote Time Tsunami, Time Trap, Time Search, and the other books in The Time Counselor Chronicles while I was extremely ill and undergoing seven years of quarantine. Quarantine was lonely, and writing became a literal window to the outside world.
When I wrote The Time Counselor Chronicles, I wasn’t trying to please a specific publisher or a certain group of people. In fact, publication wasn’t my goal at all. I was in extreme pain, and I needed a way to distract myself. Because I wasn’t focusing on guidelines or expectations, my imagination had free rein. Because I wasn’t worried about anyone reading my work, I was able to express myself completely. There’s nothing so hampering as worrying about what other people think. When you’re writing simply to please yourself, the chains fall away.
Since I wasn’t worried about people looking over my shoulder, I relaxed and had a blast. I became caught up with my characters, and soon, they became more real to me than actual people. I was so wrapped up in my stories that I’d laugh as I wrote funny scenes and cry at sad ones. I kept antacids by my keyboard and used them while I wrote the scary parts of my novels. I didn’t just write my novels—I lived them with my characters. And when I was through, my books were unfettered creations that made me proud.
Although I didn’t write with publication as my goal, by the time I was finished, I thought my books might be publication-worthy. And by that time, I was so in love with my characters that I didn’t care what other people thought. My stories were mine, and I was proud of them. I think that’s the ultimate key to successful writing—write for yourself. Write what you love, and write with the goal of entertaining only one person—you. If you love your book—chances are that others will too. Be proud of who you are and what you create. You are unique, wonderful, and inspirational—don’t let the fear of others dampen your voice.
On January 13, 2017, my third book, Time Search, was published by Prism Book Group. My life has taken many unexpected turns. When I was ill and in quarantine, I never would have believed that I’d be a published author—but I am. I suppose that’s one of the best things about life—the twists and turns of our journey take us to wonderful, unexpected places. Never forget to let your own voice be heard, and never forget
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Time Search:
Amazon Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MY7RGFJ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1484259046&sr=8-1&keywords=danele+rotharmel+time+search
Time Search’s 20-Stop Blog Tour: https://dragonflydanele.wordpress.com/2017/01/12/time-search-book-launch-20-stop-blog-tour/
Danele Rotharmel’s life took an unexpected turn when a mysterious illness brought her close to death. Eventually, she learned that a carbon monoxide leak from a faulty furnace was poisoning her. This poisoning triggered Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, causing her to be put in quarantine. For seven years, she could only talk to friends and extended family through a windowpane. During this time, she wrote the first six books in The Time Counselor Chronicles. Although her journey back to health was difficult, it provided her the opportunity to grow closer to God and write her books. For that, she’s forever thankful. To learn more about Danele, visit her blog.
Social Media Links,
Blog: https://dragonflydanele.wordpress.com/
Danele J. Rotharmel’s Testimony: https://dragonflydanele.wordpress.com/welcome/
Danele J. Rotharmel’s Books: https://dragonflydanele.wordpress.com/my-books/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14782632.Danele_J_Rotharmel
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danele.rotharmel