Excuses. We all have them. In fact, they run rampant for not finishing our novels, but today, I was inspired by a very successful author and hope you are, too. Keep reading.
Gazillion-selling, world-famous author Nicholas Sparks was interviewed by Anderson Cooper. I was amazed by his story. He is married with two children and previously worked in pharmaceuticals. He decided to "try" writing fiction "one more time" after seeing the finale of the TV show Cheers. Since he had a family and a mortgage to pay, he wanted to be realistic so he kept his day job.
Nicholas said he continued to work full time and wrote from 9 p.m. until midnight 3-4 nights per week. That's it. And he managed to complete THE NOTEBOOK during that timeframe in just six months! Unbelievable, right? The Notebook is one of my all-time favorite books and movies. If you haven't read the book nor seen the movie, do so immediately. You won't be sorry. I promise. But have a hanky nearby.
Other books by Nicholas Sparks include Message In A Bottle, Dear John, A Walk To Remember and in movies and bookstores now: The Lucky One. Nearly all of his books have been made into wonderful movies starring big-time celebrities. Sigh. Swoon. Dreams do come true.
Inspired? Me, too. No more excuses. Let's write now!
Nike has some inspiring words, too. Just Do It! ;) Thank you for reminding me that I have a sequel to finish and my excuses are wearing thin. Timely post! Thank you. :)
ReplyDeleteEvery story of stick-to-itive-ness is motivating, for sure. I didn't know that about Sparks. Thanks for sharing it, Beth.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Toni Sue and Barbara. This was good timing and motivational for me, too. And I forgot to mention that Nicholas Sparks said the finale of the TV show Cheers is when he decided to give fiction writing another shot. Since he had a family, he was practical and kept his day job. :) I like him even more now!
ReplyDeleteI love hearing how famous authors got started, don't you?
I love his work. It doesn't matter how many times I read the books or see the movies, I still cry. Message in a Bottle was my favorite but it might have been that whole Kevin Costner thing ;-)
ReplyDeleteIf you want it, you CAN do it!
Happy Writing!
I haven't seen Message In A Bottle and I love Kevin Costner. I must rent that! And buy the book. I have the book The Lucky One but just started it.
DeleteYou're right with your message--you have to want it! Thanks.
Beth, good post for summertime when we all kind of like to goof off a bit. I've been so busy learning how to market my books that are out there I haven't had a lot of time for writing, but did turn in another book to my romance publisher. Have to admit the draft had been written before my immersion into promoting, but I had to do a lot of work on it, so was sort of pleased with myself. I too like Nicholas Sparks.
ReplyDeleteVelda, you inspire ALL of us. I can't believe how much writing you get done and in so many different genres!
ReplyDeleteYou're right--we do goof off more in the summertime and it's nice to know Nicholas Sparks finished his novel in just three hours a night a few days a week.
BTW, who is your romance publisher? I'm impressed with all that you do.