In last week’s post I touched briefly on the courage it takes to create something. Of course this ‘courage’ has to be supported by a steely determination and conviction to realise your vision whether it be a painting, a song, a design or even a story. But it is that first step that is the most crucial – that long deep breath you take that makes you feel a little sick knowing you are about to leave yourself that little bit more vulnerable than before.
Whatever you are working on, it is your vision, your creation and it should reflect you. The courage comes from imparting something very sincere and soulful from within. You are taking a very intimate part of you and placing it in full view of the world.
I have a great deal of admiration for authors of late. It is not an occupation or a calling that you would instantly relate to the need for courage. But to put your ideas down on paper for others to read, critique, form an opinion about or even dismiss outright, I feel is very courageous indeed.
Over the past few months since I started ‘blogging’ it has taken a little bit of courage on my behalf because I knew exactly how it would be received by some (and I had absolutely no idea how it would be regarded by certain others). Regardless of whatever anyone things, at the very least I have tried to be particularly open and honest.
If you have been reading this column over the past few months you will be aware of some of my dreams for the coming years. Some are underway, but I am struggling to find the extra little bit of courage I need to write my children’s book. No man wants to admit to being afraid, but something is holding me back and I guess it is ‘fear’. The conviction and strength I found sitting on the riverbank in Japan has deserted me. I was left sitting there overwhelmed by one realisation… I had to write my children’s book. At the time I wrote this in my journal….
…“Who knows one day my characters may be on the big screen or emblazoned over young kids’ bedding? Or they may just be decaying charcoal within my notebook… but one thing is for sure. I am going to write it”…
I need to take my own advice and just start writing! It is time to stop idly nibbling away at the mental wall I am hitting. Take out the proverbial sledgehammer, smash the wall down and let me continue with my story.
Within seconds of my decision to start writing I chuckle to myself as my thoughts have already drifted to a few years after my book is published. Why is it that my book or idea is already a Hollywood blockbuster and Bradley Cooper has been cast to play me, before I have done any of the hard work? It is so easy to get ahead of ourselves, but my real idea of success is to see a finished book and be able to read it to my kids. that simple!
“Genius is 99% perspiration and 1% inspiration” – Thomas Edison
An idea is nothing but an idea until you do something with it, and it has taken me my entire life to this date to realise this fact. When I was younger I was convinced that my 1% of flair would always be sufficient. After a few of life’s harder lessons, I certainly know better now.
I am armed with my pencil and the following questions flood my mind:
- My story – who is it for? What age?
- When do I get it illustrated?
- How many publishers should I send it to?
A myriad of questions paralyse me before I even get started! Marvellous! I know it is a children’s story but the last thing I want to do is patronise them. If anything I want to challenge them without them feeling challenged. They grow so quickly. I have been astounded by their intelligence and the questions they ask at such very young ages. Maybe I should worry about that after I have started writing, maybe not…Arrgghh! I need some help.
In the years gone by this would be an unsolvable issue. However I have decided to swallow a little bit of pride and seek some help. After seeing so many people benefit from the courses we run here at Do What You Love, I have recently signed up for a course myself – an in-person creative writing course here in Brighton. Hopefully some of my questions will be answered. Maybe they will just say “Write!”
On the upside I am not starting from scratch. I am armed with so many wonderful characters. They have become very real to my wife and I over the last few years. My wife loves them all – the characters and the stories I tell – but there is just something stopping me putting it all down on paper. Is she biased? Of course she is but does that also mean that she is wrong or am I looking for more excuses not to share this part of me more widely?
I have my magical world. I actually feel that the lives and adventures of my characters are occurring every second. My stories are only snapshots or peeks behind the curtain into their world, which they allow us to share.
I grew up transporting myself to so many different magical worlds and fantastical places; Middle Earth, Hogwarts, Outer Space, Narnia, Oz, Kipling’s Jungle, Gotham City and a certain Chocolate Factory to name but a few. Maybe one day my world will be mentioned along side them. Isn’t that the point of dreaming?
I feel like I am about to enter a world I know little about… but that will not change unless I make it change.
I hope in a few months’ time I can provide an update for you. I can close my eyes and see the stories unfolding as clear as day. I hope one day not to far from now a few more of you can share in the joy, which my wife experiences when she listens to my stories.
For me to create a story or a magical place is to escape the limits and restrictions of daily life and soar off into the stars – redefining the possible. I guess the hope of my stories will be that it helps little children drift off into a magical world during their dreams and sleep soundly. Now that would be such a gift!
What was your favourite magical world growing up and what was it that made it so magical?
Until next time…
Mr K
