… around the time I signed my first book. The purchaser, someone I’d known for years, looked at me with an excitement I’d never seen them display prior to the publication of my modest trade paperback – a book about personal development and designing a good life – what we labeled self-help in the day. It became a national bestseller. Fifteen years later people still buy copies and seem to enjoy them. Authors I admire said kind things about it. A number of those who gave glowing reviews actually read the book. From the proceeds I was able to send cheques to Make-a-Wish Foundation of Canada, granting wishes to children with life threatening illness. The whole thing was remarkably satisfying.
When I read the writing now however, I find much of it cringe-worthy. I’ve improved my craft since then. But that book still makes me proud. As I wrote it I began to find my voice, even though I lathered it in vanilla, tiptoeing a path I felt would offend no one. Remarkably I still managed to insult a few idiots. That was when I knew I was a writer. Not before. Not during signings, charitable donations or doe-eyed looks. Don’t get me wrong, that was enjoyable, but it didn’t convince me of my capabilities as a writer. It was the moment I realized I’d written something that shared a sliver of personal world view to engage, stimulate, provoke, reaching readers in a way that made them feel – whatever those emotions ended up being – joy, sadness, or in the case of some, the realization I was not in fact opinionated, but wrong.[perfectpullquote align=”right” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”#024875″ class=”” size=””] I won’t fault someone writing for a broad audience. We all have different goals. If you’re doing so with a voice that’s your own that makes you proud and fills readers with emotion, I applaud you.[/perfectpullquote] After my initial confusion (how can you find that offensive?!) I had my first sense of being authentic as a writer. It gave me the courage to scrape away the bland frosting, my subsequent book being forthright and opinionated. Fewer people have read it. I’m more proud of it.
I won’t fault someone writing for a broad audience. We all have different goals. If you’re doing so with a voice that’s your own that makes you proud and fills readers with emotion, I applaud you. It’s a fine feeling. And if you write something you file away for no one but yourself and still feel good about it, I applaud you too. If you’ve triggered an emotion by doing so, then you already know you’re the real deal.
Learning how to write is easy. There are plenty of author instruction manuals gathering dust on bookstore shelves. Determining why you write sets you apart, providing focus and objective. Yes, you’ll continue to work, challenge yourself and tackle inevitable obstacles. But you’ll never question your life as a writer.
Originally published by the Federation of BC Writers.
Bill Arnott is the bestselling author of A Season on Vancouver Island, theGone Viking travelogues, andA Perfect Day for a Walk: The History, Cultures, and Communities of Vancouver, on Foot(Arsenal Pulp Press, Fall 2024). Recipient of a Fellowship at London’s Royal Geographical Society for his expeditions, Bill’s a frequent presenter and contributor to magazines, universities, podcasts, TV and radio. When not trekking with a small pack and journal, Bill can be found on Canada’s west coast, where he lives near the sea on Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh land.
- Bill Arnotthttps://miramichireader.ca/author/billya/
- Bill Arnotthttps://miramichireader.ca/author/billya/
- Bill Arnotthttps://miramichireader.ca/author/billya/
- Bill Arnotthttps://miramichireader.ca/author/billya/
- Bill Arnotthttps://miramichireader.ca/author/billya/
- Bill Arnotthttps://miramichireader.ca/author/billya/
Good article. I didn’t know your first book was self-help. Now, I’m curious about your background. And the book. Happy writing.
Cheers Diana! Enjoying your Showcase interview! Will post in a few weeks 🙂 – Bill.
Thanks for this, Bill. Really struck a chord with me right now. 🙂
Cheers Gareth! I’m glad to hear it. Hope all’s well there. 🙂