Many people have asked me, “Why do you write?”

Never mind that I’d like to earn my living as an author of fiction.  People hear that and think, “Sure, and I want to be the King of Siam.”

Dreams don’t come true in the real world.  That’s the line according to most.  Sad.

I believe dreams do come true.  I’m particularly encouraged by the growth of eBooks for such technological marvels as the Amazon Kindle, the Barnes & Noble Nook, the iPad, the Sony Reader, and even smart phones.  For the first time in my lifetime, opportunities for authors are expanding at an extraordinary rate.  Our dreams beckon.  That we can pursue those dreams with little investment and few roadblocks, quickly and relatively easily… well, that’s just icing on the cake.

Yet what if no one buys my eBooks?  What if no one reads them?

I know.  That’s crazy!  Of course, people will buy them.  I mean, come on… seriously. 

Nonetheless, in regards to the inevitable follow-up question—”Would you still continue to write?”—my answer is, “What are you, nuts?  Yes.  Absolutely.  Of course, I would still write.”

I must write, even if I’m the only one who reads it.  I express myself with words.  Writing is the manner by which I release my inner demons, and by which I appeal to my greater angels.  Like a hot shower on a cold winter day, writing cleanses my soul, refreshes me, and motivates me to face another day.

I could no more not write than I could not breathe.  One is essential to sustain life; the other is necessary to live.  Which is which?  Exactly.

Aspiring writers should not fear the future; they should embrace it.  Nor should they be dissuaded by those self-appointed guardians of the past who determined who would, and who would not, be a published author.  I have appointed myself King of My Career as Author, Prince of My Publishing Pursuits, Executive of My eBook Enterprise, and Lord of Dance.  Okay, maybe not the last one.

Take charge of yourselves, dear authors and aspiring authors.  Venture into the self-publishing eBook realm.  But do so with purpose, with intelligence, and with the help of those who share your dreams.

Watch for more on Evolved Publishing.  Our website is coming soon.  Our futures are right behind it.  Our dreams are within our grasp.

‘Til next time, and as always, remember: To write well, you must work hard.  To succeed in this tough gig, you mustn’t be lazy (or discouraged).

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