The Trouble with Authors

A writer’s journey is difficult on different levels. It may be more so for women authors writing fiction! When you start out, it’s easy as a breeze. You’re in control, all-powerful. There’s a whole new world inside your mind. And in this world, there are people whose fates you can determine, who will do what you make them do, who will live and act like you want them to.

Really? NO!

It’s only until you reach the second or third chapter. And then you realize you’re not the one in control; they are! This world and these people are no longer your playthings; they are living, breathing entities that rule your heart and mind. You cannot give them just any story. You have to give them the story they deserve. Then on, it’s a difficult ride. You live their life, think their thoughts, feel their feelings. You laugh with them; you cry with them. And if there are two people on two sides of any spectrum (like it was with Swayam and Mrinmayi from Cadence, Interrupted!), then you are both these people at any given point of time – besides being everything else that you are!

It’s a joyride undoubtedly – and unlike any other – but it gets harder and harder by the end. At least, for me; and I’m not talking about the difficulty of finishing a story (thankfully, I haven’t been there yet).

This is not something I’ve seen many writers share. However, I must confess I’m definitely sad when I put the last period after the last word of a book. It’s like being in the most intimate relationship of your life for months and years, and then suddenly it’s not there. Publishing your work is like ending all activity in your relationship – shift+delete everything - phone numbers, contact details, social media, and then pack your bags and leave the town. Of course, you will remember. These people will remain a part of you forever, but you will not be a part of their journeys anymore. They will continue with their lives in their world – that you created but that is now totally, exclusively theirs.

I don’t know if writing a sequel or a series can take away this desolation, but can an extension replicate the original? Maybe, a writer friend who has written a sequel or a series can enlighten me, or maybe I should write one and find out!

And Truman Capote takes it a notch higher:

“Finishing a book is just like you took a child out in the back yard and shot it.”

Well, this was just musing I put down on paper after sending my fourth baby out into the world – From the Stars We Stole.

It’s been yours since this Christmas.

Get your copy here