Writing About Writing
I have been writing articles since September 10, 2017, and it has been a fantastic journey. While I stray a bit, I generally cover writing, including technical aspects, challenges, wins, tips, and experiences. Along the way, I have received valuable feedback, learned a lot about myself, and had many surprises. The problem is that it was not supposed to go this way.
I began this effort with the intent to attract readers to my books (marketing), and an author’s rant about how they write has not helped. My intention was something like, “Let’s discuss The Catcher in the Rye.” Meaning, I wanted a one-person book club where I revealed how a book made me feel with a detailed plot/character analysis. I also wanted to discuss movies, plays, and songs. That way, more readers would enjoy my views and buy my books. Everybody wins!
Such articles have multiple problems, beginning with the fact that they are challenging to write because lots of research (intense reading) and detailed analysis (research) are required. The next issue is that people will disagree with my plot/character assessment. And I certainly do not like it when people criticize my material, and therefore would find it conflicting to criticize another author. Plus, this kind of writing feels like a homework assignment. Writing is supposed to be fun, and the resulting article would read drab. I would rather enjoy a book without publicly revealing my feelings.
Still, I have discussed books, movies, plays, and songs multiple times, but there was a specific reason relating to writing. A good example of discussing the impossibility of the fiery underwater explosions in the latest Aquaman movie. Yes, that still bugs me.
There are other areas I would enjoy writing about, but they also miss the point. For example, I could go on about electronics for endless pages. The things I could tell you about current mirrors. I love them! Would this lead to book sales? Absolutely not.
Another area I do not cover is the gory details of my personal life. Unlike what I have for sale on Amazon, my life is not an open book. I will let you know that I have had more family drama in the last ten months than in the rest of my life combined. However, I would be horrified if a single speck were made public.
And then there are the popular topics. Life hacks, celebrity news, current events, crafts, travel, things that upset me, politics, and ideas for improving society. Those spaces are jam-packed with other writers, and I do not think my contributions would matter. How many tips can there possibly be on the best way to peel a potato, or opinions on the latest election? Still, I have discovered a fantastic way to remove broken screws. Hmm. Perhaps I will make my first YouTube video.
This leaves a single common denominator: my struggle to be a better writer. It is not all bad news. These articles have indeed improved my writing and sanity. And even one confirmed sale! Yay!
While I do not regret my path, I think I should put more effort into book reviews. Of course, there is a significant problem. They have to be ones I 200% enjoyed, because I do not want any room for tearing down another author. After a quick search in my digital/paper libraries, I’m limited to three titles. Now, all I have to do is re-read them and do a lot of work. Still, I think this will be a fun challenge.
You’re the best -Bill
December 17, 2025
I began this effort with the intent to attract readers to my books (marketing), and an author’s rant about how they write has not helped. My intention was something like, “Let’s discuss The Catcher in the Rye.” Meaning, I wanted a one-person book club where I revealed how a book made me feel with a detailed plot/character analysis. I also wanted to discuss movies, plays, and songs. That way, more readers would enjoy my views and buy my books. Everybody wins!
Such articles have multiple problems, beginning with the fact that they are challenging to write because lots of research (intense reading) and detailed analysis (research) are required. The next issue is that people will disagree with my plot/character assessment. And I certainly do not like it when people criticize my material, and therefore would find it conflicting to criticize another author. Plus, this kind of writing feels like a homework assignment. Writing is supposed to be fun, and the resulting article would read drab. I would rather enjoy a book without publicly revealing my feelings.
Still, I have discussed books, movies, plays, and songs multiple times, but there was a specific reason relating to writing. A good example of discussing the impossibility of the fiery underwater explosions in the latest Aquaman movie. Yes, that still bugs me.
There are other areas I would enjoy writing about, but they also miss the point. For example, I could go on about electronics for endless pages. The things I could tell you about current mirrors. I love them! Would this lead to book sales? Absolutely not.
Another area I do not cover is the gory details of my personal life. Unlike what I have for sale on Amazon, my life is not an open book. I will let you know that I have had more family drama in the last ten months than in the rest of my life combined. However, I would be horrified if a single speck were made public.
And then there are the popular topics. Life hacks, celebrity news, current events, crafts, travel, things that upset me, politics, and ideas for improving society. Those spaces are jam-packed with other writers, and I do not think my contributions would matter. How many tips can there possibly be on the best way to peel a potato, or opinions on the latest election? Still, I have discovered a fantastic way to remove broken screws. Hmm. Perhaps I will make my first YouTube video.
This leaves a single common denominator: my struggle to be a better writer. It is not all bad news. These articles have indeed improved my writing and sanity. And even one confirmed sale! Yay!
While I do not regret my path, I think I should put more effort into book reviews. Of course, there is a significant problem. They have to be ones I 200% enjoyed, because I do not want any room for tearing down another author. After a quick search in my digital/paper libraries, I’m limited to three titles. Now, all I have to do is re-read them and do a lot of work. Still, I think this will be a fun challenge.
You’re the best -Bill
December 17, 2025
