Frank E. Peretti - good luck!
This is the inscription I made my favorite author at the time sign inside my copy of his book, “Prophet.” Reading that, you’d think I had a talk with Mr. Peretti about how much he inspired me and my aspirations to be a writer, but you’d assume wrong. No, this was just a request I put on a post-it note that he signed, having no idea what he was wishing me luck for … and this was clear over thirteen years ago when I maybe had only a chapter 1 written and no clear idea where the journey would take me.
You might ask me why I had him write this blatant falsehood in my book. You might think it strange, and you would probably be correct. But back then, that was the inspiration I needed to slowly propel myself, motivate myself to write this book – that one day, I could look up on that copy of “Prophet” and know that I had fulfilled that promise to myself and to an unknowing Mr. Peretti.
Now in 2013, that first step has been taken. The book is written. Over 210,000 words to be more precise. “The Rose’s Thorn” is a reality, though I can scarcely believe it. Ever since I was in high school, I knew that this is what I wanted to do – to write fiction – just to write, and that day has finally dawned. It is a milestone that comes with excitement, relief and trepidation, but it is a milestone, nonetheless. I’m glad you that are able to share in this triumph with me, and I hope that you enjoy this book that has been for so long a pipe dream. I still have a long way to go until world domination, but it’s a start.
Over the foreseeable Wednesdays, I will be posting articles on my inspiration for writing this book. I would have you to understand that “The Rose’s Thorn” is the clearest window you will now get into the dreams, hopes and fears that I have because that is what writing is – a way to express the joy and document the torment that happens in this hopelessly romantically cynical heart of mine. My hope is that my expressed conflicts would help you bear with your own in some little way because we are all trying to figure out who we are and where we are going in this life. Please feel free to leave comments on my blogs or email me if you have something to say. They say writing is cathartic for the soul, and I believe it for how might we strive to become better unless we know where it hurts.
Peace and love,
Jonathan