AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY
Scott R. Rezer lives in the Desert Southwest and is an indie published author of eight historical fiction novels ranging from the Civil War to the Crusades to ancient Biblical history. Two of his books have garnered Editor's Choice selections by the Historical Novel Society (The Leper King and Shadow of the Mountain).
Why Do I Write?
I do so because I enjoy it--not to make a fortune or gain great fame (both would be nice, but unnecessary). Surprising?--imagine my shock to discover this after all these years of writing. I write firstly and most importantly, because I love it; secondly--and this is where you the reader comes in--I write because I like to hear how much others enjoyed what I have written--not how wonderful or how talented you think I am as a writer. I would write no matter what people thought of my ability.
This is why my novels seem so varied. I write about things I care about or that interest me, not to attract readers. I hope that attraction comes about because people like what I write. I know that sounds strange in an industry centered around getting published as the end result of all your hard work. After so many years trying to do just that, I finally came to realize that writing is the part I enjoy--not the publishing. Publishing is just a means of sharing what I love.
So what is my advice? If you are a writer, write about what interests you most and don't worry about timetables or getting rich. Write because you can't imagine yourself doing anything else. Most of us will only achieve success in our own circle of supporters. Make that enough. Perhaps, if you are fortunate, you might achieve the rest. If you are a reader, be patient (at least with me!). Sometimes, great stories just take time to percolate in the writer's mind--or the writer is just busy trying to enjoy their craft!
I do so because I enjoy it--not to make a fortune or gain great fame (both would be nice, but unnecessary). Surprising?--imagine my shock to discover this after all these years of writing. I write firstly and most importantly, because I love it; secondly--and this is where you the reader comes in--I write because I like to hear how much others enjoyed what I have written--not how wonderful or how talented you think I am as a writer. I would write no matter what people thought of my ability.
This is why my novels seem so varied. I write about things I care about or that interest me, not to attract readers. I hope that attraction comes about because people like what I write. I know that sounds strange in an industry centered around getting published as the end result of all your hard work. After so many years trying to do just that, I finally came to realize that writing is the part I enjoy--not the publishing. Publishing is just a means of sharing what I love.
So what is my advice? If you are a writer, write about what interests you most and don't worry about timetables or getting rich. Write because you can't imagine yourself doing anything else. Most of us will only achieve success in our own circle of supporters. Make that enough. Perhaps, if you are fortunate, you might achieve the rest. If you are a reader, be patient (at least with me!). Sometimes, great stories just take time to percolate in the writer's mind--or the writer is just busy trying to enjoy their craft!
