Reflections on Writing: How Publishing My First Book Changed My Process

Writing is a lifelong journey. Reflecting on my personal experience, there are several key lessons I would tell my younger self. In my case, learning to write purely for the joy of it, without waiting for assignments, was pivotal. My first book not only validated these feelings but also significantly affected my writing process in the years that followed.

Writing for Fun at Anytime

As a child, I never realized that I could write for fun whenever the mood struck. The value of writing for its own sake was something that took me quite a while to grasp. I only began to understand the pleasures and freedom of writing when I was assigned tasks in school. However, I would tell my younger self to embrace the joy of writing every day, not just when prompted by assignments or projects. The ability to write whenever inspiration struck became a valuable asset later on, leading to a more fulfilling writing experience.

Lessons from Publishing My First Book

My journey in publishing my first book was a testament to the transformative power of the process. This experience involved countless rewrites, often with little direction, which in turn honed my skills in refining my work. Additionally, the intense and demanding process of getting a book published was both a challenge and a blessing. It taught me to be resilient, thick-skinned, and non-temperamental, qualities that are crucial in any creative pursuit.

Overcoming the Publishing Nightmare

The process of getting my first book published was far from smooth. Working with an editor who had a drug problem and who left me in the lurch for months added to the logistic nightmare. I found myself in a Third World country, Prague, with a pregnant wife and a new baby. Despite the chaos, the experience was also incredibly productive. I found that writing, no matter the circumstances, became a source of comfort and joy. I embarked on a writing marathon, writing until I was physically exhausted, and then starting again the moment I felt the energy to do so.

The Strict Routine

My morning routine was strictly structured. I would wake up, head to the coffeehouse, and write for six to seven hours before calling it quits for the day. This routine, though demanding, was incredibly rewarding. It created a sense of heaven and fulfillment. After completing the manuscript, a new novel project beckoned. This time, the setting and characters were different, which allowed me to explore new themes and storytelling techniques. The writing was a seamless process, and I found that each novel was an opportunity to grow and evolve as a writer.

Lessons from Later Novels

Writing my second novel brought a new set of challenges. Unlike my first, it had no professional oversight, allowing me to write freely and to my satisfaction. However, the publishing industry's collapse made it difficult to find an agent or publisher. My second novel, "Friend of the Devil," was a labor of love, embraced by my wife as my primary editor. Despite its rejection, the experience provided valuable insights into the nature of writing and the business of publishing. The rejection did not reflect on the quality of the book, but rather on the fickle nature of the industry.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the experience of publishing my first book changed my writing process in profound ways. It taught me the value of discipline, resilience, and the joy of writing for its own sake. While the industry is ever-changing, the core principles of writing remain constants. Embrace the process, write every day, and never stop until you have something completed. Writing is a lifelong journey, and each book is a new chapter in that story.