Like many writers, I have been chomping at the bit to get my stuff out there. To be recognized. To be published. To make it. Like many other writers who know Stephen King's story, and who idolize him as I have, I've often felt insecure about the fact that I hadn't published my first book in my 20s.
I'm more than half-way through my 30s now (and very aware of how close I am to 40, dear God) and can honestly say I'm glad it's taken me this long to start really trying to "make it" as a full-time author / writer / fabricator of fantastic falsities. Not for any lack of desire, believe me. Lack of focus, absolutely. The want was all there.
For sure, I would love if my name was all over bookshelves, libraries, bookstores, Amazon, etc. but I'm okay with the fact that it's not...yet. In fact, I'm kind of reassured. For one thing, if I'd published a novel in my 20s I am confident it would not be anywhere close to a bestseller. Or publishable, for that matter. For another thing, my experiences and education have grown in huge ways.
Just like most twenty-somethings, I thought I knew it all. Life was figured out and I knew exactly where I was headed and how. Now I know you can never really know any of those things, which is part of the beauty of life and the journey we're on. Recognizing that has not only helped me in terms of coming to grips with where I'm at as a writer, but also to enjoy life in general. I'm no longer in a huge rush to get it all done as quick as possible. I have goals, sure. I even have a timeline. Both are flexible and allow for contingency.
In my 30s, I have received invaluable education, broadened my horizons, and learned what's important to me. My experience in the workforce has influenced my work in ways I never thought possible. I've always worked in some kind of customer-centric environment, which means I had a lot of exposure to a lot of different people. This is huge for a writer, if you ask me. Knowing people is an important step to writing them. I've had the opportunity to engage with, work with, and learn from people from all sorts of walks of life, with a vast array of worldviews, philosophies, and opinions. I've worked for some of the worst people and some of the best people in the world, in my opinion, of course.
When I think about it, my professional life is rich creative fodder. I've had a lot of jobs, all brimming with literary potential. I've done the standard stuff like work the cash at McDonald's, and more than one coffee shop. I've bartended. I've managed several businesses. I've owned a business. I've been a DJ, MC, entertainer, and stage performer. I've been a children's entertainer, going to birthday parties dressed up as a Ninja Turtle on some of the hottest days of the year. I drove a truck for a clothing donation program. I've waited tables, done data-entry, wrangled buggies at Costco, and even had a very brief stint in local politics. The jobs themselves are rich for the pickings in any sort of creative work. The people I met and the experiences I had at each of them are what make them invaluable to my aspiring literary career.
Ten, fifteen years ago, I had probably less than half of this stuff under my belt. I'm a lucky dude to have lived the life I have and I fully intend to keep broadening my horizons and experiences.
Does this mean I've written the next New York Times Bestseller? I dunno. I hope so. But I'm a realist. The written word, like the life we live, is subjective. I, for one, am proud of what I've written and I know my wife is too. That's important to me. Writing makes me happy. The fact that I get to spend a bunch of time doing it is fulfilling in itself. I can't wait to show you what I've been working on.
And I'm okay that it's taken this long.