World Book Day blog: Seven random joys of becoming a published author

04 Mar World Book Day blog: Seven random joys of becoming a published author

Everyone has a book in them so we’re told, and while sometimes that’s exactly where it should stay, joining thousands of other authors out there has many joys and benefits, both personal and professional.

As the author of six books and contributor to countless others, here are seven reasons why you might want to hop aboard the book writing bandwagon.

The thrill of winning the commission

Winning a publishing deal (as long as the figures add up) or deciding to push the button if you are self-publishing feels like scoring a goal. A real moment of joy. The synopsis you’ve carefully shaped has worked. It has approval and affirmation. The hard yards lie in front of you  but having created your own idea and structure you can now start writing. There’s no feeling like it in the world. Full steam ahead.

The devil of the detail

Okay, I’m a grizzled non-fiction author, but even if I wasn’t and wanted to add authenticity to a novel the biggest joy for me is the journey not just the destination. I love research so the adventure of discovering new things, speaking to and meeting people and hearing their stories – whether they are interviewees, experts, whoever – is just fascinating. I love getting stuck into the detail and data to create what is, basically, a series of small stories woven together into a richer tapestry and really floats my boat about authorship.

Storytellers of the world unite

I’ve always been a storyteller in whatever format I’ve done it in. A book is just an elongated story – a long, carefully constructed narrative if done well. It is also in our genes. Storytelling is how we communicate – always have, always will. Stitching a story together instinctively feels right and a good thing to do. Writing a book allows a story, with its many and varied caveats, to truly breathe.

Everyday I write the book

I didn’t truly understand Elvis Costello’s wonderful song until I became an author. That joy of sitting down each morning with the realisation that you are working as an author and committing your day to write again.  That, my friends, IS a job. It’s not smugness, it is a sense of rightness. It feels good – honing a craft and committing yourself to write better than any day before. What’s not to like?

It’s a wrap

Putting your metaphorical pen down for the final time, knowing the book is final complete brings a deep sense of fulfilment, especially if you know you’ve poured your heart and soul into it and can do no more. Sure, you’ll wake up during the night in the months to come thinking I could have added this or included that (that’s human nature) and there may be some minor rewrites – but reaching The End holds deep satisfaction.

The feel of the finished book

I love the feel and smell of books so flicking though your own final bound and printed book when it arrives is a joy to behold. Most of all, you know you’ve earned the right to see your name on the cover and inner sleeve. It is your work – and ready for the world to read.

Book talk

Some of the happiest moments of my career have been in radio studios talking about my books. A reading of the final lines of one of my books, Matchday, reduced everyone in the studio to tears, me included. We hugged each other as I left. Why? Because the story wasn’t and never will be about you or me, but the people who read and decipher the books we write – other people’s stories and the subjects you write about. Being able to explain why you wrote your book and being able to reveal snippets while promoting it is truly rewarding.

For more details about our online book writing course on Friday, July 23 from 9am to 1pm visit our Is There A Book In It page.  

Chris Green will be hosting the course with CGM media trainer and publishing partner and fellow author Tom Watt.

Chris is the award-nominated author of several books including Every Boy’s Dream – England’s Football Future On The Line, Matchday – What Makes Saturday Special, The Sack Race and Cyrille Regis – My Story.