I wish I could write love stories the way Nicholas Sparks writes them. I've only read one of his books, the one about the teenage girl at the beach and her stained-glass artist father. I enjoyed it. But I see all his books lined up at the bookstore, and thumb through them, and read their synopses, and I truly wish I could write like that. I've been doing this same thing for years now. But, for some reason, it doesn't happen. Those kinds of ideas just don't arise for me.
I don't think I envy Mr Sparks. Envy is a sick thing, a deadly sin per the Catholic Church. But I do admire him and his achievements. He seems like the nicest man in the world. He profusely thinks everyone he's associated with. He seems to be a devoted family man. He achieved success at an early age. I presume he's doing what he loves. Isn't this what most of us want in life? Why is it so elusive for most of us. What's missing? Is it just a matter of I.Q. and hard work? Is it a matter of love? Is it a matter of talent?
So many questions, so few answers. Still, I wish I could write love stories the way Nicholas Sparks writes them.
Is there a writer you feel similarly about? I'd like to think I'm not the only one.
16 comments:
I think we can admire people's talents. I have many authors I wish I could mimic better, but even as I strive to grow and improve my writing, I realize that I will find my own way. I'd love to be the amazing world builder Brandon Sanderson is or the tricksy 'hidden in plain sight' writer J.K. Rowling is, or even be able to do a little better at description like Mary Stewart. Alas, perhaps I admire them so well because I suck at those things myself. lol
Ah, but Donna, you're doing something right. Good for you.
I've read 3 books by Nicholas Sparks and watched movies of the 2 I've read. Different writers do have different fortes. Sparks' is about love.. most full of drama :)
I haven't read any of his books, but I know what you mean when I read a book I fall in love with. I try to remind myself that each of us has our own unique stories within us and admiring another's work makes me want to push to do better in my own.
Linda, you have the right attitude.
My daughter loves his books. My daughter. How does a grown macho man write for a teenage girl? Who the heck knows but he does it damn well. Makes me feel like I can do anything I want. Great post, Richard!
It's good to be back, Richard. And especially to see your smiling face on my blog just now. Taking care of a 3 year old at our age: not easy. I don't think I could do it again. But I have great memories of my three little granddaughters from birth to eight years (the oldest): babysitting, etc. It can be a "ride" even when you're "younger," which I was during the late 80s and 90s!!!
Oh yes, there are quite a few! Sigh...
There are many authors I admire and often wish I could write the way they do. But I also remind myself that they've had to work very hard, and most likely had to go through several revisions, and edits before submitting their final draft.
Oh, I totally understand the envy you feel. I have been reading Ann Cleeves lately and have been envious of her narration. I try to copy it but she doesn't have my voice or style. So, I guess I'll just have to write like myself.
What a poignant reflection. I know just what you're saying here. I feel the same way about Terry Tempest Williams. I think the answer has something to do with each of us having a particular set of gifts the world needs.
I've never read any of this work. Though I've cried through many of the movies.
Laini Taylor inspired me to write my Fantasy novel. I wouldn't go so far as to say I write like her (she is amazing) but I definitely set out to write something like her stuff.
Great post!
I know how it feels, Richard. Sometimes, when I'm reading a book I particularly love I can't help thinking 'if only', but at the same time I know that what we write has to come from within. This is why there are so many interesting and emotion drawing books out there.
We're all so very different, as are our experiences of life which enrich our own writing. No one can be you - only you.
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Hi Richard. I'm a great fan of Nicholas Sparks. His writing style has been criticised (whose isn't?) as being too simple, but his gift is in his storytelling. Isn't that the most important thing? His stories remain with us long after we've read his books - that's who I call a good author.
Denise: me too.
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