The Inspirations of Fellow Writers.

I posted the picture above of an old clock movement because it represents the process of writing to me. The pendulum is the inspiration. We go back and forth in our minds to gather the experiences and knowledge that create a spark of an idea. The idea drives the gears of the actual work and the hands move slowly as the chapters chime.

Some of the stories I had previously posted here on HubPages, I've turned into books. My first was,"Grave Robbers 2155." It is a futuristic Steam Punk novel about three young men who find themselves in a revolution where the earth is divided by a dangerous ring of debris.

One of my favorites is, "Bridge Over Tears." I used bits and pieces of my youth experiences and wove them in a novel about the murders of two California runaway girls and a small Indiana town filled with corruption.

My stories move fast and my books range from 30 to just over a hundred pages. I write many different genres because I simply run with the idea that pops in my mind at the time. I have stories of erotic romance, horror, comedy,crime,fantasy,strange, etc.

I wish I could focus on one genre but it just doesn't work for me. I never force myself to write because then it becomes too much like work. I love writing when I feel like writing.

I posted the picture above because it represents something I learned from reading arguments about religion and politics here. I saw everything from ruthless spitting of insults to tender grace of understanding.

Many of the writers on HubPages have inspired me and influenced my works. There are far too many to name. From the worst to the best of comments, I learned something to benefit my craft. I come back at times to read comments of old friends and adversaries for inspiration.

I feel I need to mention Cris Advincula, Charlie Campbell and Earnest Langmaid, three wonderful people who have passed on. They inspired me in different ways and always with respect. Cris, Charlie and Earnest were among the first to follow me and often commented on my stories. I deeply appreciate all who did.

Writing on HubPages helped me in so many ways. This is the perfect place for writers who love to write. I've seen amazing talents here. From Hubs about life to How to Hubs, I've found excellent skills within their works.

I'll take this opportunity now to say, Thank You, to the writers and staff of Hubpages.

Cris Advincula once asked me, "Can I borrow your brain?" I answered, "Sure, I'm not using it."

I was a teenager in the 1970s and I consumed my share of Boone's Farm wine. It is definitely not a sipping beverage. You have to drink it fast and there is sure to be a smile at the bottom of the bottle.

My writing is much like Boone's Farm wine. Some will drink and smile while others will spit it out and scream, "That is awful!" I simply don't write to appeal to anyone. I write to please myself and whoever might make a connection through relative experience or imagination.

I've had a few really vicious comments from readers on a British site I write on. One said, "You should stop writing. You are pathetic. You are not a writer." Another comment on the same story stated, "I love this story, it tickles my nose when I read it."

I never take to heart the harsh and vulgar comments left on my works. I've always been fine with people not liking what I write. There are many flavors of ice cream and creativity. We lick what we like. If I find myself not liking something I'm reading, I stop reading it. Even if I don't like the ending, I obviously enjoyed it until that point.

I believe an absolute rule of writing is, "Nobody does it alone."

Many people have inspired me along the way. Many have helped me hone my craft and develop skills that I needed to finally publish my works.

When I first sighed in to Create Space, my thought was, "You are really going to screw this up!" I was guided by fairly easy directions and from past experience, I managed to publish my first book on Amazon and Kindle. It wasn't perfect but I did it.

Whether it's novels, short stories, poetry, songs, etc., I believe writing lifts our spirits to the countless realms of imagination. For me, writing is a kind of peace I find in simply creating characters, situations and places.

I hope this Hub inspires writers to self publish their stories. It's is a good feeling to hold your book in your hands. Keep writing. :o)