Digital books is a natural progression, utilizing current technology to offer a convenient and affordable reading experience. From clay and stone tablets, to scrolls, to the bound book, writers and readers have always used what was available to them to share information, ideas, and imaginings. What’s next? Brain chips? Who knows?
Having said this, however, I personally don’t think that anything will really replace a physical book. It ranks right up there with coconut cream pie and dark roast coffee. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of holding a book and turning the page to see what happens next.
The experience of publishing my first book, Endangered Species, taught me a lot about structure, pace, and plot in a novel. I had a lot of preconceived ideas that went right out the window. I also learned a lot about myself, as a writer and as a person. Going through the process taught me to be more patient and more willing to accept those aspects of writing and publishing that I found to be tedious. These are important lessons that can only be learned by being fully involved in the process.
While writing can certainly be emotionally draining and stressful at times, the same can be said about any worthwhile pursuit. The more heart and soul that an author puts into their writing, the more joy they get from it. A new writer shouldn’t shy away from this. Be willing to invest emotional energy into your writing, have a clear purpose for everything you write, and write what you love.
