When I said the other day that everyone should WRITE a novel, I didn’t mean everyone should  attempt to PUBLISH a novel. They’re two different things. Oh boy, are they.

Writing a novel is a creative act. Publishing a novel is a business venture.

Some people responded that they can’t write. That won’t get in the way of WRITING your novel, but it could get in the way of PUBLISHING it. (But maybe not. Look at Tom Clancy.)

Some people thanked me for goosing them, and said they really wanted to get around to writing their life story some day. Well, fine. The only problem with writing your life story is that you aren’t making up your characters. (Oops again. James Frey. JT Leroy. Augusten Burroughs. Mmm.)

No, to clarify, the real reason for writing a novel — or any lengthy work of the imagination, like a play or screenplay — is that singular experience of pushing off from the dock with your characters and rowing out into the middle of the ocean. By the time you get back, you’ll know one another a lot better.

Frank S. Joseph
www.tolovemercy.com

P.S. Don’t forget my Sunday appearance at “The Red House” in the town of Somerset where I live. Get there at 4 p.m. and enjoy light refreshments and shmoozing with the authors, followed by readings. The address:

4510 Cumberland Ave., Chevy Chase MD