What Started Me Writing?

What was the single thing that made me begin to write novels? For me, the question is easy to answer. When my children were growing up I told them stories of my two grandpas and grandmas, even though one grandma was dead before I was born. The stories were both sad and funny, depending on the circumstances. Most of the stories were exaggerated in one way or another in order to make the kids laugh. My nearly-grown daughter Kris once told me, "Dad, did you ever consider writing these stories down on paper?" I said, "No, not really. Why would I do that?" She responded, "I think you should because when you are gone all these stories will then disappear. None of your grandchildren will ever hear them because we won't be able to remember them. I think you should write a book and include all these stories. Maybe it could be a family book about your  life that we could enjoy with our kids someday." That comment got me to thinking maybe I should do that, so I set out by making notes and jotting down some of the most vivid memories. That eventually culminated in a family book I called, "First Things First." My daughter Kris helped me edit the book before I had copies printed.

When the book was finally completed a few years later, I had fifty copies made and gave them to my kids and grandchildren, plus a copy to each of my siblings. It was funny because I made all my siblings sign a waiver that they would not sue me if they found their names in the book, which they gladly agreed to do. Each of them also wanted copies for their children. All told, I have no idea just how many copies were made because we have a very large extended family. Most who received copies said they put a copy in their lock box for future reference.

After writing that book, my daughter Kris told me, "Dad, you have a talent for writing. I think you should consider writing other stories, maybe fiction of some kind." Well, that did it for me, so I started writing, very slowly at first. I discovered that writing was therapeutic for me. At the end of a busy day at my regular work, I could sit down and write and it made me relax and lose the stress that had built up. After writing more than fifteen books, and being fully retired from work for almost fifteen years, I still find it relaxing to sit and write.

That's my story and I am sticking to it. Thank you, Kris.

 http://www.amazon.com/All-Accounts-Paul-Meredith-ebook/dp/B006ZRBZ1U/ref=la_B00DS736E4_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1392813555&sr=1-1

 
 By All Accounts is my second novel, a thriller that is still available. I hope you will like it.


















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