I was asked recently a loaded question — why do I write?

It’s a good question, but it’s loaded because there are a lot of reasons why I write, many decided because of my particular station in life.

If I’m honest, my love of writing began in school. I definitely felt more comfortable writing essay or sentence answers. I just felt comfortable putting down in words what I got out of the particular question rather than the boooring one or two word answer or the guessing game of multiple choice.

Of course, I was fortunate enough to start my working career at a newspaper. So, for the next 52 years or so I was sharing my thoughts on current events. Criticisms? Yes, there were some, although more often than not I was equally criticized from both sides. And just as often, the words led to dialogue.

My daughter encouraged me to start a blog seven years ago. Actually, she set it up for me. As I stated on Day 1, I called this column … er, blog Father Says, a play on two facets of my complex life. My comments are always filtered through the lens of Judeo-Christian values and largely based on 40 years of marriage raising five children.

The blog has pivoted  slightly over the years — ever so gently — especially as I formally recognized entry into the winter of my life. I have become more introspective and I have been more willing to wear my Jesus badge on  my sleeve.

I enjoy taking up this little space. I enjoy sharing my thoughts. I would like to think my followers do as well … at least that’s the feedback I receive.

I never intended to pursue the publishing route. It was never a dream. But it was a natural extension. You know the sequence. The novella was originally based on a community novel request right I made here on the blog. As long as there was interest, I told them, I would continue to advance the storyline.

Just like real life, things change. Except for naming the lead character [Samantha, which presented challenges in and of itself since I am far from being of the female persuasion], everyone bailed out and I was left to trudge along by myself [I did get positive feedback along the way, though, which buoyed me]. Early on I opted to put my Christian spin on the story.

I put the exercise away for a couple of years, but in the quiet of Maine, I was able to revisit and edit the project, while also attempting to convert it into a screenplay [That’s another story for another time and another project I am considering]. I finally decided to embark on a new path after a couple of years of procrastinating {I know I never do that}, although always questioning the value of the project and questioning myself. But I was encouraged through faith to take that first step and formally signed a publishing contract. That’s how Heaven Shines Through was born.

One of the things I learned after publishing Heaven Shining Through was one time is not enough. If you want credibility as a writer, you need a collection of work.

Enter phase two. I decided to publish a second book based on the posts found here on the blog and appropriately titled Wisdom From a Father. It includes 52 “chapters” which can be read at your own pace or broken into weekly hopefully inspirational thoughts. Each chapter takes ordinary, everyday events and puts a reflective spin on it. Topics include nature, events and reviews and are individually capped with my signature Thought To Remember.

However the big news {talk about burying the lead} is I am actively reworking Heaven Shining Through, expanding it from a novella into a novel — something a number of reviewers had requested. Yes, I said actively.

I’m about 80% through the project. I have some decisions to make on how to best complete it, how to flesh out the characters, and, most of all, how and where to end it.

That’s where you potentially come in. I would like to form a pre-launch team of no more than five individuals to beta read the book, offer suggestions and comments, keep me accountable and true to my Christian beliefs. I will create a private Facebook group for the team and schedule just a few online “meetings” to discuss the book and its progress.

If you’re interested, let me know. The best way is by e-mail, wisdomfromafather@gmail.com. I do hope you will let me know what you could  bring to the table and why you might be interested.

So, back to the original question. Why do I write.

It’s simple. I enjoy it. I enjoy sharing my life, my loves and losses, my thoughts, my God. I enjoy the relationships I’ve developed, relationships that have evolved into friendships — personal and online.

Writing doesn’t have to be daunting. We all have a story.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: Understand, have courage, be strong.