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Robert Stephen, writer, photographer, storyteller
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  • blog
  • Writing
  • Helpful Hints for Writers of Fiction
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  • AUDIO ESSAYS-STORIES-AND MORE
  • Photography
  • Rory and El Paso
  • Pierre and the Baker
  • About
  • Connect
Robert Stephen, writer, photographer, storyteller

THE EXCITING JOURNEY OF Writing
​a Fictional Book

"IT'S A LUXURY BEING A WRITER,
​ BECAUSE ALL YOU EVER THINK ABOUT IS LIFE."

​AMY TAN






One day, you just sit down and write

6/20/2016
         Many times, I would read a book, or see a movie, and the character that would rise above every obstacle, no matter how difficult, and eventually win, always moved me. I always wanted to know what that truly felt like. To push further than I had ever dared, leaving all of my fears behind me.

          Though I have many thoughts when it came to stories, none made it further than just that, thoughts. However, one day, I was compelled to go a step further. I do not know why this day, after all of my years, was the day that I began to write, nothing great mind you, but at least it was something. I wasn't concerned any longer, whether or not I was going to sell this piece of fiction. I was more concerned with completing it, from start to finish.

          I had no expectations as to how many words, or pages, but I started and was obsessed with writing. As I wrote, I became increasingly interested in where it was going to take me. So it began, a character who worked his whole life, played by all of the rules, after several years sold his company and retired. Life sent him a younger woman, and all the rules he lived by changed.

          Shallow, maybe, but I found the process fascinating, as the characters began to take shape. What started out in one direction, traveled in a completely different direction by time I completed the first draft. 75,000 words and 199 pages later, I learned to follow them one day at a time, and watched in amazement, as they evolved. When it was finished, I realized I have lived my life somewhat the same way. I live one day at a time.

          I am human, I have made mistakes, but I can't change what has happened. The past is the past, the future, well I can guide it somewhat, but I can't live waiting for the future. The only important part of my life is this very moment. In my third book, my character development improved considerably. I had one character that carried the past around like a two hundred pound bag of rocks, and eventually it killed him.


          Writing a book, or a song, is a process. Just like life, it is a process, and one that takes time to develop. It takes years to develop a craft, and if you work at it day after day, you can only improve with time. 
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    Author

    Robert Stephen.
    What makes a writer? What do you envision when you think about that question?

    Someone sitting by an open window looking out over the ocean, desert, mountains? Rainy day, foggy, sunny? 

    My definition of a writer of fiction. A person who drives himself or herself to the edge of insanity when writing a story to the best of their ability that you the reader find entertaining.

    I can honestly say my life has been interesting, far from boring.  Land baron, restaurateur, photographer, artisan, author. A life full of ups and downs. A life full of stories.

    Along the way I've met hundreds of people, some interesting, some not. Some dangerous, some beautiful, some kind, and some cruel. During my lifetime I've even had my heart run over a couple of times, but when all of it is said and done I wouldn't trade it in. 


    Writing has always been inside of me, but the siren never called to me. I wasn't ready until one day in October of 2015 when life said, "Start writing."

    Writing is a long journey, full of many perils, but don't be afraid it is an exciting adventure! 

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