Guest post archive

Write For Enjoyment-by Danele J. Rotharmel

March 3, 2017

There are many reasons why people write books, but I’ve come to believe the best reason of all is writing for one’s own enjoyment. You see, my writing journey has been different than most. I wrote Time Tsunami, Time Trap, Time Search, and the other books in The Time Counselor Chronicles while I was extremely ill and undergoing seven years of quarantine. Quarantine was lonely, and writing became a literal window to the outside world.

When I wrote The Time Counselor Chronicles, I wasn’t trying to please a specific publisher or a certain group of people. In fact, publication wasn’t my goal at all. I was in extreme pain, and I needed a way to distract myself. Because I wasn’t focusing on guidelines or expectations, my imagination had free rein. Because I wasn’t worried about anyone reading my work, I was able to express myself completely. There’s nothing so hampering as worrying about what other people think. When you’re writing simply to please yourself, the chains fall away.

Since I wasn’t worried about people looking over my shoulder, I relaxed and had a blast. I became caught up with my characters, and soon, they became more real to me than actual people. I was so wrapped up in my stories that I’d laugh as I wrote funny scenes and cry at sad ones. I kept antacids by my keyboard and used them while I wrote the scary parts of my novels. I didn’t just write my novels—I lived them with my characters. And when I was through, my books were unfettered creations that made me proud.

Although I didn’t write with publication as my goal, by the time I was finished, I thought my books might be publication-worthy. And by that time, I was so in love with my characters that I didn’t care what other people thought. My stories were mine, and I was proud of them. I think that’s the ultimate key to successful writing—write for yourself. Write what you love, and write with the goal of entertaining only one person—you. If you love your book—chances are that others will too. Be proud of who you are and what you create. You are unique, wonderful, and inspirational—don’t let the fear of others dampen your voice.

On January 13, 2017, my third book, Time Search, was published by Prism Book Group. My life has taken many unexpected turns. When I was ill and in quarantine, I never would have believed that I’d be a published author—but I am. I suppose that’s one of the best things about life—the twists and turns of our journey take us to wonderful, unexpected places. Never forget to let your own voice be heard, and never forget

thatA twist in the road may lead you to your destiny Click To Tweet

Time Search:

Amazon Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MY7RGFJ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1484259046&sr=8-1&keywords=danele+rotharmel+time+search

Time Search’s 20-Stop Blog Tour: https://dragonflydanele.wordpress.com/2017/01/12/time-search-book-launch-20-stop-blog-tour/

Danele Rotharmel’s life took an unexpected turn when a mysterious illness brought her close to death. Eventually, she learned that a carbon monoxide leak from a faulty furnace was poisoning her. This poisoning triggered Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, causing her to be put in quarantine. For seven years, she could only talk to friends and extended family through a windowpane. During this time, she wrote the first six books in The Time Counselor Chronicles.  Although her journey back to health was difficult, it provided her the opportunity to grow closer to God and write her books. For that, she’s forever thankful. To learn more about Danele, visit her blog.

Social Media Links,

Blog: https://dragonflydanele.wordpress.com/

Danele J. Rotharmel’s Testimony: https://dragonflydanele.wordpress.com/welcome/

Danele J. Rotharmel’s Books: https://dragonflydanele.wordpress.com/my-books/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14782632.Danele_J_Rotharmel

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danele.rotharmel

 

 

 

You Might Also Like

  • Danele Rotharmel March 3, 2017 at 9:55 am

    I really appreciate being featured on “Almost An Author!” This has been a wonderful experience—thank you! And for those of you who are following “Time Search’s” blog tour, DANELE’S 17st MYSTERY WORD is ACTION!

  • Becky Smith March 3, 2017 at 10:29 am

    I can’t believe it is already the 17th stop!!! I’ve enjoyed following Danele on her blog tour, and learning more about these wonderful books. May you be greatly blessed today!!!!!!

  • Carlene March 3, 2017 at 10:56 am

    You’re absolutely right, Danele! If the author is in love with a book, chances are the reader will be, too.

  • Lisa Lickel March 3, 2017 at 11:34 am

    Thanks again for sharing your inspiring story, Danele. Sometimes that’s the best way to get started–write and write and write. But also be open to mastering the craft, as you have been.

  • Emily Paige Skeen March 3, 2017 at 11:49 am

    Great post! I needed to read this today, as I’ve lately become burdened by writing instead of loving it the way I once did. I hadn’t thought of it, but reading your post made me realize that I’ve neglected writing for myself and my own enjoyment. I’ve let too many other things seep in. So thanks for this reminder!

  • Danele Rotharmel March 4, 2017 at 10:37 am

    Dear Becky, I can’t believe it’s my blog tour’s 17th stop either! It feels as if we just started this journey yesterday. I’m so glad that you’ve enjoyed all of the articles, and that you have been enjoying my books. You’ve been such a voice of encouragement and a blessing! I hope you have a fabulous day!

    Dear Carlene, thank you so much for commenting. It’s nice to know that you share my opinion that if an author is in love with a book, chances are the reader will be, too. I really respect you and your talent. I hope you have a great day! Thanks for always being so kind.

    Dear Lisa, you’re welcome! I’m glad you’ve enjoyed my story. Thank you for your kind, wise words. I agree that writing while being open to mastering the craft is key. Every day, I feel as if I have learned something more. What an exciting journey writers undertake–it’s never over, and it’s always new. I hope you have a lovely day–thanks for commenting!

    Dear Emily, I’m so glad that this article spoke to you! It’s so easy to become burdened by writing, and when that happens, the fun flies out the window. I’ve struggled with it too. I’m so glad that this article reminded you of your first love of writing. I’m also glad that you commented! Thank you! I hope you have a wonderful day!

  • Caryl Kane March 6, 2017 at 6:56 pm

    This tour has been a blast! So sad to see it winding down.

    • Danele Rotharmel March 7, 2017 at 10:14 am

      Dear Caryl, I’m so glad that you have enjoyed the blog tour–I have too! It’s been so much fun! I can’t believe that it is almost over. Thank you for following the tour and writing such wonderful comments! I really appreciate you!

  • Time Search! Book Launch & 20-Stop Blog Tour! – dragonflydanele March 15, 2017 at 10:52 am

    […] Link: https://www.almostanauthor.com/write-enjoyment-danele-j-rotharmel/ […]