I had high hopes of becoming more than what I was at that time. I had hoped that more people would know who I am and I had hoped that my financial status would be influenced by my work as an writer directly. I didn't happen that way.
Still, with hindsight being 20/20, I understand that everything that I've prayed for, I've received. Maybe my books aren't flying off of the shelves of the bookstores in my area, the few people that have read it told me that they really enjoyed it. Even more importantly, they understood the message without reading the second half of the story...and that was great in and of itself.
One of the things that I've come to understand is that a writer writes. It doesn't matter how much they are being paid if indeed they are being paid at all. They don't write for the public acknowledgements of their work. The don't write for the accolades that they may receive from their constituents. They write because they simply love to write.
I've become something that I didn't seek out to do with deliberate intention. I've become a critique...someone that loves to read, write and promote the works of other authors. It's something that I love to do. At any given time, I have four books in my queue to read and get back to the authors on what I think of their work. If they like it, then I write a review, ask a few questions and then post it everywhere and anywhere that I can.I've become a journalist because at times, I have a lot to say even if my readers agree with me or not. Most authors are appreciative of what I do.
So I've changed my thought process. Who I am, who I am becoming who I ultimately will be is still wedged firmly in the writing community. Am I in love with this aspect of my life? Pretty much. It wasn't what I planned, but it's on my plate today and quite possibly tomorrow. But life is full of blessings and surprises...so I will wait to see what it has to offer while changing strategies.
As far as the direction that Four Brothers will go in if I decide to take on any additional editing projects is really pretty easy; I have to ensure that everything is outlined in detail and print. You may have people that may not understand the industry and assume that your role as an editor becomes one of ghost-writer and promoter simply because they are paying you. I realize that I have to be steadfast in how these contracts are executed and be firm in what services are being provided. Above all, impose a timeline so that you aren't in the same project for years. I have so much ahead of me and yet, it's all still a major blessing.
I still have stories to both read and write. I have articles to print. I have authors to promote. And that's a good thing...a very good thing.
www.fourbrotherspublications.com
J.L. Whitehead
