Did you know this?
Ray Bradbury was thirty when he started a story called The Fireman. It was 1945 just after the end of WWII. The setting in the story was an anti-book culture in which books were banned, and whenever someone discovered any, firemen were dispatched to destroy them.
Bradbury set this story aside for a few years, but when Senator Joseph McCarthy launched his anti-communist campaign, accusing almost everyone and their pet spaniel of disloyalty to the U.S., Bradbury pulled his old manuscript out and finished it. He felt the McCarthy era could very well usher in a society much like the book-banning one in The Fireman.
Once he was done, Bradbury wasn’t satisfied with the title, and on a whim, called the chief of the LA fire department to ask at what temperature paper burned, and guess what? Yep. Fahrenheit 451 was the new title.
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Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.
Remember, the question is optional!
November 4 question – Albert Camus once said, “The purpose of a writer is to keep civilization from destroying itself.” Flannery O’Conner said, “I write to discover what I know.” Authors across time and distance have had many reasons to write. Why do you write what you write?
The awesome co-hosts for the November 4 posting of the IWSG are
Jemi Fraser, Kim Lajevardi, L.G Keltner, Tyrean Martinson, and Rachna Chhabria!
I wish I had something noble to write as my answer to this question, something that at least came knee high to the likes of Camus and other greats, but my answer’s pretty simple. I write because I enjoy the process.
Each time I imagine a story, then populate it with characters, put it into a time, and envision a place, I think, “How in the hell am I going to do this so it’s readable?” Along the way, I frequently know I have a dud on my hands or I am a dud when it comes to writing more than my name. Then I type–one day after another–on that rollercoaster of “Yay, this is great!” “Yikes, it’s rotten!” until I look up and there I am at The End.
It’s easier to tell you reason I don’t write. Money (no surprise there), fame (another non-shocker), save the world (I’ll let Camus do that), change the world (too big a job), inspire greatness in others (I’m struggling to be a tad above average), discover who I am (I already know that).
It will be interesting to see how others take on this question because it’s a perfect one for people who write.
Something interesting happened last month. I received an invitation from an Irish Writers Group to create a video and read from one of my books. This is the result. There are so many Irish writers on this site, and some I’ve had the good fortune to meet in my hometown during Irish Writers Week! Small world indeed.
Dancing Lemur Press has a holiday special going. Take advantage of their sale and scoop up some gifts at bargain prices. Some Very Messy Medieval Magic is in this mix of great reads.
There are some great books out or about to launch BTW. Have you seen these?
One undercover FBI agent protecting a boy.
One Lodge owner protecting his town.
One undeniable connection.
Amazon (US) Amazon (CA) Apple B&N Kobo Google Play BookBub Goodreads Website
No one knows who built the Great Wells across the world or why. To linger near makes the skin crawl and the mind drift in nightmares. Yet this one calls to Ash in whispers that pull her closer. Soon she’s caught in a mystery that can kill. She must find the answers before she loses her sanity and her life.If you like dragons, magic, and a fierce heroine with a wounded heart, then you’ll love Well of Ash, a YA Fantasy novella by Elle Cardy. Available now as an ebook and paperback on Amazon. OR, for a limited time, pick up a free copy when you join Elle’s VIP newsletter club.Well of Ash is now available via Goodreads, Bookbub and Amazon.The official release date is TODAY!Order your copy now and put it your TBR list.
What will it take to survive a battle between alien races involved in an ancient war?
Liftoff is a fast-paced read for fans of Code 8, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Cobra Kai.
Releases November 10
Quote of the Month: “You must stay drunk on writing so reality cannot destroy you.” Ray Bradbury
That’s a neat tidbit about Ray Bradbury.
How great that you were invited to do a video for Speakeasy!
How neat to hear you read! Thanks. I also didn’t know the story behind Bradbury’s book (even though I’ve read it a couple of times).
Great reading! I also liked your post in the newsletter about writing ghost stories. Writing is a great way to connect with ourselves, our readers, and our world.
Thank you so much for stopping by my blog. Thanks for sharing the Bradbury story. Writing because you enjoy it is a great reason. I feel many people do things they don’t enjoy every day and it’s sad. Thanks for sharing all the new releases.
Hi Lee – I’d no idea about Fahrenheit 451’s title … or the book for that matter – ie that bit of back story.
But loved your reading on Speakeasy … you could think about doing some audio books. What a coincidence meeting up with /seeing the writers you’d previously met … small world as you say.
Good for you – take care – Hilary
I didn’t realize why Bradbury released his story when he did. Thanks for sharing that. Love your reason for writing.
Thank you for the Farenheit 451 story. I was deeply affected by that book and didn’t know the story behind it.
There’s nothing wrong with writing for the love of it.
Great video too, Cheryl!
That story resonates with so many people. Bradbury continues to inspire, doesn’t he? Thanks for dropping in and spending some time here.
Coincidentally I was just writing a comment earlier on another blog where I was mentioning the Bradbury story.
Enjoyed the video of your reading.
AS far as process of writing I think that’s maybe the part I dislike the most although once I get into the writing then I do enjoy the act of writing and writing correctly (or correct in context of whatever I’m trying to convey). I tend to imagine a lot of stories in my head that never get put down on a page. Mental calisthenics I guess you might say.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
Mental Calisthenics is a great way to put it, Arlee. I’m sure you have many stories stored. I sure do. Just wish I had the time to set them down.
Thanks for the visit and the great comment.
You are above average, Lee. There is no doubt there. 😉
Anna from elements of emaginette
Finally. Those Cs in high school have plagued me for years. 🙂
Thanks C.Lee for your entertaining post. Lovely reading video too. Wishing you inspiration for November.
Thanks, Susan. I could use a good November as I’m sure you could as well.
Thank you for sharing the video! I liked your answer to the IWSG question. Very honest and apt. Also enjoyed the story about Fahrenheit 451.
Hey, Shannon. Glad you stopped in!
Ah yes, I’m all too familiar with that rollercoaster…
Thank you, Lee, for the shout out!
I’m sure you are familiar with that up and down thing writers experience.
Hi, Lee!! You are lovely, and you have the best reading voice ever! I enjoyed every minute.
What an interesting story about Ray Bradbury. I learn something new everyday!
Hi Cathrina! Great to have you here and thanks for taking the time to comment. That voice of mine always sounds weird when I hear it. It’s not how I usually hear myself.
Hi, C. Lee! Thanks for sharing your video. It was fun to see you and hear your voice and to listen to a bit of your book. Thanks also for telling the story behind the book title “Fahrenheit 451.” Such a fun anecdote. It’s fun to see IWSG members featuring books by fellow members. My To Read list is getting very long. Take care!
Hi Louise. Always great to have you visit. We must compare our reading lists at some point. Do yours ever become shorter? Probably not.
>>… “Senator Joseph McCarthy launched his anti-communist campaign, accusing almost everyone and their pet spaniel of disloyalty to the U.S.”
Wow! It’s a doggone dirty shame that a person would wreck the reputations of innocent people that way! Sounds like McCarthy falsely accused many people of being communists and/or security risks. It also sounds as if you must be rather knowledgeable about this subject.
I’m curious to know the names of some of the people Joe McCarthy wrongly accused. Would you mind sharing a few of the names with me? I thank you!
~ STMcC
Here’s one that just came to my attention. Marsha Hunt. She was a popular working actress in the 50s. She’s now 103 years old. Joe’s long gone.
Never knew that. Can be weird how titles come about.
Yeah, if anyone writes for fame or money they’ll be disappointed.
I don’t mind disappointment, but fame and money have never motivated me to do anything.
That’s a good enough reason to write, really.
Absolutely!
And all the books you’ve written that I’ve ead are very good and theyb go back quite a few years, So keep writing.
Yep. I’ve been at this for a while. I must like it, right?
I love what you said about writing being a rollercoaster. Sometimes you love what you’re writing, sometimes you hate it.
Ah, life. What a ride, heh?
Love your video! Happy November.
Back at you, Carol! Have a great month.
I enjoyed all the “not” reasons! I write cause it’s fun making worlds and sharing them.
The fun part gets my vote!
Eh. We all don’t need noble reasons to write. Just enjoy it for what it is.
Indeed!
Love the Bradbury story. One of the formative books that inspired me. I don’t know if any of us will publish something so important, but dream big!
You did great on the video. May your writing always bring you enjoyment.
Bradbury inspired so many writers. He set a very high bar, didn’t he?
Hi, Lee
What an awesome post! Isn’t it wonderful that one of the simplest forms of communication is to a writer a most satisfying means of breathing? If a bird hears the beauty of his own song, he’s all the more tempted to sing. Don’t you think?
In that case, as evidenced in the Speakeasy video, you’re a natural!
Have a pleasant November.
I love that you compare writing to breathing. That’s beautiful!
Thanks for taking the time to see that video. It always makes me nervous to step out from behind my computer, but Speakeasy was too tempting.
That’s exciting that you were asked to do a video. So cool. 🙂
Ah that rollercoaster of “Yay!” and “Boo!” when writing is familiar to me.
Creating something out of a thought is so messy. I guess we have to expect that rollercoaster reaction. Still, it’s hard to navigate and keep your stomach under control.
Hi, Cheryl-Lee!
Please forgive my tardiness, dear friend. I was up most of the night watching the election returns and arose at 4:30 am to resume following the tight race. I am barely awake now but will do my best to comment on your post.
Thanks for sharing the story behind the title of Bradbury’s F 451. I hope we learned a lesson from the McCarthy era, lest we allow history to repeat itself. While we are on the subject, I want to praise, salute and congratulate one of my favorite actresses, Blacklist witch hunt survivor and lifelong activist Marsha Hunt (your California neighbor) for outliving the zealots who tried to destroy her career in the mid 20th century. Marsha turned 103 years of age on Oct. 17.
I appreciated your answer to this month’s question. Knowing the process used by a writer of your caliber gives me tips and inspiration. I also very much enjoyed your video. (Mrs. Shady also has Irish roots.) You have a lovely voice, Cheryl, and do an excellent job of storytelling. You drew me into that bleak room where I experienced along with your character the agony of waiting for death to claim a loved one.
The final Bradbury quote rings true, especially in 2020. Thank you for sharing it. I wish you a safe and happy November, dear friend Cheryl-Lee!
Marsha Hunt! My goodness that is a name from the past, and I remember her in the movies as being a beautiful, soft-spoken actress. 103 years is an amazing life span. I’m going to look her up.
Thank you for the compliment. I’m always nervous reading my words out loud to others. I haven’t figured out why, but they sound so foreign when I hear them and I’m in front of an audience. It’s as if someone else wrote them.
May you continue in good health with Mrs. Shady. She has to be a grand lady if she has Irish roots!
I think writing because you enjoy it is the best reason to write. If you try to write for the other reasons, like money or fame, you are very likely to be disappointed. It’s best to try another profession if those are your goals.
So true. I’m glad I didn’t set out for wealth and fame because I’d surely be disappointed.
I loved seeing and hearing you.
And remember Fahrenheit 451 really well.
Your reasons for writing sound excellent to me – and I hope (fervently) that you continue. (Which is of course the greedy reader in me speaking out.)
I even wrote a bit on your blog today. But where did you come up with the word llex? That was a challenge to fit into a story, my dear!
Thanks for sharing this story about Bradbury!
I think enjoying the process is a great reason to write.
Thank you for the shout-out!
Glad to showcase your book, Tyrean.
Where have I been? I didn’t know the story behind his book. Of course, I’ve read it 40+ years ago and it moved me. I should probably pick it up again. Thanks, Lee.
I’m glad you found that interesting. I love tidbits about authors and their books.
Hi,
You did a great job of reading that chapter on Speakeasy. I was so caught up in it that I am going to purchase the book. Maybe, you should think about doing audio recordings for your books, and I really mean that.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange
Thank you so much, Pat. It was fun putting that together. Check out other writers on Speakeasy; there are a lot of great readings.
Thank you so much for showcasing Reaching for Balance!!
LOVED both Well of Ash & Liftoff – will be checking out Red Dove
Love the video – you have a great online presence!! 🙂
“It was a pleasure to burn.” Always one of my favourite lines – Bradbury was definitely out to change the world!
And he really did. He certainly changed the way I viewed the world when I was a young person. I had a chance to hear him at our university, and then immediately read all of his books.
You’re burning up the book market, Jemi! Great job.
I have no noble cause in my writing either.
You are an excellent speaker. Awesome you got to do the video.
Interesting how the name of the book started as The Fireman.
And congratulations to all the authors with releases!
It was a surprise to be invited to do a reading for Speakeasy, and another proof that networking is the key to making any dents in this book business.
I’m impressed by all my writer friends who are getting their books out to readers.