104. RJ Ellory on the difference between a writer and an aspiring writer

Writers of the Future Podcast

UK author Roger Ellory is a thriller author who discusses the book that started him along a successful path as a professional writer, "L. Ron Hubbard: The Writer." It contained essays and articles by Mr. Hubbard on the craft of writing which are as applicable now as when he wrote them, regardless the genre one decides to write in. One essay, "The Manuscript Factory," addresses output and how to achieve it. Mr. Hubbard produced 50,000 words a month, which Roger has taken to heart and he has written 50,000 words per month himself since becoming a writer. In William Shakespeare's home in London, there are a series of questions posed, nicely written on leather, and placed on a wall in his residence. One of the questions was "Is Shakespeare the most translated author in history?" Lifting up the leather, the answer reads, "No, that honor belongs to L. Ron Hubbard." Roger discusses the passion necessary to write a book that generates sufficient enthusiasm to engage a reader. He was first published in 2002 and has now published 15 novels, winning numerous awards globally and translated into 26 languages. Picasso responded to a question as to why he still painted perched on a ladder at 82 when a doodle on a napkin could sell for a quarter-million dollars: "Inspiration exists but it has to find you working." You need to keep yourself working, keep yourself motivated. Any creative faculty is like a muscle. If you don't exercise it, it won't get strong. So you have to write to build it. He recommends "A Quiet Belief in Angels" as his first book and I wholeheartedly agree! It's an amazing read. Learn more about him at www.rjellory.com