Chapter 1: The Book Hoarder Within

Books have always held a special place in my heart, particularly those that guide the art of writing. As William Faulkner famously said, "Read, read, read. Read everything — trash, classics, good and bad, and see how they do it... Then write." This advice resonates deeply with my own experience.

My aspiration to write a book was fueled by an unquenchable thirst for knowledge about writing itself. During those days, I found ways to purchase a few writing books without drawing too much attention. Even today, the act of buying books can raise eyebrows, leading some to think I've lost my way.

Due to financial constraints, formal creative writing programs were not an option for me, especially since my academic background was rooted in Science and Healthcare. Writing came to me organically, and I believed that acquiring specific writing books would enhance my skills and transform me into a better writer.

As time went on, my collection of writing books grew exponentially. The first book I ever bought was Stephen King's On Writing, which opened the floodgates to more titles like The Art of Creative Thinking by Rod Judkins, Naming the World: And Other Exercises for the Creative Writer edited by Bret Anthony Johnston, Becoming a Writer by Dorothea Brande, and Writing Tools: 50 Essential Strategies for Every Writer by Roy Peter Clark, among others.

Though these books provided valuable insights, I eventually recognized that mere reading wouldn't suffice. Becoming a proficient writer demanded hard work, dedication, and consistent practice. As Anaïs Nin wisely stated, "We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospect."

Writing often proved challenging; ideas would come to me in the midst of daily activities, yet when I sat down to write, my mind would go blank. While I absorbed knowledge from various writing resources, starting my novel felt like an insurmountable task.

On the advice of a friend, I began with short stories and poetry, gradually honing my craft. The dream of becoming a skilled writer began to take shape when I started publishing my work on Medium. Today, I cherish the collection of books I have acquired; they are invaluable companions on my writing journey.

I am immensely grateful for the knowledge I have gained through these resources. As Benjamin Franklin aptly put it, "Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing."

© A.H. Mehr — 2024

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This article was published on June 27th, 2024 in Long. Sweet. Valuable. publication.

Section 1.1: The Challenge of Writing

Writing is a complex endeavor, often fraught with difficulties. The initial spark of creativity can fade the moment you sit down to create. The struggle to translate thoughts into words is a shared experience among many writers.

Subsection 1.1.1: The Importance of Practice

Chapter 2: The Benefits of Book Collecting

Books have been my steadfast companions, providing insights and inspiration at every turn. The process of acquiring these books became a treasure hunt, each title promising a new perspective or technique.

The first video, "Book Hoarding Nightmare!" explores the challenges and humorous aspects of collecting too many books. It sheds light on the fine line between a passion for reading and hoarding.

In the second video, "Reforming My Book Hoarding Ways," I share my journey of embracing a more mindful approach to book collecting, focusing on quality over quantity.