Last Post..."We cannot change many of the things around us, in our lives; but we can change the way we feel about those things."

It is appropriate, as I write my final post, to briefly talk about my writing, the books, and the possibilities for the future.

My writing

I started writing some years ago and made the decision to publish more than 15 years ago. I suppose, initially, my impetus was to use fiction to change non-fiction events. I saw things happening, in the world, and I wondered what might have been. How might the event have turned out differently? It was, in a sense, my attempt to insert my own “if only” or “what if?”

Generally, as a rule, my fictional view of events turned out to have a happier ending, and that thinking pervades throughout my books. Of course, there are tragedies, as well, but overall the story endings conclude on a positive note. That is, of course, how I hope life would always be. Fiction is whatever we want to make it. In our fictional world, we can do anything we want.

I also know, alas, that life does not turn out that way. I have, in my writing, tried to base my stories on some reality. I can say that all of my characters are based on real people, young or old, and their actions are based on real accomplishments.

The books

The various books encompass a variety of activities, events, and characters. They all stand on their own. In many cases, I had ideas for sequels, but other new stories always seemed to get in the way, and except for the one series I wrote, none of the sequels were ever written.

The common themes of the stories are those of courage, accomplishment, tenacity, faith, love and mutual support. The stories tell of those who persevere against unusual or unreasonable odds, but almost always with the strength of family and friends. It is that ideal, that we can accomplish things together and achieve goals, that I would hope readers take away from the books.

For the future

The books have reached tens of thousands of readers, and it is my hope they will reach many more. I also hope that they will have some kind of positive impact on some who may read them, and perhaps give a few readers strength by giving examples of how things could be. More than anything, though, I would wish the stories are read and enjoyed, in the current day and long after I am gone.

I conclude this last post with one final thought: "We cannot change many of the things around us, in our lives; but we can change the way we feel about those things."

Many thanks, and

Happy reading.

Wil