Also, there’s the very real possibility that none of your hard work will ever pay off. Even at the best of times, it’s difficult to generate a regular income. To be blatantly honest, following the path of the writer is an extremely reckless career choice. However, there were times along the way when I was fearful I’d gotten myself into more trouble than I could handle. I selected the title Reckless Traveler, because that was a decade of taking chances that paid off handsomely. Years later, Perseid Press published a novel that is a collection of all the best stories from that time in my life. You’d be over there watching movies in your head.” One of my friends even said, “When you were little they’d make you sit in the corner and that wasn’t even a punishment. I’ll come back at the sound of her voice and it’s like returning to the Earth. Even today my poor wife sometimes asks me where I’ve gone off to as I drift into thought and try to solve the problems of my latest manuscript. But for me, the room would always disappear the moment I came home and started daydreaming. Some of my friends at the time thought I was nuts because I always rented the cheapest possible room I could find. I ended up living there for ten years because I discovered an inexpensive country which allowed me the space I needed to work on my craft.
Shortly after I graduated college I moved to Lima, Peru to pursue my writing ambitions. However, I believe enduring those consequences is a necessary step if you truly aspire to create something important. Being true to your version of the truth is often a reckless action, and there will be consequences. I’ve found that maintaining my silence doesn’t sit well with me, and I’ve worked hard to achieve the freedom to stand up for what I believe. For seven years, I ran a small business, and I knew I couldn’t comment on social issues for fear of alienating our customer base. That’s a terrifying thing when you stop and consider it. It has not always been the case that I’ve felt free to speak my mind. “I know that some of the things I say have hurt my writing career,” I replied, “but long ago I decided that I have to write what I believe, otherwise what’s the point?” I was glad he’d brought up the topic because it’s something that I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about. “I’d interact with them more, but I hold a public position and I’m fearful there might be consequences.” We live in a highly conservative community, so I knew exactly what he meant.
“I appreciate the things you post on social media,” he said.
I had just finished a presentation at the local library when the librarian came over to chat with me.
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