I think a big part of being a writer is being able to see more than there is.

It’s being able to look at the world and detect the undercurrents, reading in between the lines of reality if you like.

There’s one particular example I always think of that illustrates the idea perfectly.

I don’t usually get political with my posts here.

There are a number of reasons for this. Firstly, because I want to keep things light and focussed on issues related to my writing. Also, I know that as soon as I take a political position, I’m bound to alienate a bunch of potential readers, which is definitely the last thing I want to do. And thirdly because most political issues are complex and I couldn’t possibly give them their proper due in the short posts I write. I’m the sort of person who’s easily swayed by a good argument, and I’m happy to concede that most political arguments coming from either side of the spectrum do have some validity.

There are lots of different types of writers. Just as there are lots of different types of stories.

Some writers are really plot focussed. They’re the ones who create the tightly-plotted thrillers or the non-stop action adventures, or the far-ranging epic fantasies.

I’m an odd sort of fellow. Always have been. I suspect I always will be.

That’s ok with me. I don’t mind flying the flag for oddness, even if it’s in a quiet sort of way, rather than a ‘shouting out from the rooftops look how odd I am’ kind of way. From my perspective, it’s a far more interesting way to live your life. Although it does pose issues at times.

I try to keep life simple.

Sure, I have my ambitions, but even they’re pretty simple. Mostly, they focus around family and friends. Keeping my health is a big one. And, obviously work is important – it doesn’t define me but I do want to do well at my professional activities – partly for personal pride and also because in this day and age, keeping a job is a non-trivial activity.