There's much to be said about this day in America. It was a moment in history that has not only shaped our nation, but the modern world. And it is something that has shaped the culture and quite possibly modified the DNA of most Americans. We are a sturdy, freedom-loving, independent, and entrepreneurial-minded stock and this had its genesis in part from what occurred on this day more than two centuries ago. There are many great turning points in the history of the world. The signing of America's Declaration of Independence would be one of those as it defined who we are.
As this day applies to writing, there are a great many things to consider. From a civil liberties standpoint, writers in this country are free to write whatever they want, no matter how scandalous or sensitive it might be, without fear of reprisal from an oppressive government. That alone is a powerful right, and I urge all of you that write, to stretch yourself and feel completely free to express yourself so that the best story you could possibly write lands on the page unfettered. Dig deep, don't censor yourself, and don't let anyone else censor you, either.
Additionally, consider how this day has generated a culture of independence that has quite literally been embraced by the writing community now that the technology is available to us. Not only can the government not keep you from expressing yourself through your stories, but neither can the traditional publishing industry. Writing a story is only half the battle for your indie-pendence. Getting it published is the other. After all, what good are your written words if no one reads them. With the advent and continued maturation of digital publishing and print on demand technology, you are literally free to write and publish your work without anyone stopping you. So, you have no excuses now not to express yourself. Take advantage of it. Don't let anyone tell you "no". Don't let rejection stop you. Write! And then publish.
It's a tremendous gift we have been given -- tremendous power, this freedom of expression, this independence. But with tremendous power comes responsibility. Use the power wisely by writing the best story you possibly can, edit it mercilessly so that it speaks to the reader, and then write yet another best story you possibly can.
Be well. And God bless America.
For those interested my new novel "One Second Before Awakening" is due to be released on July 11, 2014, and is available in ebook format through all the major book etailers and in traditional paperback through Amazon and Barnesandnoble.com.
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