Writing Can Become Someone's Hope — A Challenge That Began with Noriko Shiromura's Book
This year, through one book, I experienced a major shift in my values.
It was my encounter with Noriko Shiromura's book, 'Let's Publish a Book, Let's Publish a Book, What Happened When You Did?'
Until I opened this book, I thought, 'Publishing is a world for special people. It's an act only chosen people can do.'
But as I read on, that assumption quietly but surely crumbled away.
The author conveys this repeatedly.
Publishing is a contribution to society, a proof of talent, and a path open to everyone.
What you have experienced, learned, struggled with, and overcome.
Putting that into words and delivering it as a book can become someone's hope, salvation, or hint.
And above all,
by writing, you yourself can 'realize the value of your own talent.'
—To me, those words felt like they pressed a switch that had been sleeping deep in my chest for a long time.
So, can anyone really publish?
The author answers that as well.
You don't have to be a professional.
You don't have to be experienced.
The only thing you need is,an attitude of continuing to learn, think, and act.
And readers and publishers are always looking for 'new writers.'
That is why I learned that 'publishing is not a competition' but 'a chance open to those who challenge themselves.'
These words changed my actions.
After reading this book, I started practicing the following four things.
Reading the books introduced and sharing my thoughts in my own words.
Thinking of publishing not as a 'distant future dream' but as a 'role for society.'
Writing out what kind of project it would be if I were to publish, even if it's fictional.
Adding my own unique experiences and perspectives—in other words, 'originality'—to my daily posts.
In particular, the act of 'starting to write a project proposal' helped me organize my thoughts and clarify my direction for the future.
It hasn't taken shape yet, but I am already different from the 'me before I wrote.'
Before reading the book, I thought, 'I hope I can write someday.'
Now, there is a 'me who is taking action to write.'
Publishing might still be far off.
But that path is certainly stretching out before me.
And now, I think.
Writing is an act that changes your life from being on the 'receiving end' to the 'delivering end'.
This is what I learned this year.
#WhatILearnedThisYear #ReadingLog #SelfGrowth #NorikoShiromura #OutputHabit