Crafting my “why”: My creative expedition.
The question of "Why do I write?" has lingered in my mind since the early stages of editing my debut book, "The First Domino," when my editor Samantha Knowles urged me to delve deep into the roots of my writing passion. Writing had initially been a personal endeavor, but now that my work was poised to enter the wider world, I knew it was time to uncover the true essence of my craft.
The origins of my love for writing trace back to my childhood, long before I discovered my fascination with books. An innate urge to create stirred within me, driven by the sense that there was always something missing in my world. I perpetually held an image of a different place, a better alternative, a notion encapsulated by the phrase, "in order to get what you want, you have to start where you are, with what you have."
This journey of self-discovery was not swift; it spanned years of schooling, experimentation with various hobbies, and a trail of mistakes, learning, unlearning, and relearning. Throughout this period, I sensed an untapped reservoir of potential within me, yet struggled to define its essence. Remarkably, while many of my classmates despised writing essays, I found solace and joy in it. For a long time, I failed to notice this affinity for crafting narratives. It was as if I'd instinctively chosen to reshape the world around me through words when I couldn't change it physically. My fascination with creators across various domains, from writers to filmmakers, artists, and creative entrepreneurs, further fueled my desire to craft something novel and previously unseen.
Initially, my creative endeavors were personal, a sanctuary for my thoughts and emotions. Some pieces helped me navigate tough times, while others captured moments of happiness and valuable life lessons. Yet, the underlying desire to share my creations with the world remained dormant. Finally, the mantra "Start where you are, with what you have" prompted me to reflect deeply. After a soul-searching journey, I realized that I possessed a unique gift with the pen. It was time to step out of my comfort zone and share my writing with eyes beyond my own.
This reflection encapsulates the essence of my writing journey—a quest to uncover, express, and redefine the world through storytelling. It's not just about words on a page; it's about connecting with readers on an emotional level, transcending the boundaries of the written word. In "The First Domino," I share a piece of myself, an authentic reflection of my passion, and a desire to inspire change, one narrative at a time.
The path to becoming a writer is often a road less traveled, and I quickly gained a profound appreciation for those who had forged successful careers in this field. It was a journey filled with countless rejection emails, yet strangely, I found solace in those "no's." They didn't deter me; they spurred me on. Perhaps it's a touch of that "build it, and they will come" attitude that kept me going. A persistent voice inside me asked, "What if the opportunity you've yearned for all your life, that key to your dreams, comes knocking? Will you be ready?" In the face of what seemed like a futile endeavor, I completed numerous manuscripts of poetry and fiction.
I ventured into the world of self-publishing, only to realize that Amazon, at the time, wasn't a major player in my country. I hit a roadblock, but I couldn't shake the belief that the countless hours poured into my creations would eventually pay off. Why this trade, you ask? Writing transported me to a state of pure bliss, and it continues to do so. I'd like to think of it as just one of my creative channels, not the sole one. There are myriad ideas I'm eager to bring to life, and they demand exploration through different avenues of creation.
As I pen this blog post, I must admit that I haven't fully unraveled my "why." It's an ongoing journey, and I believe that our "why" can evolve over a lifetime. Each day, as I take new steps on this path, I aspire to leave behind a trail of my writings and creations. I hope that anyone who follows this path may rediscover their childlike passion for life and find inspiration within my words.
By consistently immersing myself in the act of creation through writing, I strive to keep the window from where innovation and creativity flow wide open. I remain in awe of those who reach into that realm and extract innovations that shape our daily existence. One of the most precious gifts I've received is the luxury of time. I've recognized that I have more time to devote to my passions than most people around me. This realization led me to settle down and finally bring to life my first collection of books.
It turns out that the giver of this gift hasn't abandoned me. With the time I have left, I'm determined to channel my energy towards creation, to pull more of those ideas from the creative realm into our world. And amidst this journey, I fell in love with something that became my solace, a notebook. It's my refuge when my internal chatter grows too loud. I scribble down my thoughts, and in return, I find calm and peacefulness. It's a lens through which the world starts to make sense.
As I continue on this path, I invite you to join me on a journey of discovery, creation, and the pursuit of a "why" that may forever evolve. Together, let's leave behind a legacy of words, ideas, and innovations that ignite the passions and inspiration of those who follow in our footsteps.
Indeed, life is an ongoing story, a collection of moments, and I strive to capture its magic through my writing. I don't claim to be an expert or someone who has it all figured out; far from it. My journey is a perpetual work in progress, and I believe that's what gives life its flavor. Imagine if we had all the answers, if the thrill of discovery faded away.
My purpose is to embrace this constant learning, to open my mind to new ideas and inspiration, and to infuse them into my creations. That's how I intend to spend the rest of my days. In a world filled with reasons for despair, I hold onto the belief that goodness resides in all people, and our world, though flawed, is not irredeemable. It's a message I hope to convey through my work.
The question of "why" is deceptively simple yet profoundly significant. I have a sense of my "why," but as I continue to evolve and grow into the best version of myself, I anticipate that my "why" will evolve with me. As I conclude this blog post, I leave you with those familiar questions: What is your "why"? Have you discovered it? If not, what better time than now to embark on that journey?
With these words, I sign off as Fred Agaba, a writer on a lifelong quest to unravel the mysteries of existence and share the magic of discovery with the world. May your "why" be a guiding light on your own extraordinary journey.