He always speaks the truth

One of my favorite authors says that in order to write (and i would add to write well) one must read...if you don't read you will not have the tools to write. For a long time I have always believed that I was a strong writer, well at least of research papers (lol). However, from time to time I have been known to pen a good story or write a pretty poem; but I have never been content with anything that I've written. I always (as with most things in my life) find the flaws in my writing. It could be that the story is not paced correctly, or even the name of a character I just have to find something wrong with it. I believe that any good writer has to shovel some major BS on to paper sometimes just to get something out; however, most often a good writer will go back and rework the BS in order to come out with something extraordinary. However, some authors (which will remain nameless) often  take this BS and give it to their agents/ editors; and it ends up on the shelves of libraries and book stores across the country. Of course, we readers go out and borrow or buy these books because they are best sellers or because someone recommended this author to us because he or she enjoyed their latest literary feat....however once we read it and put it away in the book case (or in my case throw it in the trash) we find ourselves wondering why did I waste my money and time reading this crap! My point is this....when I finally take the leap to send something to an agent/publisher I want to be able to say that I'm proud of the story that I've worked it out the best that I could and that the finished/polished piece is what I got for my trouble. I am a creature that likes their writing (as well as my reading experience) to be uncomplicated. I want my reader to understand the character, their motives, and the plot clearly. I think this is what stops me from reading bestsellers or even books people recommend. Lately, I've found myself being dissatisfied with the books that are out there. It seems like authors are running out of  ideas.....so what to do when this happens...Stephen King puts its simply....if you finish a book believing that you could write something better than that's exactly what you need to do (paraphrased). So...hey, at age 28 I am asking myself why the hell not write or develop something that might lead to something better, greater than I've ever produced before.

Another quote from King that I love...
“There are books full of great writing that don't have very good stories. Read sometimes for the story... don't be like the book-snobs who won't do that. Read sometimes for the words--the language. Don't be like the play-it-safers who won't do that. But when you find a book that has both a good story and good words, treasure that book.” 
― Stephen King