I talk to many people who say they have a book in them, or always wanted to write a book, or plan someday to publish a book. William Runyan did it, twice now! Bill recently published his second book of fiction. Wonders, (click on the link to see more) a collection of short stories, was released 12/30/2023. I talk to many people who say they have a book in them, or always wanted to write a book, or plan someday to publish a book. William Runyan did it, twice now! His novel, The Cylinders, came out in 2022. In a recent interview he shared his process, motivation and intention with Wonders.
Di: Where do the stories come from; how do they evolve?
Bill: Wonders starts from a place that our lives are filled with wonder. If we’re attuned, paying attention, we can bring things into our lives that catch us by surprise or are so life changing that suddenly they take on a certain significance that wasn’t there before. I created stories from some fairly elaborate surprises in hopes they can help us chuckle at how we tend to take the continuity of our lives for granted.
The stories begin when an idea is formed, the characters are created, I write a paragraph, add scenes. When developing a particular character that will be a focus in the story I usually draw upon some personal experience or observation of someone I am interested in and who I want to get to know more about. As I write them, the character shows who they are and they get themselves into interesting situations based on compelling circumstances I create. Another important aspect to the creation of the story is attention to place. The story setting is usually around places either I have enjoyed being or places I want to go. It fun to both return vicariously and research about areas I want to visit.
Di: Please share something about your writing practice.
Bill: It really began when I was approximately nine years old, with Ms. Nebergall, who greatly influenced how important writing would be in my life. Her emphasis was on the mechanics of having “a good hand,” as a symbol of who we are, our own individuality. I can vividly recall my resistance to her teaching; I needed to stay after class to spend extra time practicing my script writing. All my first drafts begin in a handwritten notebook.
When I was around twenty-six years old and in the Navy, I visited places in the world that I wanted to capture. Since I wasn’t into photography I jotted down an essay on a place or created a poem of a scene of my travels. From these snap shots my writing evolved into documentation of a place or feeling or person, as others might chose to journal. I wrote several open letters to editors and essays to magazines sharing my opinions. Over the past ten years I’ve been interested in expressing how the pathways of life can be dramatically altered in an instant. It’s been really fun and I hope it is fun for my readers.
Di: It sounds like various forms of writing in your life have been a contribution. I think it is remarkable how you have followed through to get your ideas published. Do you have words of encouragement for someone wanting to pursue their longing to write a story or an idea?
Bill: It begins with identifying yourself as a writer - regardless of your training or experience. If you are jotting down notes, you are writing. You create the story about yourself and then it is as simple as making a commitment to sit down each day and spend time with the writing process, even when you don’t know what’s going to come out or what resolutions may appear. It’s not necessarily easy but it is simple. I choose to write for fun, deciding on the relationship I want to have with the story I’m telling. I have the luxury of setting my own pace, by self publishing.
I am writing from enjoyment, not to fulfill an agreement to another; I allow it to free flow. Sometimes it's hard to stop and sometimes hard to get going, but the important thing is to approach it with choice and enthusiasm. I recently came across a quote by Hemingway who said when you are really in the flow you should stop. This way you are left with that feeling of attraction for returning to the story to see what will happen next. You look forward with eager anticipation to get back to it. When you continue to write past that point you might be left with the feeling of being stuck; ‘poor me, I’ve lost my creative flow.’ This is resistance.
Since my first drafts begin on paper, for me, it's fun to have a well liked notebook or special paper. When you develop a personal relationship with the notebook, or even a pen, it becomes your friend and you look forward to spending time with it. There is even a certain sadness when you run out of ink and have to dispose of a favorite pen. If your notebook is attractive, it may have a picture on it you like, you want to open it up and write in it.
Again, I stress - it is simple and can be easy. Make ease and flow part of your story about you as a writer. Instead of saying, “I want to write a book,” begin writing. Start writing down your ideas, begin the first paragraph. Now you can say, “I am writing a book.” Then spend a bit of time each day, continuing that process with enthusiasm. Even the process of publishing can be surprisingly simple. It really is easy, you can meet people in your life, you don’t even know yet, that want to help you out. Your life will be more exciting and you’ll have new friends, you’ll feel good because you have accomplished what you said you wanted in your life.
There are all sorts of flavors of creativity, from your notebook, or pen, to what ideas excite you, what message you want to put forth. Make it fun.
Di: How do you deal with sensitivity of people in your life who may recognize themselves in your stories?
Bill: Everyone has their own perspective on what happened at a particular time or event. You have to be true to the intent of your story. Other people are going to express their opinions about what you write. I’ve had to adjust some of the language I used when reading in public. Initially I was angry that someone else wanted to change my words. I finally realized that listening to any comment or criticism is an opportunity for improving a scene or a word. My choice, in life, is to not point out people’s defects, so I don’t do that in my writing. If you have an advisory point of view on life, you may write about that and are more likely to offend others.
Di: Can you speak to someone changing their life story by writing a new story.
Bill: As we change, our stories change. We get to choose the story we tell ourselves and others. Its skillful to tell who you are in your story and you can decide what you want to tell about yourself. In fiction you are able to tell anecdotes of what happened, some truthful elements combined with a fantasy. And if it’s our perspective, who’s to say it’s not now the truth? We get to say what is our truth. People who want you to love your life will welcome your new story.
Di: What’s next?
Bill: I recently found it amusing going through archives, notes which were the beginning ideas from ten to fifteen years ago. Looking at them now, after a long hiatus, I think it would be fun to develop those into stories with a fresh perspective of my current beliefs. I‘ve also considered collaborating with other writers, sharing my view of Life’s Purpose and how we carry that out in our daily lives.
Di: I ordered Wonders from Amazon. I really enjoyed the stories and your writing style. Thank you for sharing with my readers.
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