'Go and write a book'

 

“I hate politics. I like to write about it, but to get involved in it, to try and make a lot of ignorant people do what you want them to do, waste of time. Go and write a book. It's more important and it'll last longer.” – Wilbur Smith

 

Born in northern Rhodesia (now Zambia) on this date in 1933, Smith was the son of a metal worker turned rancher.  He grew up on that ranch then worked as a police officer and accountant before turning to his real love – writing.  After being rejected multiple times, he finally broke through with When The Lion Feeds, leading to a spectacular writing career that produced 5 dozen novels.

 

He followed his initial book with three long series about the South African experience, all bestsellers.  Then he wrote a series of historical novels set in Ancient Egypt, the last three co-authored with Mark Chadbourn and released after his death in 2021.  That series started with 1993’s River God and ended with 2023’s Testament.  Many of his books also have been made into popular movies.   

 

His advice to new writers was simple: “Write for yourself, not for a perceived audience . . . because it's impossible to judge what people want.   And you have to read. That's how you learn what is good writing and what is bad. Then the main thing is application. It's hard work.”