The past few years have been a whirlwind of creativity for me, as I embarked on a writing journey that took me from the pandemic-induced lockdown to a burst of newfound inspiration. It’s a journey that led to the creation of my latest book, “Island Serenade,” a story that’s as much a reflection of my own transformation as it is a tale of romance.
The seeds of “Island Serenade” were sown during the lockdowns of the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many others, I found myself confined to my home, unable to go out and seek adventures to write about. Instead of letting this period stifle my creative spirit, I decided to turn inward, delving into my memories of growing up in Northeast Philadelphia during the ’60s and ’70s, as well as my summers in Wildwood, New Jersey during the ’70s.
In 2021, I began publishing stories in this blog about my experiences in Lawndale on Tuesdays, and my memories of Wildwood on Thursdays. I shared these tales with various Facebook groups that I thought would appreciate them. To my surprise, these posts gained popularity, resonating with both those from my old neighborhood and those who cherished the memory of Wildwood’s heyday. It got me thinking: could these stories be transformed into books?
The first book, “Lawndale,” was published on my 60th birthday, August 9, 2022. To my amazement, it gained momentum quickly, with sales taking off with minimal promotion. I shared the book with the Facebook groups, posted about it on my social media, and participated in a podcast. With minimal additional effort, hundreds of copies were sold, defying my expectations. It was a delightful success.
Riding high on the wave of Lawndale’s reception, I anticipated that the release of “Down The Shore” the following summer would quadruple the success of its predecessor. However, things didn’t go as planned. Despite my efforts, Down The Shore’s sales didn’t reach the heights I had hoped for. Disappointment and a sense of failure began to creep in.
But it was a dear friend, a lifelong creative artist, who provided me with a valuable perspective. He said, “If you’re making art or writing to sell books, make money, or win prizes, then you’re doing it for the wrong reason.”
These words struck me hard but also brought clarity to my situation. I realized that my disappointment was stemming from the wrong motivations.
Amid my disappointment, an idea struck me. With both books finished and out in the world, I was free to create whatever I wanted for the first time in four years. I decided to write more creatively about topics that interested me, embracing the freedom that came with my long-held creative blog, Phicklephilly.
I had also been toying with the idea of a story set on a mysterious island where a couple gets stranded during COVID-19, with an array of unique characters and experiences. While this idea felt daunting then, I began to write scenes for the story and poured myself into creating fresh content for Phicklephilly. The freedom to write without constraint revitalized my creative spirit.
As I pondered what I loved most about my two previous works, I realized it was the elements of romance that stood out. The experiences of first dates, first kisses, and falling in love have always held a special place in my heart. With this in mind, I decided to craft a simple love story about a boy from the city who meets a girl in a foreign land, a classic fish-out-of-water romantic tale.
Out of my sadness and disappointment emerged “Island Serenade.” I began writing it in July 2023, (Just two weeks after the release of Down The Shore) and I was excited about writing for the first time in years. I wrote the book out of pure joy, a labor of love that flowed effortlessly. With each word, my creative juices surged, and the ideas poured forth at an astonishing pace. The story came to life, and I couldn’t have been happier. I finished the first draft of the book 65 days later on September 10th.
The best part of this experience is that I no longer care if anybody buys “Island Serenade.” I wrote it for the sheer joy of creating something new and beautiful. This book mended my heart and reignited my creative spirit after feelings of disappointment.
So, if you’re feeling down or disappointed, remember that creating something new can be a healing and transformative experience. “Island Serenade” is a testament to the power of art and the importance of creating for the sake of creation, not for external validation. It’s a reminder that making something beautiful out of your emotions and experiences can be a truly rewarding journey, regardless of the outcome.
If you decide to read “Island Serenade” this summer, I hope you enjoy it. But remember, I don’t mind if you don’t. It was written from the heart, for the joy of writing itself.
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Get your copy of Island Serenade here:
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You can check out my books here: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=charles+wiedenmann&ref=nb_sb_noss_1
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