A word or two about writing my memoir . . .
It’s a strange undertaking, writing a memoir.
Strange in that I am an ordinary human being. I am not a sports star. I am not a movie star. I am not some famous politician or scientist or humanitarian.
I’m just a guy, a blip on the radar screen of the human race, one of approximately 100 billion who have lived on this planet. If you passed me on the street, chances are I wouldn’t even register on your “give a shit” meter. I am plain at best, certainly not handsome, and I have no distinguishing visual characteristics. I have “shit brown eyes and hair,” I’m average in height and I’m average in weight.
I am boringly ordinary, and yet family and friends encouraged me to write a memoir because they believe my story to be extraordinary.
And in a way they are correct . . . my story is extraordinary . . . as is your story! I believe we are all extraordinarily ordinary and I believe all of our stories should be recorded.
I am extraordinarily ordinary, just like the rest of you seven billion plus, and it’s about time ordinary had its time in the sun, don’t you think? Ordinary is, after all, the quintessential default setting for us humans. Ordinary is the raising of families and high school proms. Ordinary is jobs and careers, passions and moments of confused indirection. Ordinary is PTA meetings and bowling leagues, gardening and Little League Baseball. Ordinary is a single mother of two toddlers, working two jobs to provide a quality life for her offspring.
I was raised by an extraordinary family, and I don’t want their story to die with me. You see, I’m one of the few Hollands left on this planet, and I believe my family name deserves its place among the historical volumes. We did some good, we Hollands, and good should always be remembered.
Pushing my ambivalence aside, I decided my memoir should be about love, since I believe love is the single most important thing in life . . . and so my memoir is a story of love, a self-help, feel-good, unashamed celebration of one man’s conquest over adversity, and the discovery that I am a product of love and a keeper of the torch of love.
If you are interested, you can pick up the book at Amazon by following this link.
And the Kindle edition.
A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE COMPUTER
I know this might sound ridiculous, but I swear it’s true. I was heading to the office and this thought jumped into my brain . . .hey, Bill, you once wrote a writing guide. It has been so long since I published it (2015) that I had forgotten all about it. “The Ultimate Writing Guide” touches upon all facets of writing. It is fifty-four chapters about all things related to writing, and you can find it on Amazon by following this handy dandy link.
Have an extraordinary day in your extraordinary life!
Bill
“Helping writers to spread their wings and fly.”
Billybuc
Artistry With Words 
Bill, what can I say, but congrats on having your memoir finally published and I am looking forward to reading it now. Happy Tuesday, my friend!! 🙂
You are fast this morning, Janine…thank you so much. I hope your Tuesday is everything you want it to be.
You are right, Bill.
We all are limited editions 🙂
Every body’s life is unique and am sure yours is equally intriguing.
Although I just checked you only have paperbacks. Any plans of getting it on kindle?
A writing guide is ideal…every writer and to-be writer wouldn’t mind reading it.
Good luck!
Kindle edition
Bill, I love your introduction. It certainly pushes the “open me up” button! I will be picking up a paperback copy in the not-too-distant future. The William D. Holland space on my bookshelf is quickly becoming full! I have shelves for John Grisholm, Dean Koontz, Stephen King, another for various authors and one for my friend, William D Holland. Too cool!
Sha, you are a doll. Thank you so much for your continued faith in me and unwavering support. It means a great deal to me, my friend.
I do the same thing. I’m always thinking. I live a boring life. Until, that is I look back on all the things that I have done and think. Wow! I really have done a lot of things.
Ain’t it the truth, Donna? We can store a lot of experience into a few decades.
All the best Bill. You are showing the way, like a beacon-on-sea to weary wayfarers in rocky boats, like mines. Good on Ya. Another beautiful … most soothing piece of writing.
Thank you Manatita….me, a beacon on the sea? That’s a new one, but I appreciate it.
Congrats:) What makes you unique is your ability to write and convey your thoughts with clarity.
Btw, I do not have a credit/debit card. So, I can’t get it via Amazon. If you have a copy on eBay, I will purchase it with my Paypal account.
I appreciate that Nightlake. I’ve never gone the ebay route. Let me think on that one.
I am waiting for payday to purchase this book. I’ve been waiting with anticipation. Congratulations, Bill.
Thank you in advance, Lori. I suspect you’ll see some of yourself in my story.
Bill
Good on you for writing it. There’s not really any such thing as ‘ordinary’ really, we’re all unique, and I don’t just mean our fingerprints! So I’m glad you finished the Memoir.
We are indeed, Lawrence, and I thank you! I think we are all fascinating and have a story to tell.
Congrats on getting this published, Big Bro. I plan on getting it soon and I can’t wait to read! You have such a story to tell! Just wanted to pop by…I hope you’re having a great week!
All is well, Lil Sis….haven’t seen any postings by you in a long time. I hope you are well.
Love and hugs
Bill YOU are extraordinary my friend.. And it is wonderful that you have put it all down for future generations to remember just how extraordinary you are…
While I keep toying with the idea of writing a book… Of late I have all on keeping up with blogs and comments lol… But who knows… I know where to buy a book that will be giving me advice upon how to write it.. ❤
Sending warm well wishes your way Bill… 🙂
Thank you so much, Sue! If you ever need assistance in telling that story of yours, please reach out across the Pond.
Best wishes to you on this chilly morning.
I most certainly know who to ask thank you Bill. 🤗👍
Dear Bill, I really loved the excerpt from your memoir that I read over on Amazon. Your chatty style is great — I could almost hear you talking. Perhaps you should do an Audible version, too. I did like the little snippets and quotes that put it so much in its historical context. I’m going to save up for the paperback version, as I think Mr Potter would enjoy reading it as well, and won’t want to read it on Kindle. I’ve just spent rather a lot on books, so will have to wait until next month now. I’ll let you know when I am holding a copy in my hands! Will review it, of course. Meanwhile, wishing you the best of luck with sales. I’m so proud of you. Sending positive vibes from across the Pond, dear friend.
Sarah, you being proud of me means a great deal to me.Thank you my dear friend, and thank you in advance for purchasing my memoir. I do hope you enjoy it.
Hugs from stormy Olympia
P.S. it’s good to have you back!