Why I wrote Sophie
It all began about four years ago.
I was reading a book with my then 7-year-old daughter, and after we finished it, I thought to myself that she deserves more.
I just finished reading a fantastic book about a principled, determined hero which inspired me so much, that I decided to change a career path and join a start-up company.
"Why aren't there more books about worthy, honest, rational and moral heroes? Why is everything today about imaginary superheroes? Why can't I find a story about a normal, everyday-life hero to inspire my child?"
That was the thought I had when I went to bed that night.
The next day I started writing my first short story about Sophie and Leo. It was about honesty and integrity. The next one was about knowledge, reason, and truth. I went on to write about 12 short stories.
My daughter loved them, and she loved the relationship between Sophie and Leo. The most important thing that happened was that we got to talk about important philosophical topics in the context of the story. The discussions were concrete, real and even actionable. I felt that through those stories, I can explain and share life-long insights and learnings effectively.
At one point in time, I said - "what if I merge all those short stories into one story?"
That was a big mistake :)
Three and a half years later, I managed to accomplish this task (about three years more than I expected it to take).
It involved learning endless lessons about how to, and how not to write. How to structure a plot, find my voice (through Leo who tells the story in first-person throughout the book) and many more tactics on how to manage a full-time job in tech and the burning need to get Sophie out into the world.
And I'm finally here.
Sophie's manuscript is done, and I'm working on the final details of the book's layout, design, covers, etc. It is planned to be out early next year, and I can't wait to hear what middle-graders, young adults, and parents think about it.
More than anything, I hope Sophie will be a vehicle for meaningful discussions between parents and children about things like what is happiness, the virtue of independence and self-reliance, productivity, reason and emotions, and many more ideas that are behind many of the conversations in the book.
If you are an aspiring author - I'm here for you. I will be happy to share my learnings, techniques, and tips to make it happen - to get your book out into the world.
If you are intrigued about Sophie - download the first chapter at www.sophie-book.com and let me know what you think.
If you already pre-ordered the book and you're waiting to get it - Thank You! and please be patient with me as I'm working through the publishing process as fast as I can...
That's it for now. Just wanted to introduce myself and the reason that led me to write Sophie.
I'll be writing more about the different ideas in the 17 chapters of Sophie. Please feel free to reach out, ask questions or share your thoughts with me.
Wishing you Happy Holidays and a fantastic, life-changing, incredible 2018!
Tal
I was reading a book with my then 7-year-old daughter, and after we finished it, I thought to myself that she deserves more.
I just finished reading a fantastic book about a principled, determined hero which inspired me so much, that I decided to change a career path and join a start-up company.
"Why aren't there more books about worthy, honest, rational and moral heroes? Why is everything today about imaginary superheroes? Why can't I find a story about a normal, everyday-life hero to inspire my child?"
That was the thought I had when I went to bed that night.
The next day I started writing my first short story about Sophie and Leo. It was about honesty and integrity. The next one was about knowledge, reason, and truth. I went on to write about 12 short stories.
My daughter loved them, and she loved the relationship between Sophie and Leo. The most important thing that happened was that we got to talk about important philosophical topics in the context of the story. The discussions were concrete, real and even actionable. I felt that through those stories, I can explain and share life-long insights and learnings effectively.
At one point in time, I said - "what if I merge all those short stories into one story?"
That was a big mistake :)
Three and a half years later, I managed to accomplish this task (about three years more than I expected it to take).
It involved learning endless lessons about how to, and how not to write. How to structure a plot, find my voice (through Leo who tells the story in first-person throughout the book) and many more tactics on how to manage a full-time job in tech and the burning need to get Sophie out into the world.
And I'm finally here.
Sophie's manuscript is done, and I'm working on the final details of the book's layout, design, covers, etc. It is planned to be out early next year, and I can't wait to hear what middle-graders, young adults, and parents think about it.
More than anything, I hope Sophie will be a vehicle for meaningful discussions between parents and children about things like what is happiness, the virtue of independence and self-reliance, productivity, reason and emotions, and many more ideas that are behind many of the conversations in the book.
If you are an aspiring author - I'm here for you. I will be happy to share my learnings, techniques, and tips to make it happen - to get your book out into the world.
If you are intrigued about Sophie - download the first chapter at www.sophie-book.com and let me know what you think.
If you already pre-ordered the book and you're waiting to get it - Thank You! and please be patient with me as I'm working through the publishing process as fast as I can...
That's it for now. Just wanted to introduce myself and the reason that led me to write Sophie.
I'll be writing more about the different ideas in the 17 chapters of Sophie. Please feel free to reach out, ask questions or share your thoughts with me.
Wishing you Happy Holidays and a fantastic, life-changing, incredible 2018!
Tal
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