Freshman Sheridan Barnhart knows first hand what the process of trying to write a book is like. Barnhart is a creative and quirky girl, which comes out in her writing. She says that she sees things differently than most people do – for her a field isn’t just a field, it’s a place where many things have the potential to unfold.

According to New York Timeout, authors all agree that loving what you do is important. Barnhart is finding that she loves teaching others all that she knows about writing. But, she feels that people underestimate exactly what it takes to be a good author that writes great books. Barnhart wants other people to know and understand what it takes to be the  best writer writer they can be, such as having a great imagination.

“I often find myself daydreaming or picturing scenes in my head,” Barnhart said. “I have a great imagination and I love to try and mold my dreams into a story.”

Barnhart spends quite a bit of free time in her room, her head bent as she types quickly and expertly on her computer. She writes because she loves the way she creates the world, and enjoys the “freedom” in every word she types that are “her words and her thoughts.”

“Theres a quote I read one time that I really loved,” Barnhart said. “It went like this, ‘I write because I don’t know what I think until I read what I say.’ I really related to this quote and understood it 100 percent.”

Writing, Barnhart said, is “how she knows what she feels about a topic that is sensitive.” When Barnhart writes, she’ll find herself really understanding the depth behind each word, something that can really help her out as she gets into a story.

For Barnhart, writing stories is a fun way to express herself. But shes says it takes a lot of time and thought, and it can be very difficult because of the many things needed to be a good writer.

“If you’re going to write a book, you definitely need integrity.” Barnhart said. “It can be a long and difficult process, but you can’t just give up.”

Other people, like Ashley Monroe, a 23 year-old UMKC graduate, agrees with Barnhart.

“Motivation is a must in any writing career,” Monroe said. “You cannot give up easily, or you’ll never make it in the industry.”

Writing is not an easy thing; it takes more than most people understand Monroe said. There are many things that a writer must have to truly be the best they can be.

“Coming up with all the needed parts of a story is a very difficult process,” Monroe said. “But the writing itself is definitely the more difficult part.”

Travis Gentry is a 19 year old KSU student who writes in his free time. Being a college student, he doesn’t have a lot of free time to spare. Any that he does, however, he puts into his writing.

“Patience is key,” Gentry said. “I have to be patient with myself as I struggle to find the time to write.”

Gentry says patience is a must have when writing a book. But not just because it’s hard to find time; it also takes patience to gather your thoughts and figure out what you want to say.

Aaron Jacobson, a junior at Shawnee Mission South, is considering a degree in creative writing. Much like Monroe and Gentry, Jacobson also agrees that patience, motivation and integrity are important.

“There are many factors to consider when writing a book of any kind,” Jacobson said. “You need to be a hard worker, and you really need to have passion for your work.”

Each of these aspiring authors have ideals that are important to them when writing their stories. They all agreed that the patience it takes to write a story is one of the most trying parts.

Sheridan Barnhart focuses on each of the ideals when she writes. She believes each one is equally important and advises younger writers to really focus on these parts.

“In the future I hope to become an amazing author,” Barnhart said. “I will always take these ideals to heart. Motivation, integrity and patience are all key factors involved in being the best writer you can be.”

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