The writing process can be a long and arduous journey, with some authors taking years to complete their work. Here are five books that took the longest to write.
Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell was written over a period of 10 years. The novel was published in 1936 and was an immediate success, becoming the bestselling novel of the 20th century. The novel follows the life of Scarlett O’Hara, a strong-willed Southern belle, and her struggles to survive the Civil War and Reconstruction.
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz was written over a period of 10 years. The novel follows the life of Oscar Wao, a Dominican-American living in New Jersey, and his struggles to find love and acceptance. The novel was published in 2007 and won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.
No Great Mischief by Alistair MacLeod was written over a period of 13 years. The novel follows the lives of the MacLeod family, who have been living in Canada since the 18th century. The novel was published in 1999 and won the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award.
The Lord of The Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien was written over a period of 12-17 years. The novel follows the adventures of Frodo Baggins and his quest to destroy the One Ring and save Middle-earth from the Dark Lord Sauron. The novel was published in 1954 and has become one of the most popular and influential works of fantasy literature.
Sphere by Michael Crichton was written over a period of 20 years. The novel follows the story of a group of scientists who are sent to investigate a mysterious spacecraft that has been discovered at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean. The novel was published in 1987 and was adapted into a film in 1998.
These five books are a testament to the dedication and hard work of their authors. Writing a book can be a long and difficult process, but the rewards can be great.
