The Writing Life

resources for writers and other creative travelers

 

Once upon a time a little girl dreamed of being a real-life author. She thought there could be nothing better than writing stories in her comfortable mountain cabin, sending them off to publishers who would send her comfortable royalty checks and advances for book after book after book.

Then, she discovered there is something better. Only, this something didn’t look better. Not at first. It looked like a lot more work (which it is), demanding more character, determination, and stamina than she imagined she would ever need (or, to be honest, could ever possibly have).

She discovered the author’s life is more complicated and involves more knowledge and skills than even a grown-up girl can acquire on her own. So, she studied books on writing books. She joined critique groups. She attended writers’ conferences. She met kind and generous authors, agents, editors, and publishers. Met them in books, blogs, podcasts, membership sites, websites, and email subscriptions. People who confirmed that yes, it’s not as comfortable as she thought. But it’s also not a dream that leaves you sitting all alone in your cozy high tower with only a typewriter or a scratchy pen (or a smooth pen for that matter) for company.

She discovered, to her surprise, companionship is way better than comfort.

She grew to love the companions and way-pointers she met along the rough and tangled path. To love learning which paths in the tangled woods are short cuts and which are side tracks. She learned to love stopping for a chat and a cup of tea. To enjoy the actual trip and the people she meets along the way to her distant fairytale castle in Successful Author Land.

So, now, if you wander by her comfortable mountain cabin and hear her typing away, you’ll see an extra chair by the fire and a sign on the door:

Welcome, travelers, weary or confused. Way pointer within. Stop in for comfort, encouragement, and travel tips. If I can’t help, I’ll point you to someone who can. I’m glad you’re here.

Is this you? You can get my list of favorite resources for writers by sending me an email with The Writing Life in the subject line.