Fall is for Writers

This Fall, I’m living the dream. I decided to retire a little early so that I could spend more time doing what I love…writing!

I’m lucky, I know, because the dream of most of my writing friends is having enough time in the day to be able to spend more time doing what they love (writing) while still being able to pay the bills (not to mention, maintaining flesh and blood relationships). Not many writers can pay the bills with their writing, especially in the beginning. Truth be told, I spend more money on workshops, marketing, and editing than I’ll probably ever recoop, and more time with my fictional characters than my real family and friends (my wonderful spouse excluded…I hope!), but yet my quest goes on.

The desire to create, express, and explore is real. To bring new people to life, to explore their struggles and successes, to write endings I’d like to see played out in the real world, is the goal. To take people on an adventure, to have them spend a few days inside my head, is a way of sharing, of connecting.

It’s intimate and scary, too. Nobody starts out as a great writer, it’s a process. I have a writer’s critique group that I’ve been a part of for nearly four years. Every week, via Zoom and Google Drive, we share our writing with eachother, knowing that the only way to hone our skills is to be willing to be criticized. If you’re not willing to accept criticism, to invite it in, I doubt that you will become all that you could have been. Every writer knows that iron sharpens iron.

It’s also a great place for encouragement. Many days we come to share our hopes and frustrations, to build eachother up when we feel like tossing our manuscript in the burn pile. Without my group, I doubt I’d have the perseverence to continue this journey of expression. They’re alot like good workout partners. When I’m feeling lazy, they get me going, and vice versa!

I encourage all you aspiring writers to find a tribe. They make the journey so much more fulfilling and doable!

So, this Fall, find a kindred spirit who shares your passion and and become the dynamic duo or trio that will keep you going even when you don’t feel like it! You got this!