I used to write all the time too, even into my teens… Then I only wrote a lot during NaNoWriMo, until my friend Sarra Cannon inspired me to write my first book in November of 2020, which I then restarted in January and published in March of 2021 when I was just shy of turning 31. I’ve been writing books ever since then. Lol. 😆
“Didn’t plan to” is how almost every author I’ve signed at our small press answers the question. Nobody architects a writing life from scratch — you find yourself two stories in and realize the through-line is you. The plan shows up on the back end. Looking forward to reading your post.
Same. I write the Neil Baggio and Marie Perdita thrillers and “I didn’t plan to write books” describes about half the authors we’ve signed at our small press. The ones who set out to be authors often quit; the ones who just had a story they couldn’t put down somehow keep going. The not-planning is sometimes the credential.
That’s so interesting! I wonder if it’s because they’re more focused on just wanting to tell stories rather than the external success, so that’s what keeps them going even through the failures and rejections
Thank you for sharing! I have known for years that I want to write - but I was deep, deep into a 3 decade career in corporate IT. Trying to relax enough to write - on weekends or even long vacations - never worked. I’ve been retired for 74 days 🎉 - and now that next chapter is in progress!
Thanks for sharing your journey! Similarly, I also am a certified meditation teacher, and was once a Health Coach. Tried using both to supplement my income while building my writing career.
Wow - this is very insightful and I felt connected to you as I read it. Sounds alot like me in my childhood. My journal was my best friend.
Aww that makes me so happy that you enjoyed it! And I love how so many other authors also wrote during their childhood (:
I used to write all the time too, even into my teens… Then I only wrote a lot during NaNoWriMo, until my friend Sarra Cannon inspired me to write my first book in November of 2020, which I then restarted in January and published in March of 2021 when I was just shy of turning 31. I’ve been writing books ever since then. Lol. 😆
That’s incredible! I’ve heard of a lot of writer’s getting started through Nanowrimo. I love that you haven’t looked back since!
It's been a wild journey, that's for sure! Lol.
“Didn’t plan to” is how almost every author I’ve signed at our small press answers the question. Nobody architects a writing life from scratch — you find yourself two stories in and realize the through-line is you. The plan shows up on the back end. Looking forward to reading your post.
Same. I write the Neil Baggio and Marie Perdita thrillers and “I didn’t plan to write books” describes about half the authors we’ve signed at our small press. The ones who set out to be authors often quit; the ones who just had a story they couldn’t put down somehow keep going. The not-planning is sometimes the credential.
That’s so interesting! I wonder if it’s because they’re more focused on just wanting to tell stories rather than the external success, so that’s what keeps them going even through the failures and rejections
Thank you for sharing! I have known for years that I want to write - but I was deep, deep into a 3 decade career in corporate IT. Trying to relax enough to write - on weekends or even long vacations - never worked. I’ve been retired for 74 days 🎉 - and now that next chapter is in progress!
Ahh that’s so exciting!! This is your time (: I’m wishing you all the best with your writing journey!
Thanks for sharing your journey! Similarly, I also am a certified meditation teacher, and was once a Health Coach. Tried using both to supplement my income while building my writing career.
Oh interesting! It’s always cool hearing about the other jobs writers have or have had in the past
Writing as a career isn’t linear! Glad you found what inspires you most.
No, it’s very much a windy roller coaster! And thank you (:
Thanks for this article! I love reading about other people’s book journey.