This is really helpful! Thanks for sharing! I love the idea of leaning into celebrating even the small wins. Last night, I wrote the first new scene based on my developmental editor's feedback. I've been dragging on revisions, and so this was a big deal! Thanks for the reminder to celebrate!
Well, I am NOT a Baby Writer...more like a Grandma Writer, but I'm still plugging away because writing is what I've always wanted to do, even though "success" isn't always measured in royalty checks or invitations to speaking engagements. But what I came here to say is a wholehearted YES to #1--when I published my first book with She Writes Press 12 years ago, the benefit I never knew to expect or needed was the sisterhood of writers that continues to support each other to this day. I've been lucky to be a part of a couple of other writing networks as well and I have to say a community of writers is one of the best things a writer can be a part of. Grandmas or Babies!
I've heard such wonderful things about the sisterhood of She Writes Press writers. How powerful! And I'm taking great pleasure in the juxtaposition of Grandma Babies. Being new and senior. Being fresh and wise. Being beginners and mentors. I adore that we never ever need to be one thing. Thanks for being in conversation, Cindy.
My first, and unplanned/unexpected novel has been in progress for 10+ years. During that time, I’ve met so many soulmates in my writing communities. At the end of May, I celebrated sending Revision 2 to my developmental editor. April 2025, I celebrated completing Draft 1.
I don’t know where this journey will take me, but I’m here for the ride, and have two more ideas percolating!
It wasn’t always that way. This is how I’ve evolved, from a hustle culture automaton, into retirement. From paid work to a move from suburban NYC to a semi-rural area in Southeastern PA.
The hustle culture life almost destroyed me. I’m reclaiming it all: beauty, joy, healthful eating and activities, friendships and creativity.
Thanks for being here, and for being one of the voices I know in the void, saying “You can do this.”
I loved how much about this was about the relationship and LIFE of being an author, not just the act of writing. So much of the pains around writing, to me, are the mental battles, not the writer's blocks. Thank you!!
You're note on relationships got me. I was writing last night and my husband was sat on the sofa doing his own work. I kept glancing over to him and felt so lucky that he was there. Just present. The moment I cried at what I had written he was right beside me. And then he went back to the sofa as I went back to write. It felt far less lonely than him being in a different room. Perhaps I can't quite describe it, but I felt super lucky.
oh my gosh, Clare, YES, that moment! What a gift to have that kind of support and also to see it for the wonderfulness that it is. I'm very glad you have him!
Yes! Yes!! to "addictive" especially when one is at the point in one's novel when your Characters tell YOU where they want to go in the story. For me, it's at about the 10,000 word point that I can actually 'hear' the voices of my characters. Dialogue is such Magic!
Also, I was (LOL) convinced that my first novel should be turned into a screen play -- the agent I was talking to actually BURST out laughing when I mentioned the possibility! ___ Although it was a very humbling moment; I do too, now, looking back 14 years. (where's the laugh emoji??) ;D
What I love, though, is that delusional confidence of early authorhood. It's wonderful to be able to laugh at the moment in retrospect, but I also think that the delusion is a great thing in the early days to continue the forward momentum into a career that is quite difficult, don't you? (But oh my, that agent bursting out laughing...!)
What a beautiful and touching essay. Loved every word. And especially the notion that we are in control of our courage. I've never thought of it that way, but it's true. And being in control of our courage doesn't necessarily mean that we aren't simultaneously fearful. Those two things can (and often do) coexist--courage (for me, at least)--means going forward even when you are afraid.
oh yes, ONE HUNDRED PERCENT AGREE that courage and fear can coexist. And also completely agree with you that courage is moving forward even when you are afraid. Or shutting your eyes tight and singing LA LA LA LA LA while you plummet headlong into publishing and hope there is a decently soft landing... ! (But if you've got your friends from #1, you'll be okay because they will catch you.)
This is really helpful! Thanks for sharing! I love the idea of leaning into celebrating even the small wins. Last night, I wrote the first new scene based on my developmental editor's feedback. I've been dragging on revisions, and so this was a big deal! Thanks for the reminder to celebrate!
Oh hooray! I'm happy you're going to celebrate writing that new scene, Kathleen! Go YOU!
Well, I am NOT a Baby Writer...more like a Grandma Writer, but I'm still plugging away because writing is what I've always wanted to do, even though "success" isn't always measured in royalty checks or invitations to speaking engagements. But what I came here to say is a wholehearted YES to #1--when I published my first book with She Writes Press 12 years ago, the benefit I never knew to expect or needed was the sisterhood of writers that continues to support each other to this day. I've been lucky to be a part of a couple of other writing networks as well and I have to say a community of writers is one of the best things a writer can be a part of. Grandmas or Babies!
Great lessons...and congrats on YOUR success! ♥
I've heard such wonderful things about the sisterhood of She Writes Press writers. How powerful! And I'm taking great pleasure in the juxtaposition of Grandma Babies. Being new and senior. Being fresh and wise. Being beginners and mentors. I adore that we never ever need to be one thing. Thanks for being in conversation, Cindy.
It's a great conversation to have! I am happy to be a part of it.
And you're right about the SWP sisterhood, it's an invaluable part of my writing practice.
I LOVE that you found such a wonderful community with the other authors from your publisher! What a gift that is, Cindy!
It truly is!
Thank you so much! Especially for noting that there are different seasons for the writer and that’s ok!
I'm really glad you liked this post, Julie! If you're a writer, you are ALWAYS a writer, even if it's not the season for actively writing. 💛
My first, and unplanned/unexpected novel has been in progress for 10+ years. During that time, I’ve met so many soulmates in my writing communities. At the end of May, I celebrated sending Revision 2 to my developmental editor. April 2025, I celebrated completing Draft 1.
I don’t know where this journey will take me, but I’m here for the ride, and have two more ideas percolating!
Wendy, this is so so great! I love how you're taking your time and celebrating along the way. What a beautiful way to exist as a writer and artist!
It wasn’t always that way. This is how I’ve evolved, from a hustle culture automaton, into retirement. From paid work to a move from suburban NYC to a semi-rural area in Southeastern PA.
The hustle culture life almost destroyed me. I’m reclaiming it all: beauty, joy, healthful eating and activities, friendships and creativity.
Thanks for being here, and for being one of the voices I know in the void, saying “You can do this.”
Just finished writing book 2 (and signed with agent #2!) but all of this resonates SO much. What a great list!
Some great insights in here, thanks for this, it’s nice to see a positive publishing story lately!
Very glad this hit you in the right spot, JH!
I loved how much about this was about the relationship and LIFE of being an author, not just the act of writing. So much of the pains around writing, to me, are the mental battles, not the writer's blocks. Thank you!!
Ian, your comment made me smile. Thank you!
I so appreciate this perspective. I love how focused this advice is on keeping the flame alive—in writing and in the rest of our lives!
yes yes yes, Tara!
Congratulations on 10 books and 10 years! And thank you for sharing this insightful piece about the life of a writer ❤️
Thank you so very much, Shelby!
You're note on relationships got me. I was writing last night and my husband was sat on the sofa doing his own work. I kept glancing over to him and felt so lucky that he was there. Just present. The moment I cried at what I had written he was right beside me. And then he went back to the sofa as I went back to write. It felt far less lonely than him being in a different room. Perhaps I can't quite describe it, but I felt super lucky.
oh my gosh, Clare, YES, that moment! What a gift to have that kind of support and also to see it for the wonderfulness that it is. I'm very glad you have him!
Love all 10 and just borrowed Writing, Creativity, and Soul from the library.
I will remember from now on to celebrate the small wins! Thank you!
Come celebrate those small wins with us in the chat or book club. We love cheering our fellow creatives on!
I sure will. Thank you!
woohoo! Yes to alll the celebrations!
Yes! Yes!! to "addictive" especially when one is at the point in one's novel when your Characters tell YOU where they want to go in the story. For me, it's at about the 10,000 word point that I can actually 'hear' the voices of my characters. Dialogue is such Magic!
Also, I was (LOL) convinced that my first novel should be turned into a screen play -- the agent I was talking to actually BURST out laughing when I mentioned the possibility! ___ Although it was a very humbling moment; I do too, now, looking back 14 years. (where's the laugh emoji??) ;D
What I love, though, is that delusional confidence of early authorhood. It's wonderful to be able to laugh at the moment in retrospect, but I also think that the delusion is a great thing in the early days to continue the forward momentum into a career that is quite difficult, don't you? (But oh my, that agent bursting out laughing...!)
What a beautiful and touching essay. Loved every word. And especially the notion that we are in control of our courage. I've never thought of it that way, but it's true. And being in control of our courage doesn't necessarily mean that we aren't simultaneously fearful. Those two things can (and often do) coexist--courage (for me, at least)--means going forward even when you are afraid.
Have a lovely weekend...
oh yes, ONE HUNDRED PERCENT AGREE that courage and fear can coexist. And also completely agree with you that courage is moving forward even when you are afraid. Or shutting your eyes tight and singing LA LA LA LA LA while you plummet headlong into publishing and hope there is a decently soft landing... ! (But if you've got your friends from #1, you'll be okay because they will catch you.)
I appreciate this so much 💜
So so happy it touched you, Nico!
Thank you for this post. It was beautiful. 😍
Thank you very very much, Other Evelyn! 💛