Guest Post by Susan Gregg

Writing

What makes someone a writer? I am not sure. I have kept a journal for over 20 years and write in it almost daily. I didn't grow up thinking I was going to be a writer, but once I started writing I found it very powerful, cathartic, enjoyable and transformational.

I don't think it's necessarily the best writers that get published, I think it's the most persistent ones. Time and time again I have read, “Write what you're passionate about.” I know it certainly makes a big difference in my writing.

People are often amazed that I've written so many books and so am I. When I thought of writing my first book the idea of actually writing a book seemed monumental. One of my mentors asked me if I was going to finish the book. I did my usual song and dance and he just very patiently asked me, “Are you going to finish the book?” He continued to ask me until I finally said yes.

When I was in the process of getting my first book published I received rejection letter after rejection letter. One day I was standing in my living room feeling very discouraged and I heard his voice say, “Are you going to get the book published?” I said yes and that yes carried me through many, many more rejections until I finally got a yes.

Now, when I write a book I don't think about finishing it or getting it published I just allow myself to savor writing each and every word. I find staring at a blank page intimidating so I usually end my writing day by writing at least one sentence of the next chapter. Some days I can write and some days it just doesn't flow. On the days it's not flowing I do something else that helps my creativity to flow.

I had a stained glass studio for 13 years. I loved making stained glass, but once it became a business that enjoyment faded. I love writing and it is how I make my living, but I've never allowed it to become a business.

The publishing industry has changed a lot over the years. These days unless you're a best-selling author you don't have a lot of clout, but I write because I love writing and since I value myself my editors value me as well.

The best advice I ever received about writing was to write what I'm passionate about and to be passionate about what I'm writing. And over the years I've added and allow myself to enjoy each and every moment.

So enjoy writing!
Susan


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