Ms. Conceptions
The first author that I idolized was Beverly Cleary. Knowing nothing about her, or any authors really, I assumed that she lived a glamorous life surrounded by gilded typewriters and cabana boys.
As an adult, I hung onto many of these misconceptions:
Rich AF
Can just sit down and write a book
Grammar Goddess
Huge team of employees
Does nothing but write
Loves writing
Now, as a writer, I know that most authors have to work at least one full time job, and many have a few side hustles too. Even traditionally published authors often need a steady income to see them through between payouts.
Being able to just sit down and write a book would be my super power, if I could choose one. There’s often no rhyme or reason to the way I create a book. Sadly, I can never just sit down and write a story from the beginning to the end. I hop all around the process. It’s kind of the same way I learned to read and write.
I went to 10 schools before fifth grade. That caused a lot of missed opportunities for education. A teacher in third grade finally taught me to read, but it took a long time to find any enjoyment in it.
Writing became a way that I would enact escape fantasies as a child. My first book - which was 21 pages - saw the protagonist rescue her brothers from abuse with the aid of helium infused bubble gum. Later books were grittier, but dealt with the same concepts.
My later books began to focus on female empowerment. Supernatural power or tenaciousness would drag the protagonists through their adventures.
What writing these books taught me about actual authors is as follows.
Tired AF
Struggles to write some days
Relies on her editor for comma rules
A few trusted allies
Has to write
Probably needs therapy
Has mixed feelings about writing
I started this blog post 2 years ago. It was in my drafts folder waiting to be thrown away, but I needed to read it. I needed to be reminded why I write. The reasons I write may only matter to me, but they really matter to me.
I had taken a long break from writing - from any creating. I have 7 books to complete during the summer of 2024. It’s a completely unrealistic goal, but that’s the goal nonetheless. I hope you’ll come along on this journey with me.
