IWSG Asks: Do you remember writing your first book? What were your thoughts about a career path on writing? Where are you now and how is it working out for you? If you're at the start of the journey, what are your goals?
I was 15 years old when I wrote my first full-length manuscript. At the time, it was simply for fun. I had no thoughts about having a writing career. In fact, it took me a while to figure out that the people who wrote the books I loved reading actually got paid for writing them! Yeah. Paid! As in money! Even as a kid, I lived in my own fantasy world that rarely included reality. Well, I guess I still do as an adult. Hey, I guess things don't change that much! :)
Eventually, with the advice of a wonderful teacher in my high school creative writing class, I figured out that writing books for fun could turn into a possible career. (A huge thanks to Mr. McCormick for suggesting I submit my stories for publication! I never imagined that one conversation after class could alter the direction of my entire life!)
Now, 30 years after writing my first book (don't do the math here, my kids assure me that I'm old), I'm a USA Today Bestselling Author, a best-selling international author, and my books have hit Amazon's Top 100 bestsellers lists. I've been writing professionally for thirteen years as an indie author and with traditional publishers. Those are accomplishments that I never would have imagined when I was 15!
The journey to get here hasn't been an easy one. It's been a bumpy ride, and I still have a ways to go. I have more goals to reach for and many more stories to write. Life is never simple. There have been numerous obstacles in my path. And there have been more than a few times when I considered giving up. But writing is my passion. It's in my soul. Even if I stopped publishing books, I would never give up writing completely. I started out writing for fun, and I'll keep doing more of that.
But it's nice to get paid for writing. Having a career where I don't need to get out of my pajamas in the morning is kinda cool, too!
I write sensual paranormal, sci-fi and historical romances. Interested in learning more about my stories? Become a VIP Reader by signing up for my newsletter where you'll learn about my new book releases, updates on my works-in-progress, book reviews, contests, and other fun book-related info!
Looking for a little escape? Check out these stories!
.jpg)
That is an absolutely amazing story. I'm so glad you had the support in school. And look what a huge difference it made! We need more great stories like that to remind people how great teachers can be.
ReplyDeleteKeep kicking writing butt.
Happy IWSG day! Here's a giveaway- rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/4fa90ac761
It's April, so I'm focused on the #AtoZChallenge.
Proof of Existence, book two in my dark urban fantasy series, is out this month.
I'm running another giveaway on my blog.
J Lenni Dorner (he/him 👨🏽 or 🧑🏽 they/them) ~ Reference& Speculative Fiction Author, OperationAwesome6 Debut Author Interviewer, and Co-host of the #AtoZchallenge
It's so good that your teacher recognised your talent and encouraged it. Good teachers are quite hard to find.
ReplyDeleteI love amazing teachers who inspire us to pursue our passions as careers! They are the best!~
ReplyDeletewww.heidiangell.com