From Writer to Author #writers #authors

I have always wanted to write. I don't even remember not wanting to write. The same is true for reading. I don't remembering learning to read, it was just something I always did, and  it didn't matter what it was that I read. Everything was readable from advertisements to novels. Nothing stood in my way. Ask me about the 1964 Kenmore Automatic Washer Models. Pathetic, right?

Not at all. If you want to write you have to read. But the best advice ever?

Lead an interesting life. Delve into your emotions even the painful ones.  Experience life to the best of your ability. I LOVE LOVE LOVE old deserted buildings and graveyards. They scare me to death! My kids think I'm crazy and I'm sure my friends do too, except the ones that enjoy getting scared as much as me. Graveyards are my favorites. Omg, you can find the most awesome headstones.

I love the sciences and history and theoretical physics. I love the mountains and deserts and canyon country. I love the Anasazi, the Hopi, and the Apache. Road trips are my favorite vacations. Broken down motels are my favorite places to stay as long as they have clean sheets. You won't find me in a Days Inn, or a Marriott hotel. I love out of the way places, dirt roads that take me to archaeological digs. Yes, my husband, the driver, gets lost now and then but we always find our way back.

Cultivate who you are. The real you, not the one you think you should be. Have conversations that are unique. Piss a few people off. Watch their reactions then write about it. Write about the things you love. Leave the subjects and predicates and commas to the editors. BE who you are with all the political wrongness you can muster. Say who you are, speak freely and strongly.  Write what you love and share it with the world. There will always be people who don't like the way you write and there will be those that totally get you. You will have run ins with your editors, you will have your feelings bashed and buried on the sides of bumpy roads and opinions, but none of it matters as long as you can write.

Promise.