5 Surprising Facts About Writers

Many writers are combo-deals. Some are extroverts, others introverts, and yet others are introverts who have become extroverts by doing what they fear. [That would be me].

Extroverts have no problem talking about themselves among strangers. "Did you hear about my latest book?" They have no problem speaking at writer's conferences or book clubs. In fact, they often put their name out there as a possible speaker candidate.

Introverts, while great writers are shy about their work. They know it's good but often use others to share what they've done so the spotlight isn't necessarily on them. Speaking up is difficult, and they shy away from the spotlight at all costs. 

Are you #4 or #2? or Both?

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Writers like people. No kidding. Yes, they like to write and they spend hours at the craft if they want to be any good. They also read voraciously. But the best writers get out from behind the computer screen every once in a while. They have to. For their own sanity and to drum up some new characters from watching readers like you.

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Writers like other things besides writing. It's not all about writing, revision, publishing, and marketing - the last being one of the hardest things on the planet for most writers. When writers are not writing they're doing many other things like hiking, biking, or even - dare I say it - cake decorating. I enjoy interior design myself and check out fantastic books on this subject at the library.

What do you think of this balcony space?

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Writers eat regular meals. They don't just sit at the computer every day drinking their favorite beverage and eating popcorn. They actually leave their post for a time to eat a family dinner or go out to eat. I am reminded of a teacher I saw once at the grocery store and how amazed I was that 'they' actually let her out of school.

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Writers - or most writers - do not get rich in their writing. For those just publishing their first book, their biggest dream is often to make the Best Sellers List. Writers who have been at it for a while see the truth. Just write the best way you know, market the heck out of it, meet people as often as you can, connect in a real way, and see what happens after that. 

Looks like a nice place to visit

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Books Make Great Gifts

Okay, you've more than likely heard that one before. 

Some of my fondest memories take me back to those times in my childhood when reading a good book was about as fun as eating a piece of chocolate cake. 

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I'm not kidding.

How else can you transport to the Land of Oz without leaving your living room couch? What else but a book can teach you how to train your cat, eat simply, travel to Mars, or teach you how to take a breather from a busy holiday season?

I love books. I have always loved books. Even when I couldn't read books I loved them. My mom tells me I would crawl to the bookshelf for what I wanted and crawl back with the next book I wanted to 'read'.

Now that I'm a writer, I have a greater reason to read. I learn a lot from other writers, though sometimes I have to turn off my writer brain in favor of just enjoying the story - ask any prolific writer and they'll tell you - it's difficult to read a book without correcting everything.

Still, with my writer brain shut off for a time, I can truly enjoy reading. And I'm happy to get books from others too. [hint hint].

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Just today I looked in the wrong drawer and saw one of my Christmas presents, yet unwrapped. Yes, it was a book, a book I wanted. Now before you get all huffy about me snooping where I shouldn't, I also need to tell you that I picked out the book. My husband picked out another for him. It's already wrapped. :)

I don't remember a year of my life when I haven't received a book for Christmas. When I was a teen, I began the Nancy Drew Mystery series and continued to receive the books for a few years for Christmas and birthdays. I love coffee table books, books of inspiration, and yes, even books that take me on a mystery chase. I love books of fantasy and science fiction, books that make me weep, stories that fill my soul with hope.

They say a writer writes what they read, what they hope for, what changes they would like to see in the world or in themselves. In writing, as well as in reading, we get a glimpse of the world as it is, and how we wish it to be.

Here's wishing you the dreams you hope for.

January Guest Author - Win FREE Books!

 

Yes, I will be the guest author on Two Authors, Books & a Beverage Club in January.

On January 4 there will be a live Q&A about me, my books, and my writing in general. If you're a reader you'll want to be there. If you're a writer in need of some new book, publishing, or marketing ideas, you'll want to be there.

I also co-own and operate Idea Creations Press, a publishing services company utilizing Print on Demand (POD) technology. If you have a question about publishing and what Idea Creations Press does, I can help you with that too!

I will be on Two Authors, Books & a Beverage Club the entire month of January, so drop on by and see what I am doing! Ask some questions, and win, win, win!!