The Reviews...
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The hallways of the Tallis Scriptorium are always so black at night. Statues and busts loom out of the dark and ribbed columns stretch down from the roof like pale fingers. I’ve taken my sandals off, twined their laces together, and hung them off my shoulder where they can’t make any noise, and the cold of the floor leeches through the soles of my feet. I pull my himation tighter around me, the rustling of the cloak a bare whisper. If this were day, I would hear the quiet scratch of reed pens against parchment in the study rooms to the east, the droning buzz of a master’s lecture from the hall. But in the night, it’s so stiflingly quiet. Like a tomb.
​
Even after seven years I’m still not used to it. To the quiet. The dark. Back on Heretis, the island I grew up on, there was always noise, always light, even in the rundown streets my brother and I haunted, where not many could afford oil for their lamps. Here on Tallis, the black is deep and somber, every door locked and every shutter latched firmly shut, as if the masters fear thieves who might lurk out there in the wilderness and the night.

If only they knew the thieves were already inside.

I slink down the shadowy hall, my eyes straining to navigate the black, even though it isn’t really the dark that’s a risk. Being out of bed this late would earn me a lashing, but at least that’s all I’d get. The true risk is in anyone discovering what I stole: the ledger currently clasped to my chest, its leather cover warm beneath my fingers. I can’t even say what the punishment for this would be, because as far as I know no one’s ever been impudent enough to try it.

At least not before me, and I prefer the term reckless.

I reach the west hall. Giving a quick glance up and down the silent corridor, I lift the latch on the closest window, wincing as it squeaks. I push the shutters open and night air brushes my skin.

The chilled marble of the windowsill stings against my legs as I swing over and drop into a crouch in the deep shadows by the edge of the building. From far off I can make out the sound of the waves crashing against the cliffs, the sharp tang of seawater hanging in the air. I take a deep breath, trying to trap the taste of it in my lungs.

I look across the dark courtyard to one of the smallest buildings. Despite its size, it’s all marble with a full colonnade around its edges and elaborate moldings of masters and ledgers and automatons in the frieze running along the edge of its roof, darkened now with shadows.

The Hall of Records.

The second watch rings across the complex. I allow myself a smile. Perfect. There shouldn’t be a patrol anywhere near here right now. I take off across the courtyard, bare feet pounding the packed dirt, not slowing until I slip past the colonnade. Bars of moonlight glow against the floor, stretching from the pillars that surround the open atrium I stand in. The back of the space is lost in the gloom, but it’s impossible to miss the glimmer of gold, too vivid and bright to be anything but Scriptwork.

I pad silently over, avoiding the strips of moonlight and sticking to the shadows. As if the night sky will tell on me. Details swim from the dark: olivewood doors stretching high above my head, framed with brass and cut with flourishes and curls; the seal of bronze plastered to their center; and the rune carved deep into the metal, a tangle of thick golden strokes, bent around each other as if in a knot. A lock rune. The most complicated rune on this island.

Headshot Photo Credit: Rebecca Orr

​Did you always dream of being a writer?

Yes! I was obsessed with books and reading as a kid and remember stating I wanted to be an author when I grew up. But when I did, study, work and life happened, and the dream was forgotten for a good while. Fortunately, it returned in my 30s.

 
When did you start pursuing publication of your work? 

I first dabbled on the fringes of writing for kids in 2014, and completed some courses, but it was more like 2016/2017 when I began properly submitting. Attending lots of kidlit conferences like CYA, Writers Unleashed and KidLitVic and meeting with publishers there really kickstarted the world of submitting for me. I’ve learnt so much via these events, and to anyone starting out I highly recommend them!
 

How long did it take from sending out your manuscript till getting a book deal?

For my latest picture book, Walking Your Human, I submitted it for just over a year from first sub until finding the right home for it with Larrikin House. In between, it placed second in CYA’s writing competition (in the picture book - preschool category), as an earlier version of the story.
 

What's been the hardest part of publishing a book so far?

Hmmm … I’m not sure any of it has been that hard to be honest. Except maybe just the nerves around how the book will be received!


And the easiest, or most enjoyable?

Seeing and holding copies for the first time, parents telling me how much their child loves my book, and spotting copies ‘in the wild’ is a bit of a thrill, too.


What's next for you?

While I’ll continue writing new picture book manuscripts, I have a huge soft spot for junior fiction, and want to concentrate more on this in 2021. I recently won the junior fiction category in Jen Storer’s Scribbles Creative Writing Awards, which gave me the boost I needed to keep going with JF!

 
What's one piece of advice you'd give to writers just starting their pursuit of publication? 

Don’t submit too early!

 
Last book you just read? 

The End of the World is Bigger than Love by Davina Bell – strangely compelling, breathtakingly unique.
 

What book are you reading now? 

The Detective’s Guide to Ocean Travel by Nicki Greenberg (an ARC as it’s not out yet, lucky me!).
 

Best book you've ever read?
 
This is extremely hard to answer – don’t make me choose! But Herman and Rosie, a picture book by Gus Gordon has to be up there.

 
Fave author?

I’ll always love Judy Blume. But in terms of contemporary Australian authors, faves include Nova Weetman and Jane Godwin.
 

Best moment of your writing life?

Starting time at my first ever book launch, as Berkelouw Books Leichhardt filled with friends and family there to celebrate my debut PB, Tulip and Brutus. Then doing it all again in Melbourne (in pre-Covid travel times, sigh!).
 

If not an author, what would be your dream job? 

Making (and tasting!) chocolate. And designing pretty packaging for it. Basically being some kind of modern-day Willy Wonka.

Did you always dream of being a writer?

Not really. Even though I was a voracious reader growing up, and even though I’ve been writing for fun and as a job for…ever… for some reason it never occurred to me that “author” could be a career path. Until I started hanging out with authors and suddenly realized that regular people write books and sell them. As soon as that clicked, getting traditionally published became my goal.  
 
 
When did you start pursuing traditional publishing? 

I started querying agents with my first novel in August 2015. Alas, that novel never found its home and, eventually, I shelved it.

 
How long did it take from sending that first query to getting an offer of representation? 

Three books, 150-ish rejections, and three years (almost to the day) later, Kim Lionetti at BookEnds offered to represent me.

 
Did you go on submission soon after? 

First, we did a round of revisions. Then, about two months after signing with Kim, she sent me an email with the subject line “It’s out in the universe.” To which my response was (and I quote): EEEEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeeh!

 
How long did you wait until your book received an offer from a publisher?

Less than a month after we started submitting to acquiring editors, we had two R&R (revise and resubmit) requests. We had to choose which one to pursue, because their revision ideas took the book in completely opposite directions. I chose to work with Jessica Smith at (what was then) Simon Pulse because I really connected with her vision and editorial style. At the end of that R&R process—which took several months—Jessica wanted to acquire the book.

 
What's been the hardest part of publishing a book so far?

Hands down, querying is the hardest part. There isn’t really anything good about it. It’s just a quagmire of rejection, self-doubt, and imposter syndrome. But if you make it through that, you can make it through anything!


And the easiest, or most enjoyable?

Writing!! I get to do something creative and fun that I love…and I get PAID! (In the spirit of #publishingpaidme disclosure, the actual advance I received was a stack of partially used Starbucks gift cards with a combined balance of $6.87.) Besides the cha-ching, other people read what I wrote, and it makes them smile, laugh, swoon, and have feelings. What could be better??!!


What's next for you? 

I’m still writing. I want people who love Glimpsed to have another magical YA romcom to look forward to, so I’m scribbling away at it. Stay tuned!

 
What's one piece of advice you'd give to writers just starting out on their pursuit of publication? 

Don’t forget to have fun. Sometimes we take ourselves so seriously or get so caught up in the hard parts of the process that we lose the fun and joy of sitting down and creating a thing. If writing’s not joyful, why not become an electrician? There are literally a thousand other things you could do that would pay better. So if you’re going to be a writer, enjoy it. 
 
 
Last book you just read? 

Rebel Daughter by Lori Banov Kaufman (A young Jewish woman survives the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 CE to forge a new life and find love.)


What book are you reading now? 

I’m re-reading Persuasion by Jane Austen (a good reminder that I’m a total hack); also reading Distress Signal by Mary E. Lambert aloud with my 8-year-old (perfect for fans of I Survived books!); also reading Dragonfly Girl by Marti Leimbach (I’m in the first chapter and already HOOKED).


Best book you've ever read? 

Objection. This question is unanswerable. There are TOO MANY amazing books. But Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman is near the top of the list.


Fave author?

Once again, I must protest. I can’t. Even. But let me give a shout out to ONE of my favorites: Joanna Ruth Meyer. Her newest gorgeous, lyrical YA fantasy Into the Heartless Wood released this month, and I highly recommend it (and all her books).


Best moment of your writing life?

It was a quiet moment—not a jump and squeal. Mary E. Lambert had read a short story I’d written and invited me to join her writing critique group. At the time, I didn’t think of it as pivotal. I just agreed because I like joining things and I like writing. But in hindsight, I honestly don’t think I would have finished a novel—leave alone gotten published—without that group. They encourage me, teach me, inspire me, and give me constant deadlines (“Gotta get this chapter done for critique group!”). The moral of the story is: if you don’t have a great critique group, FIND ONE. Nothing is more important for your writing journey.


Name of your newest WIP?

The working title is “Crunched.” Because there are cursed apples. Get it?


If not an author, what would be your dream job? 

​I would work for an international non-profit that helps people overcome poverty and injustice. Wait—that IS my day job! Living the dream.

​Did you always dream of being a writer/illustrator?

Yes, from a young age. However, as I grew older I pursued other goals (namely, financial ones) and writing took a back seat. Then, in my mid-life and with kids in the middle grade age bracket, I revisited my passion in collaboration with them for the pure fun of it. The result has been a wonderful ride I never knew would be so perfect for me. 


What's been the hardest part of publishing a book so far?

Multi-tasking. I really enjoy the writing part of being an author, but the “marketing” less so. I really like hearing from readers, but the self-promotion thing sometimes feels awkward. I mean, I love to celebrate the wins because why not?! At the same time, I want to celebrate everyone else’s wins too and be sensitive to the community of which I’m a part. Finding the time to balance all of those things, plus family and work and life, can be challenging!


And the easiest, or most enjoyable?

Writing. Sitting down and letting the real world slip away and letting my imagination tug me along the story of my own invention. That is a transporting power of which I’ll never tire. I love to read and watch movies too for a similar effect, but there’s something extra thrilling about creating the world yourself. I love it.


What's next for you? 

Book 2, Sol Invictus, comes out February 2, 2021, so I’m certainly excited about that! I’m also working on book 3 of The Eye of Ra series, which reveals even more about John and Sarah and why they’re traveling through time.

We also just put out a Teacher Guide for The Eye of Ra (available on my website or Teachers Pay Teachers for free) and are starting work on one for Sol Invictus. [link: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Teacher-Guide-for-The-Eye-of-Ra-by-Ben-Gartner-6465704]


What's one piece of advice you'd give to writers who just started their pursuit of publication? 

Never forget why you’re writing. For me, it’s for FUN. If I sell a few copies, bonus. But, if the journey is not enjoyable then what’s the point? That also includes going easy on yourself. You don’t have to be a Newbery winner or Stephen King. If what you’re doing excites you, then do it. Simple. Doesn’t mean it won’t be difficult or take hard work, but those are the wins you earn.

Photo credit: Laura Carson
​

Did you always dream of being a writer?
I first wanted to be a writer in elementary school. My school participated in young authors festivals and we made handmade books out of construction paper and cardboard and I loved it. I also had wonderful teachers who encouraged me and believed being a writer was entirely within the realm of possibility. That made a huge difference. I ended up studying a lot of other things and I had a long career as a teacher, but I never stopped writing. I started publishing poems in literary journals and anthologies in the early 2000’s, and I published a collection of poetry in 2015. ALONE is my first novel.
 
When did you start pursuing traditional publishing? 
I started querying ALONE in 2014 and I joined the Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, where I learned a lot about traditional publishing. I also took a lot of classes on different aspects of writing and publishing through Writer’s Digest and other online resources.
 
How long did it take from sending that first query to getting an offer of representation? 
I sent my first query in 2014 and I signed with my agent in 2018. In between, I took some long breaks and completely rewrote the novel. It was originally written in prose and third person voice, and I revised the whole thing into verse and first person voice.
 
Did you go on submission soon after? 
I did a small revision for my agent after I signed with her, and then she sent out the manuscript about three months later. She does a lot to lay groundwork with editors and publishing houses before she sends out submissions.
 
How long did you wait until your book received an offer from a publisher?
We got our first nibble about two months later and that nibble turned into an offer. It was a thrilling moment when I got that email.
 
What's been the hardest part of publishing a book so far?
As you know, there is a LOT of wait time. Long weeks or months with no word from the publishers. The conventional wisdom about using that time to work on the next book is really true. I completely revised one manuscript and wrote an entirely new one in the time it’s taken to publish ALONE.

And the easiest, or most enjoyable?
I love the collaboration with all the people working on the book. I love working with my editor and the copyeditors and marketing folks. I also love the community of writers I’ve become a part of. Writing is a very solitary endeavor and I really relish the parts of publishing that involve other people.

What's next for you? 
I have a few things in the pipeline. I’m hoping to have more good publishing news to share soon, and I’m actively revising my work-in-progress. I’m also excited to do school and library visits and connect with young readers who find their way to ALONE.
 
What's one piece of advice you'd give to writers just started their pursuit of publication? 
Keep showing up. Everything I’ve learned or that I’ve been able to make happen took place because I kept showing up. Whether it was showing up at my desk every day to write or showing up at conferences for workshops and critiques, I made myself go even when I was tempted not to. I often registered or applied for opportunities that had a built in deadline to submit work, even when I didn’t have anything ready at the time of registration. Having those external deadlines motivated me to keep working, and then when the deadlines arrived, I’d have ten polished pages or fifty or a manuscript ready to submit. Opportunities present themselves all the time, but if you don’t show up, they’ll only benefit other people. Get out there and learn about the industry and do the work necessary to hone your craft. Pay attention, stay open to growing as a creator, and keep showing up.   
 
Some quickfire answers...
 
Last book you just read? 
Afterlife by Julia Alvarez
 
What book are you reading now? 
PAWS by Kate Foster
 
Best book you've ever read? 
Impossible question.
 
Fave author?
I love Fannie Flagg. And Charlotte Bronte. And Kate DiCamillo. And I’ve had a forty-year-long crush on John Irving.
 
Best moment of your writing life?
Reading and talking about poetry as a guest poet in a class with men incarcerated at the Sterling Correctional Facility, a maximum security prison here in Colorado.
 
Name of your newest WIP?
Snake-Bit
 
If not an author, what would be your dream job? 
Working in a flower shop.

I'm pleased to welcome another fab author to the blog today to chat about the how's, when's, and where's of the writing life! 

Check it out... 
​

The Interview...
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Who are you and what do you write?

I’m Matthew O’Neil and I write sci-fi/horror with some pop-philosophy in between.


Where and when and how did the writing life begin for you?

Writing was something I always did. I started the way most bands or musicians start; you copy the work of those you admire and build your own from there. So it was copying Lord of the Rings when I was in junior high, taking creative writing courses in college and receiving a certificate in the art, and then writing my own serious work starting in 2012.


How has the journey to this point been? Can you give us a basic rundown?

I think I would summarize it as “there’s always room to learn.” A lot of it was patience with myself as I really made my work more intriguing to others and formatted in a way that was easier to grasp. Unfortunately I seem to have a tendency to ramble, so making my points more concise and understanding that there’s weight to every word was important for me. Part of it was also understanding, like music, you have to pay attention to why you like certain things. I had to go and read more authors, picking apart their work, to understand why it was appealing and how to apply it to my own work.


What's been the hardest part of your writing/publishing experience so far? And the most enjoyable?

Sometimes I fall down a rabbit hole while researching different subjects. I get curious about dozens of seemingly insignificant things throughout any process, but when I start looking up things for my writing, I can get lost. So the struggle, for the most part, is remaining focused The most enjoyable part has been the authentic feedback from my publishing and editing team about my work. Even when I’m feeling fairly unsuccessful (which can happen a lot), reading the email exchanges between us helps me feel a lot better about the work I do. They’re great confidence builders!


Would you go back and change anything?

Based on the private feedback I’ve received from the first book, I think there might be some things I’d want to change. Ultimately, this book was filled with a lot of emotions tied to some dire personal circumstances I experienced between “Attrition” and “Cathatsis”. I would only have wished for a more consistent time frame, or even to have waited until the events had passed in their entirety before I had started writing. Ultimately, writing is what helped me through a lot of it, so I don’t think I would like anything to have been different during the creation of this story.


Where would you like to be in 5 years time? And 10?

In five years, hopefully I’ll have finished the Transtemporal series and started on some other story lines I’ve been fleshing out in my notebooks. In ten, maybe I’ll have gone back and added a prequel trilogy to Transtemporal swearing its the end, while planning the true final three. I just hope I’m still writing. Truly, I will finish the series and start work on the ideas I feel are ready for work.


What's one piece of advice you'd give to new writers just starting out?

Write. Every day. Sign up for short story exercises, enter contests, give yourself any excuse to write. And when you’re not writing, you should be reading or taking classes on how to improve your writing. Most importantly, write for yourself. Don’t try to impress anyone except the you who fell in love with story telling. Impress yourself. Make yourself proud. Even if no one else ever reads your work, having that finished book on your shelf is often times reward enough and a powerful reminder of what you’re able to accomplish.


And most importantly...

Ketchup or Mayo? Ketchup
Night or Day? Night
Inside or Outside? Inside
Dogs or Cats? Dogs (pitbulls specifically)
Twitter or Facebook? Can I choose neither? No? Then Twitter.
ebook or Paperback? Nothing beats the feel of a physical book (but ebooks do my back a favor during moves)
Sun or Rain? Rain
Keyboard or Pencil & Notebook? Keyboard
Comedy or Drama? Comedy
Chips or Chocolate? Chocolate covered chips

From the page to the stage, Michelle Macwhirter has always loved telling stories. When she’s not making up stories, you’ll catch her performing in plays or driving her two daughters to dancing. There is No Magic in This Book is her first picture book.

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Who are you and what do you write?

Hello! Although I have been writing for many years, my first book is just coming out now. It’s a picture book called There Is No Magic In This Book and I am beyond thrilled to see it released into the world. Previously, I have also written plays as well as a few young adult manuscripts. I tend to like otherworldy stories that fall into sci-fi and fantasy genres (but not always!).

 
Where and when and how did the writing life begin for you?

Right from childhood, I spent a great deal of time in my imagination. I would always wonder ‘what if’ and so I began to tell stories. I also loved acting and performing on stage. After school, I pursued a ‘proper’ career in marketing, but I kept up my creative pursuits on the side. About 15 years ago, I began taking a more serious interest in writing and started attending conferences and workshops.
​
 
How has the journey to this point been? Can you give us a basic rundown?

Ahhh, it’s been long! I spent many years writing young adult manuscripts on and off (having babies kinda slowed that down.)Then conveniently, after several years of reading picture books to my daughters, the text for a picture book just plonked itself in my head. I submitted it to Catherine Drayton at Inkwell Management and she became my fabulous agent. The book sold to Walker Books and is coming out on 18 November.

 
What's been the hardest part of your writing/publishing experience so far? And the most enjoyable?

The hardest part has been the rejection. There has been a LOT of it, even after getting a publishing contract. It is very disheartening and I have wanted to give up many times. But the stories keep coming to me and I still feel a strong urge to share them with the world, so I keep going! And that brings me to the most enjoyable part of writing. I love nothing better than to sit at my desk with no-one around, with a coffee, a candle burning and some focus music, and just smash out words and create stories. It’s like meditation for me. I pour it all out and then I feel great.

 
Would you go back and change anything?

I would stop worrying about the end result and just enjoy the process. I mean, yes, you do need to know your audience, but focusing on what some future editor and reader will think of your writing can be very limiting and silencing. It’s important to stay focussed on the spark that inspired you to write.

 
Where would you like to be in 5 years’ time?

I would love to publish at least three of my young adult novels and more picture books. I also have an idea for a TV series that I really want to write. I have way more ideas than time so I’d also love to shake off the day job and fully focus on writing. That’s the dream!

 
What's one piece of advice you'd give to new writers just starting out?

Resilience is key. Like I tell my daughters, with any rejection we just play Taylor Swift loudly, get our dance on and ‘shake it off’!

 
And most importantly...
 
Ketchup or Mayo? Mayo
Night or Day? Night
Inside or Outside? Inside
Dogs or Cats? Dogs. (I would have said cats, but then we got a dog, and she is the best.)
Twitter or Facebook? Facebook. 
e-book or Paperback? Paperback, definitely.
Sun or Rain? Sun for fun, rain for writing.
Keyboard or Pencil & Notebook? Keyboard. But I do love pretty stationary.
Comedy or Drama? Drama
Chips or Chocolate? Chips! Always!

Follow Monique here! 

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The Interview...
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Who are you and what do you write? 

​I’m Monique Mulligan and I’m currently writing contemporary women’s fiction (but I’ve also written short romances and picture books).


Where and when and how did the writing life begin for you? 

That’s a great question and one I asked many times early on, but more in that ‘Am I a writer?’ way. In a sense, my career path always involved writing of a sort – from writing training programs for the public service and educational curriculum to journalism and news editing. At times there was creative writing involved. But I didn’t start my book publishing journey until I was in my 40s. I kept putting it off, thinking I couldn’t possibly fit any more into a life jam-packed with the needs of four teenagers! The book How to Write Your Blockbuster by Fiona McIntosh gave me a kick up the butt and somehow, I managed to create space. I started with short stories. Since then that space has become more and more precious. I’m quite protective of it now!


How has the journey to this point been? Can you give us a basic rundown? 

All over the place! After writing a short story and placing in a comp, I found the confidence to write some short romances for anthologies. And then came the picture books, which were fun. But writing long-form has really stretched me. It’s what I want to write, but I’ve had to learn a great deal about the structure and conflict of novels. It’s all very well to “write beautifully” but there are essential ingredients that can’t be overlooked. And patience – I’ve had to learn a lot about that. Things don’t happen fast in the publishing world unless you skip steps, and that’s not for me. I want to learn about the craft and that makes it a slower process.


What's been the hardest part of your writing/publishing experience so far? And the most enjoyable? 

“Breaking up” with my novel to restructure it was really tough. I wanted to pack it in so many times … but I got through it. Most enjoyable … I worked as a publisher for a few years and as part of that, I co-hosted a writing retreat in Ireland and attended the London Book Fair. The Book Fair was an incredible learning experience – I felt very much like a tadpole in a vast ocean.


Would you go back and change anything? 

No. You learn through experience, through life, through challenges.


Where would you like to be in 5 years time? And 10?
I want to write foodie fiction … and my husband thinks this is a great idea because he wants to be part of the research! So, in 5, 10, however many years, I hope I’ve managed to write a few. I’d also like to move away from the suburbs, to somewhere quieter with a vibrant arty community. And travel more. For research, obviously.


What's one piece of advice you'd give to new writers just starting out? 

Rather than comparing yourself to others, find your own path and enjoy your unique journey.


And most importantly...

Ketchup or Mayo? Mayo (rather partial to Kewpie)
Night or Day? Day
Inside or Outside? Inside
Dogs or Cats? Cats
Twitter or Facebook? I use both.
Ebook or Paperback? Paperback (though I tend to read on my iPad when travelling).
Walk or Drive? Walk
Sun or Rain? Rain
Keyboard or Pencil & Notebook? Keyboard
Comedy or Drama? Drama ... with a side of laughter.
Chips or Chocolate? Chips. Sometimes chocolate.

Grab your copy here! 
​

Who are you and what do you write?
 
I am the award-winning author of the running and mental health memoir, Depression Hates a Moving Target: How Running with My Dog Brought Me Back from the Brink and coauthor of the writing journal, You Should Be Writing. I coach creatives in writing and meditation, blog at Bum Glue, and publish the monthly email newsletter, Write Now Columbus. I live in central Ohio, USA with my husband, Ed, and our yellow Labrador retriever, Scarlet, who is also my running partner.

 
Where and when and how did the writing life begin for you?
 
A voracious reader, I caught the writing bug young and longed to have my name on the cover of a book. In fifth grade, our teacher had us write a story and bind it into a book. Hence, I own the sole copy of my first book, Sheshak the Wild Stallion, a story stolen shamelessly from another book I was reading. I did not yet believe my own stories had merit.

 
How has the journey to this point been? Can you give us a basic rundown?
 
How much time do you have? You might want to get a cup of coffee and a snack. Here goes.
 
After Sheshak was “published” I told my father I wanted to be a writer write. “Writing is a fabulous skill. It will help with whatever profession you choose.” I didn’t know any writers and I doubt he did either. To Dad, making a living was all that mattered. To me, at that time, what he thought was what mattered. Instead of creative writing, in college I studied the “practical” journalism then went to law school. Five years after I was admitted to the bar, I was a partner in a small firm.
 
At some point during the ten years I practiced law, I stumbled on Natalie Goldberg’s Writing Down the Bones and began to use “writing practice” to draft legal documents. When depression, anxiety, and bipolar mania forced me out of the legal profession, I wrote a few magazine articles for large publications, but eventually began to write just for myself. And I flew to Taos, New Mexico to study with Ms. Goldberg in person.
 
In what was either a manic jag or a brilliant move, my husband and I relocated to Taos. In time, I became Natalie’s assistant. My husband and I moved back to my home state of Ohio three years later, but I continued studying and assisting Natalie. My ten years with her provided the foundation for my writing life. “Writing practice builds your spine,” she said. If writers need anything, it’s a strong spine.
 
I also discovered National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo,) the annual worldwide challenge to write 50,000 words of fiction during the 30 days of November. Most years I “rebel” by writing nonfiction. As a result, I have first drafts of several novels, several books of creative nonfiction, and several memoirs.
 
In 2006, I studied at Goddard College and in 2008 earned my Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing through their low-residency program in Port Townsend, Washington. I rewrote and revised my first NaNoWriMo project, Memorial: Our Last Year on the Links, the still unpublished memoir about playing golf with my father the last year he was alive. I became my MFA thesis. After graduation, I began to shop it around. I’d already been teaching writing practice and meditation to adult learners and I used my memoir course to fulfill Goddard’s teaching practicum requirement.
 
But depression struck again, compounded by grief when many people and one cat I adored died, including my 24-year old niece, my father-in-law, and finally, my mother. And that’s also when running found me. I took up this simple activity of jogging with my dog and it turned me around. I drew on the writing practice I did during those years to form the first very ugly draft of my award-winning mental health and running memoir, Depression Hates a Moving Target: How Running with My Dog Brought Me Back from the Brink which Mango Publishing released in 2019.
 
Since I’ve been studying, blogging about, and teaching writing for nearly two decades, when my editor, the award-winning author and Mango Associate Publisher Brenda Knight, wanted a coauthor for her quotation-based writing journal, she asked me to help. What an honor! Mango released You Should Be writing: A Journal of Inspiration & Instruction to Keep Your Pen Moving this June.
 
I made publishing sound easy, but it wasn’t. I pitched that first book to a ton of agents and editors and entered a slew of contests. I’m forever grateful Brenda Knight and Mango picked it up.

 
What's been the hardest part of your writing/publishing experience so far? And the most enjoyable?
 
I love the way my hand, arm, and body feel moving a pen across paper. I love the sound of words, the feeling of them falling off my tongue and out of my fingers as I pound on the keyboard. I also love to revise. Shaping those awful first drafts into something intended to reach a reader provides unlimited rewards.
 
I also love to read which is essential for writers. I love the mystery of figuring out how an author made me feel a certain way or landed a surprise in just the right place and kept me turning the page. The language, the meaning of words, the sound and texture all lure me in.
 
And the smell of books. I write because I love the smell of books.
 
As for the hardest thing, it’s also what makes the rest of my life difficult. The opening line in Depression Hates a Moving Target "My mind was trying to kill me again" describes nearly anything I do, from making a sandwich to writing. Call it writer's block. Resistance. Inertia and terror and sloth all rolled up into a mind state that, if I allow it, drives me to my bed, or worse.
 
I've learned an intricate dance, creeping toward the page, sneaking up on it so my mind does not freak out. Sometimes that means picking up a pen or opening the document. Inch my way in. Prime the pump. Set a timer. Ten minutes, go! Other times it means sit still. Do nothing. Meditate and breathe. Or I might go for a run. Doodle. Research. Outline. Take a shower. Read poetry or a different book.
 
Gratefully, since I’ve been at this for decades, I know the block is temporary. It will pass, but only if I trust my process.

 
Would you go back and change anything?
 
I would spend more time with my mother. In the months before she died, I was too "busy" (and annoyed with her) to have lunch or tea or even much of a phone call. I’d made a vow to put writing above everything else. I wish I could have found a balance. She was a fierce, creative, complex person and is now gone forever. I miss her every day.

 
Where would you like to be in 5 years’ time? And 10?
 
First, I hope to be alive! And I hope to be more of an ally to marginalized people. I'm a middle-aged, middle-class white woman living in an affluent suburb of a Midwestern United States city. I need to do better.
 
As far as my writing life, I hope more of my books find their way into the world. You Should Be Writing, the writing journal I coauthored, was a gift project practically dropped in my lap and I’m so grateful. As it launches, the novels and memoirs and poetry and essays still in my drawer or still in my head clamber for attention. Every day I tell them, “Hush dears. You’ll each have your turn.” The project closest to my heart is a book of daily meditations about living in the moment I’ve been working on for nearly 25 years. Stay tuned! My journey surprises me all the time.

 
What's one piece of advice you'd give to new writers just starting out?
 
Take a long view and keep your day job. And if you can find a day job that's not related to writing, that's a bonus. Meanwhile, learn to love the work. Learn to love forming sentences. Learn to love the sound of words and the smell of books. but you probably already do or you wouldn't be here.

 
And most importantly . . .

Ketchup or Mayo? - Mustard on ham. Ketchup on burgers but if there's no ketchup then mayo and a tomato. Mix the ketchup with horseradish for cocktail sauce on fish.
Mayo in tuna salad and egg salad and chicken salad and potato salad. Can you tell I'm from the Midwest USA? On fries? Malt vinegar. Only ketchup on fries if vinegar is not available.
 
Night or Day? - Any moment above ground is a good one.
 
Inside or Outside? - I'm a marathoner. There is no inside or outside. There's only running. I've done 20 miles on an indoor track (205 laps) and 26.2 miles all in the same day outdoors three times. I'll take the fact that I'm upright and can run.
 
Dogs or cats? - I was a dog in a former life so dogs, but I love spending time with other people's cats. I'm just too needy. Most cats turn up their noses at my need for affection.
 
Twitter or Facebook? - I used to prefer Facebook, but as my Twitter following has developed, I've become more of a Twitter fan because you get perspectives from strangers. Plus, the Facebook algorithms make it nearly impossible to reach people on my author page. I just started a Facebook Group, The Writer’s Mind. That might be my new favorite.
 
Ebook or Paperback? - Remember the smell of books I love? Paperback.
 
Sun or rain? - There's nothing better than running in a light rain or standing on the porch and listening to a strong downpour. But give me the sun the other 80% of the time.
 
Keyboard or pencil & notebook? - Fast writing pen and notebook, you know, like the writing journal Brenda Knight and I just launched!
 
Comedy or drama? - Life is full of enough drama. Please make me laugh.
 
Chips or chocolate? - Chocolate covered chips. Dark chocolate of course. It's health food.