Please forgive the one reply for the whole group. I’ve been on the road and am flying out early this morning for the Crescendo book launch in Georgia, which means I’ve been trying to post replies via my phone and every time I enter one it vanishes. So... I’m trying this and crossing my fingers and hoping you’ll at least know I’ve read all your comments and do so greatly appreciate each of you taking time to join the conversation.

You’ve brought up so many good points.

First, I agree... Pen names are an excellent idea and I may use one too someday.

Second, any writing is writing... whether it’s on a blog or in a book. I hope you’ll continue to silence the voices of the naysayers in your life and continue living the life you were born to live. Bravo! I wrote blogs for many years and I agree... it’s an excellent creative outlet and it keeps the writing brain in gear. Plus you get to interact directly with readers just like here on WITS... fun!

Third, I’ve never tried sci-fi but never say never 🙂 I think that would be the biggest challenge for me.

Fourth, yes, even if you cross genres your work can stay under an “umbrella” genre or central theme to your work. Mine is resiliency and empathy. Everything i write can be boiled down to my two core beliefs about the human journey... life is about 2 things:1. How we process the truth. 2. How we manage our pain. So whether I’m writing books for children or adults, set in the past or the present, my stories all explore overcoming life’s greatest traumas and choosing to live and love with an open heart.

Finally, yes, our work is also about about integrity and staying true to ourselves. I love hearing all the ways you’ve all been doing this.

Thanks again for joining the conversation and I hope you’ll have a wonderful day writing and reading.

Cheers,
Julie

Yes, Jenny. You’re right. We can each find our own way, even if it goes against the standard advice.

Laura, you’re right. I’d always worked in addition to writing and never planned on supporting myself through publishing. I think everyone has different goals as a writer and for me it was purely creative. That definitely makes a difference in business strategy. However I’ve been lucky enough to have earned enough to be working full time as a writer/editor for three+ years now. Not sure what’s next for me but I’m grateful every day I can find time for a creative outlet. Writing hasn’t made me wealthy. But it’s made me happy. For that, I’m grateful.

I'd love to hear more about your NF and memoir and the communities you have found, Cara. I'm dipping my toe in that pool right now and I need to find the tribe!

I agree, Laura. Some want to make money, some to build a brand, some to tell the stories of their heart. I don't know that there is a right answer. But I do believe that each writer can find the right answer for THEM.

I also write a lot of copy for a friend's blog; it keeps the words flowing. What's insulting is what I overhear when I'm invited to press events. In media, there are a lot of members of press not considering "blogs" as meaningful. I'll refrain from the exact comments. What these detractors don't recognize is blog influencers reach a lot of people and some earn a lot of money--in the six- or seven-figure range. Most blogs don't earn that much, but many have a wide reach. Regardless of their comments, I am a real writer.

denise