Being an author is a difficult job and the components required to do the job do not include pizza, ice cream or superheroes, but they sure do help, I’ll get to that in a minute. Strong grammar is a give-in, but not a deal-breaker. After all, you can learn grammar, but storytelling? Some say writers/authors are born with the creative gift of scribbling, other’s say if you want anything bad enough, you can achieve it, acquire the skills, make it happen.
I was born creative, it just took me some time to find my venue. I just wish I knew earlier that my creative juices would fill the pages of a novel. I would have paid better attention in school. I believe that I was born to write. I always create and have this deep innate need to regale a sordid tale. It is at times, so overwhelming, so overpowering that it is to function as breathing is to living. 
Once I found my scribblers heart, I didn’t realize how much more there is to storytelling than the words on the paper, that is if you decide you want to pursue publication. I had so much to learn. At first, it became an outlet; an escape from a difficult time in my life. It then turned into “take that” I’m going to make something of myself effort. I wrote. I finished my first novel, handwritten on yellow pads, loose-leaf paper, and the title was fabulous, Whispering Cedars. Those were the days of ignorant bliss. Fast-forward over twenty years and in the midst of a potential publisher (yes, going the traditional route), there are still things to learn, things for me as a writer. Caution: Being an author is a tough, lonely, frustrating road that unless it is a must, I don’t know why anyone would just decide to begin that journey. The self-doubt and frustration alone can make or break a writer and has slowed me down to a crawl on more than one occasion. Pizza helps offset the rejections received along the writer’s journey, ice cream too but it does complicate your sedentary lifestyle. If you’re one of the lucky few who can eat whatever the hell you want, I hate you, well, maybe hate is too strong, envy. Should this get out of control, you’ll be like me and hire a fitness coach instead of attending that all-important conference.
No matter the road you have taken on your path as a writer, it is imperative to have a good support system. Even Stephen King admits that if it hadn’t been for the support of Tabitha, his wife, he probably would have quit writing and that would have been a travesty for us all. Some may need to look for support with finding your tribe, your family, your mother, and sister – it’s worked for me. What also works for me is finding people who are positive, surrounding yourself with industry professionals offering hope and opportunity. I follow some awesome industry people on twitter who continue to inspire me. After twenty-two years of writing and trying to sell, sometimes I want someone to pat me on the back and tell me don’t give up because it’s all going to be worth it one day when you get the call (email). It’s not about following those people to pitch to them, stalk them or hope they are the one it will take you all the way to the NYT Best Sellers List. It’s about networking. It’s about sharing the pie and not just making sure you get your piece. 
I have gotten so much from agents that I follow on Twitter, Youtube, and Instagram that I am not submitting to. Why you ask? Well, for starters, I believe it’s helped me walk these final steps to publication. Part of it is about sharing the pie. Their insights, advice, and what to do right and wrong, have made my writing life so much easier. One of the things I have come to appreciate is that agents are people. I know, right? Who knew? I held them in celebrity status, in NYC sitting in the royal chairs, elevated in the industry eating the best pizza in the world. By following agents that I have no intention of pitching to (or who knows, let’s be honest), I have found a kindred interest in all things fiction. Thanks to the infamous Janet Reid, aka the Shark, I realized she is a real person, blunt and truthful and fabulous. I was able to talk to them as industry leaders who are knowledgeable rather than scary unattainable icons. They answer questions, like your post when it’s good. I have been working on my craft for a long time and I really think, it’s my time now. However, you must have a tough skin, open yourself up to constructive opinions and welcome them. You must be able to handle it because the chances of you being a Best Seller are worse than being struck by lightning – twice. Knowing this, recognizing this and truly listening to what these experts say and help you along your road to publication.
Another great opportunity is to follow agent Jessica Faust of BookEnds Literary agency, if you don’t follow them, leave this article now and follow her on whatever venue you wish, she’s there. You can thank me later. They have blogs, videos, MSWL on Twitter, (manuscript wish list) and it goes on and on; I am a better author because of her and the agency as a whole. Another favorite I found by another follow, is Whitney Davis of WDavis Literary. She is a screenwriting agent, but she is a superhero in disguise. There’s no pressure because she doesn’t represent what I write and have no qualms about talking with her, I don’t need to make a good impression outside of being myself. Although, I admit I did finally message her to let her know I am not a creeper. 😀 She is so uplifting that even on my worst days, I will receive a tweet that lifts me up and makes me try even harder. She makes me believe that I can and will be successful.
In summary, whether a writer is born, made or just decided to give it a shot, it’s a lonely road we travel, and with these companions, I find the journey tolerable and even at times, hopeful that I am doing something right. I am a born scribbler learning the business of storytelling.
Thanks for stopping by and I’ll see you in the bookstores!
~Kolin
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