“I write not because I want to but because I am destined to.”― Jules Haigler

An interesting aspect of life is that in order to move forward one must be open to new experiences, expanded knowledge and change. I’ve always been a writer (not the greatest in the world, mind you, but that never deterred me) yet it was about a dozen or so years ago when I realized writing was the ONE thing to which I always returned.

I engaged in a little personal experiment. I went into the library and wandered through the non-fiction stacks. Which books, which topics drew me in? Not the ‘zeros’ or the ‘ones’, ‘twos’ or ‘threes’. It wasn’t until I came to the 808’s when I found my home. I’ve read the book “Self-editing for Fiction Writers” no less than a half dozen times. (808.3) Every time I read it I learn something new and discover ways to improve my writing. The subject matter is of endless interest to me. How does one construct an effective novel? What is an adverb and why are they considered lazy writing? How does one go about turning a gerund into an active verb? Why does any of this matter?

To a writer – an author – this MUST matter because it is at the heart of the craft. Yet, ultimately, it’s about being able to weave an interesting story which captures a reader and compels them to read it until the very end. For me, that will be enough.

Barbara DeVore, March 2017