The Scoop
It's not easy being a writer.
It's hard work. You have to show up even when you'd rather stay in the bed asleep. Even when you have to give a speech and you're so nervous you're shaking inside. Even when ideas for new characters or new books are difficult to come up with.
Why do I stay at it?
Because writing is my gift, my calling, my contribution to the world. Not that I discovered this simply by writing novels. Educators brought it to my attention. Parents and librarians gave me examples of the power and scope of my work. Young people too. I hated books, before I ran into yours, they say. I thought I wasn't pretty. I thought I wasn't smart. I'm a teacher because of you. I'm a writer because of you. My student is alive because of you.
I could never have imagined this journey. But I'm glad I got to make it.