"I became a seasonal writer. I knew it was impossible to write during the summer, so I didn’t. Nor was I able to write from Thanksgiving until the first of the new year."
This feels validating. I was trying to finish a first draft of my book by April and have been struggling to find time for it since then.
I agree with this, too, Jen. I think that as long as your book is a priority sometimes, then it doesn't have to be the priority ALL the time, you know? Maybe Fall will be your book's time again!
I love reading your Authors Over 40 series. It's so inspirational. I'm glad I had the opportunity to share my journey as an over 40 author on your Substack!
Thanks for this. I currently have 3 "drawer novels" and recently lost my agent. It's so wonderful to have honest conversations about the long road to publication!
I love this interview - it is so important to share these stories. Creativity has no age limit. And also the reality of what a 'Debut Novel' means. The term isn't representative of how many other books the author wrote previously. Or how long they worked on the book.
I am 44yrs old and currently working on the first draft of a book. I have to fight daily against the regret of not starting sooner. These stories help.
I am also currently reading In The Hour of Crows!
I found Dana's Instagram account this year, before In The Hour of Crows was available in bookstores. It was one of my most anticipated TBRs.
"I became a seasonal writer. I knew it was impossible to write during the summer, so I didn’t. Nor was I able to write from Thanksgiving until the first of the new year."
This feels validating. I was trying to finish a first draft of my book by April and have been struggling to find time for it since then.
Jen - it was validating for me, too. Schedules change, and we need to adjust with them, which includes adjusting our expectations.
I agree with this, too, Jen. I think that as long as your book is a priority sometimes, then it doesn't have to be the priority ALL the time, you know? Maybe Fall will be your book's time again!
Yeeessss!
I love reading your Authors Over 40 series. It's so inspirational. I'm glad I had the opportunity to share my journey as an over 40 author on your Substack!
Thank you again, Dana! This was a GREAT interview.
Thanks for this. I currently have 3 "drawer novels" and recently lost my agent. It's so wonderful to have honest conversations about the long road to publication!
You are NOT alone!
I love this interview - it is so important to share these stories. Creativity has no age limit. And also the reality of what a 'Debut Novel' means. The term isn't representative of how many other books the author wrote previously. Or how long they worked on the book.
I am 44yrs old and currently working on the first draft of a book. I have to fight daily against the regret of not starting sooner. These stories help.
I am also currently reading In The Hour of Crows!
I found Dana's Instagram account this year, before In The Hour of Crows was available in bookstores. It was one of my most anticipated TBRs.
Sophie - This is EXCATLY why I do this series. Take heart and keep writing.