Reflections on Getting Started on a Career in Writing

Nearly all week, I've been reading submissions from a group of 74 Quebec writers who have applied to the Quebec Writers' Federation Mentorship Program. The writers who are chosen will be paired up with several professional writers and will get a special privilege: one-on-one coaching.

This is the first time I've been asked to be part of the jury that reads submissions and it has been a humbling experience. First of all, many of the new writers are really talented. They have interesting stories to tell and compelling voices. But the other part of the experience that has been humbling is reading the letters of intention they've been asked to write. Many describe struggling to write in a "vacuum," and not knowing whether their work is good enough, or will ever be good enough. For me, it's a sometimes painful reminder of how I felt for many years in my own life when I was struggling to find my voice and the stories I needed to tell, and then to get published.

So, if you're an aspiring writer reading today's entry, all I can tell you is keep the faith. But most of all, keep writing -- and reading. It's those of us who don't give up (even when we're awfully tempted to!!) who make it. Here's to courage and stick-to-it-ive-ness!!

Did I mention that I return to full-time teaching on Monday morning at 8:15? Expect to read all about it right here!