Like everyone who puts pen to paper, I am trying to become a better writer. I work hard and keep myself in my chair in the hopes that I will continue to improve, so that Eleanor and Henry and all the characters I will work with for the rest of my life will be honored more and more as my skills as a storyteller stretch and grow. Of course, I am not alone in this, but I love it when I find evidence of another writer who feels as I do, and openly admits it in an interview.
In the reader’s guide for her novel, WHERE THE GOD OF LOVE HANGS OUT, Amy Bloom made a comment that I want to repeat here. It resonated with me, that a writer as experienced and moving as she is would say it. Once more I am reminded that while we all sit alone to do our work, there is a huge community of writers, a tribe one might say, who are all working in our own way toward the same goal.
Amy Bloom said, “I think IÂ am a better writer and am more able to put the skills I have in the service of my characters.”
And I’m reminded that I want to keep becoming better, not just to serve my characters and the story, but to serve my readers as well. We’re all connected by the love of story-telling, after all. Readers and writers are all part of the same tribe.
What a lovely post, Christy…and a bit surprising. You have such a talent for writing it is surprising to hear that even someone of your skill would be thinking about striving to be better. I’ve so enjoyed
The Queen’s Pawn, and looking forward to the follow-up.
Deanna, I am honored that you think so. It is wonderful to hear that from another writer. I do hope you love TO BE QUEEN as much as I do. The tale of Eleanor’s early adventures really captured my imagination. I say it again, what a woman.
I do feel a responsibility to myself and my readers to keep getting better. As much as I love THE QUEEN’S PAWN, I want to continue to grow as a writer and an artist. Eleanor never stopped growing, and neither will I.