I always swore that I wouldn't blog. But, then, that was denying my inner columnist. So here I am, making my very first blog entry.
It's good exercise for a writer; in fact, any writing is good exercise.
I have recently found myself trying to spread my wings more. I've joined both the local and national Sisters in Crime; become part of a new critique group; and attended a Children's Book Editors conference - my chance to see if their needs met my supply.
This sudden flurry of activity is a change of pace from working in solitary at my desk, or racing around madly in my car to pick up and deliver off-spring, or solving the intricacies of the teenage dynamics in my home. But, it is a necessary self-indulgence, a chance to glean tidbits of advice and experience from colleagues, to re-energize by hearing about their works, to gain valuable critical comment.
"Part of the process" as one writer-friend would say. And because it is part of the process of creating written art, I have to remember that it is important. As important as any other job training, as important as the meetings my husband attends, as important as my children's homework. When I am tempted to feel I'm being selfish by taking an evening to go to a Sisters in Crime meeting, or for sitting at the coffee house while we exchange manuscripts, I have to remember that it is a part of my job, and that not only am I entitled to do it, I am obligated to do it, so that I grow and improve myself. My work demands it.
Okay. Not too bad for a first entry. Not deathless prose or profound, but not too bad. We'll see how the next one goes.
