Are You Still Writing?

–Lyn Cote

This is a question I get fairly often from people I don’t know very well.

I say, “Yes, that’s my job.”

Then people ask, “How many books have you written?” And they act surprised when I reply, “Nearly 50.”

I mean I’ve been writing for many years–at least two books a year–they accumulate–like rabbits I guess.

They often ask, “How often do you write?”

“Six days a week,” I reply.

More uncomfortable and odd glances in return.

I suppose it’s because most people don’t write books and they don’t write books for a living.

I was one of them about 25 years ago. I recall the days that I wasn’t a writer. When I started trying to find out about the career of writing, I knew no one who was a writer. I grew up in a building trades family. I knew carpenters, electricians, etc. No authors. And I lived in Iowa and at that time–publishing LIVED only in NYC.

But I kept searching for information (this was before the Internet became widely used) and finally found the connections I need to make but it took years. In the meantime I began the routine of writing everyday and now it’s a habit. And my job. I know it’s odd but it’s what I do!

So have you met a writer face to face in the wild, so to speak? If you haven’t, what would you ask the writer? I’m here and will reply but you’ll probably be surprised by my answer. –Lyn Cote