My Author's Journey

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been a storyteller — inking my life onto the pages of the dozens of journals that now fill an entire shelf in my closet. Let’s face it, experience makes good copy. I wrote about growing up on a ranch in Texas and then a farm in Pennsylvania. My wild teenage years with my equally wild friends — it’s a wonder we survived — falling in love with my sweetheart, becoming pregnant and married at nineteen (yes, in that order). And then all the years that followed - Diapers and Desperation (perhaps that should be my next book). So much life. So many stories.

As I filled those journals, I knew I wanted to someday craft stories for readers beyond my little world. As a young married woman — poor, determined, and raising four children — I did anything I could to help put food on the table. I babysat, cleaned houses, decorated cakes. But I longed to write, and I wondered if maybe, just maybe, I could be paid to do it.

I called the Lancaster Newspapers, we had a subscription, after all, and I devoured the Lifestyle section every day. When the editor asked for my ideas, I rattled off a list a mile long in full-speed Lyn‑Speak. He could barely keep up — but he said yes, he would do it on spec. A week later, the story I submitted was approved and my first full-page article, rolled up with a rubber band and on page five, landed in my driveway. Seeing my story — and my name — in print, knowing thousands of people would read it while drinking their morning coffee, was thrilling.

After two years of writing for the paper, and it never got old to see my name attached to my work, I finally returned to college to earn my degree. As an English/Humanities major, I loved every class. We read extraordinary stories, explored history, and during that time I fell in love with writing poetry and short fiction tied to my personal history. I even took first place in the Penn State Tarnehlm for a story about Jessie Dear, the woman who cooked and cleaned for my grandmother in Oklahoma when my mother was a girl —I wrote this ten years before The Help ever hit the shelves.

Once I graduated, I became an English teacher and spent years critiquing my students’ writing. With four children at home and a full-time career, even journaling became exhausting. But I promised myself I would return to writing someday.

Retirement arrived — twenty-five years later — and after a year of trying to figure out who I was without students to teach and teachers to lead, I finally began my novel. It was slow and sporadic at first, but with the encouragement of friends and family, I eventually committed to writing eight hours a day. It became my full-time job - but it didn't feel like work. I loved it. Though I really didn’t know what I was doing, and the manuscript was a mess, but I didn't want to stop until I tapped that final period on my keyboard - and then I wept. You'll understand this yourself one day.

I considered query letters and agents, but I knew the process would take time — and I wasn’t sure I could endure the rejection. So I learned everything I could about self‑publishing (Thank you Holly Bush). When the book was finally finished, I chose to have it released on my 64th birthday as a gift to myself.

Like me, Hidden Among Secrets is far from perfect. But I learned so much in the process, and I know the next one will be even better.

If you’re interested in writing a book, or a memoir, or anything that yearns to be published, the journey can feel daunting — but it is also incredibly rewarding. Whether you dream of publishing a novel, your poetry, or a collection of short stories, the path to authorship is filled with opportunities for creativity and self‑expression. What I've put together below may help you take your first steps and begin your own writing journey today.

Understanding Your Motivation

This was the hardest thing for me to figure out, so that's where we're starting. Before you put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard, take a moment to reflect on why you want to write. Understanding your motivation not only guides your writing process — it keeps you grounded when the work gets hard. And motivations vary widely. Here are a few common ones, including my own.

Passion for storytelling: Many writers feel compelled to share stories that resonate with others — whether fiction or nonfiction. I’ve always loved both genres, and each one has taught me something different about how stories connect us.

Personal expression: Writing can be a deeply therapeutic outlet, a place to explore your thoughts and feelings without judgment. This has always been true for me. Writing helped me vent, reflect, and gain clarity about who I was and who I was becoming. It gave me a safe place to put my emotions so I could sort through them.

Desire for connection: Writers often hope to connect with readers, sharing experiences that spark understanding. Talking about my book with others has been one of the most joyful parts of this journey. If you love to read — and I certainly do — you already have the instincts of a great writer. Readers make the best writers.

Identifying your motivation will inspire you, sustain you, and help you navigate the inevitable challenges along the way. And the truth is, your motivation will shift as you grow — mine certainly did.

I started out writing short stories and poetry, and seeing my work published in my college literary magazine lit a spark I didn’t fully understand at the time. Later, I stepped into nonfiction, telling real stories about real people, and discovered how powerful it felt to honor someone else’s truth on the page.

But when I finally stepped into writing a novel, everything changed again. At first, I just wanted to see if I could do it — if I could build a world, create characters, and stay with them long enough to reach the end. Eventually, my motivation became simpler and more urgent: I wanted to finish the book because I needed to know how my characters would resolve the conflicts I had created for them. I wanted to see who they became.

Writing a novel is challenging, yes — but it’s also so much fun. There’s nothing quite like watching your characters surprise you, frustrate you, and ultimately teach you something about yourself.

Finding Your Niche

Once you understand your motivation, the next step is identifying your niche. So maybe you don't want to write a novel. So what genre or style excites you? I have sooooo many that I love, so honestly, it was hard to decide which one. Here's where to start:

• Fiction: Novels, short stories, and novellas that explore imagined worlds and characters.

• Nonfiction: Memoirs, self‑help, essays, and true stories that inform or inspire.

• Poetry: Creative expressions through verse that evoke emotion and imagery.

Choosing a niche helps you focus your efforts and begin developing your unique voice.

Setting Realistic Goals

Setting achievable goals is essential for maintaining momentum. Break your larger aspirations into smaller, manageable steps:

• Daily word count: Aim for a specific number of words each day — 500 or 1,000 is a great start. This was key for me in the beginning.

• Weekly writing sessions: Schedule dedicated time each week, whether it’s an hour a day or a few hours on the weekend.

• Monthly milestones: Set targets for completing chapters, drafts, or revisions.

Clear goals help you track your progress and celebrate your wins along the way.

Creating a Writing Routine

A consistent routine can transform your productivity. Consider:

• Choose a time: Identify when you feel most creative — early morning, lunchtime, or late at night.

• Designate a space: Create a comfortable environment that minimizes distractions.

• Limit interruptions: Turn off notifications and set boundaries during your writing time.

A routine builds discipline and makes writing a natural part of your life.

Overcoming Writer’s Block

Every writer faces it. Here are a few strategies that help:

• Freewriting: Spend a few minutes writing whatever comes to mind. Don’t worry about structure — just move your pen.

• Change your environment: A new location can spark fresh ideas.

• Set small goals: Instead of aiming for a chapter, aim for a paragraph or even a sentence.

Writer’s block is normal. Be patient with yourself and keep going.

Seeking Feedback

Once you have a draft, feedback becomes essential. Try:

• Writing groups: Share your work with fellow writers for constructive insights.

• Beta readers: Ask trusted friends or family to read your manuscript.

• Professional editors: Hire an editor for expert guidance and refinement.

Thoughtful feedback strengthens your writing and ensures your message resonates.

Revising and Editing

Revision is where your story truly takes shape. I learned so much from my editor and from the first readers of my finished manuscript. A few tips:

• Take a break: Step away from your draft for a few days before revising.

• Read aloud: Hearing your words helps you catch awkward phrasing.

• Focus on structure: Make sure your story flows logically and every scene serves a purpose.

Revision can be tough, but it’s essential for producing your best work.

Publishing Your Work

When your manuscript feels ready, explore your publishing options:

• Traditional publishing: Submit to agents or publishers. It requires patience, but it can lead to wide distribution. (I didn’t go this route, but it may be right for you.)

• Self‑publishing: Maintain full creative control and manage your own marketing and distribution. (I can help with this — feel free to reach out.)

Research each path to find the one that aligns with your goals.

Marketing Your Book

Once your book is out in the world, marketing helps it find its readers:

• Build an author platform: Create a website, blog, or newsletter to connect with your audience.

• Use social media: Share updates, behind‑the‑scenes moments, and engage with readers.

• Host events: Book signings, readings, or virtual events can build excitement. I’m thrilled to be stepping into this myself. I've got one scheduled for February and one for April, so stay tuned.

Marketing helps your book gain visibility and build a loyal readership. Again - this is new to me so I'm always open to ideas.

Continuing Your Journey

Your writing journey doesn’t end with one book. In fact, everything I’ve read says the best way to boost sales on your first book is to write the next one — and then the next. Keep growing by:

• Writing consistently: Set new goals and keep practicing.

• Attending workshops: Learn from experienced authors and connect with peers.

• Reading widely: Explore different genres and styles to broaden your perspective.

Stay open to growth, creativity, and the unexpected turns your writing life will take.

Final Thoughts

Starting your author journey is an exciting adventure filled with challenges and rewards. By understanding your motivation (which may evolve), setting realistic goals, and developing a consistent routine, you can build a writing life that feels meaningful and sustainable. I say this without really knowing yet, but it's been done by others...why not us?

Every author’s path is unique — embrace yours.

Take the first step today. Grab your notebook (I have many already filled), or a clean Word or Google Document (I have many of these as well), find a quiet space, and let your creativity flow. Your story is waiting, and I can’t wait to see where it takes you.