Writing has given me many gifts. Some expected. Some not so much. Some appreciated. Some not so much. Some helpful. Some…yes, not so much.
It’s been a wild ride, at times exhilarating, at other times soul-crushing.
But the biggest gift by far that I have received from this crazy career are the people I’ve met along the way, especially the lovely ladies who have allowed me to share this blogging space with them.
To a one they have been kind, supportive, crazy in a recognizable way, interesting, delightful, always there with a kind word….okay, everyone except this one publishing professional I queried years ago. There is a special place in Hell for folks like him.
After sitting on my manuscript for months, he finally deigned to read it then jotted off a note in which he eviscerated the entire story, getting the names of most of the characters wrong, calling the book a “caper” and telling me that no one wants to read about high fashion and Vegas bright lights. He then suggested I rewrite the entire thing according to his suggestions, but…if I did, he wouldn’t guarantee me that he would look at it again. So helpful….
But, besides him, everyone else has been stupendous. The photo above is just a sampling of my wonderful writer friends. They are Paul Levine (The Lassiter series and more), his love Marcia silver, Chuck Rosenberg (Death on a High Floor), his wonderful wife Sally Anne, and Chuck Greaves (Hush Money, Hard Twisted, and Green Eyed Lady).
I guess I should’ve known that the folks who like to write and those who like to read the stories would be people I’d want to know, people who I am humbled to count as fast friends until the end of time. It seems obvious–like interests draw people into friendship.
But, hey, I was a lawyer and this friendship thing didn’t work quite so seamlessly in that venue. I am not going to speculate as to why….we’ll just leave it at that. Although you know that old joke about sharks not eating lawyers out of professional courtesy….I rest my case. A cliche, but as Lucky knows, inside each cliche lives a kernel of truth.
Suffice it to say, I love my friends who see imaginary people. And I love my friends who love to read about the exploits of our imaginary friends. But, in fiction lies truth. And the bond of shared human experience.
This holiday season and for all the days that follow, I wish you the gift of spending your days doing what you love with people you love, for this is the gift you’ve given to me. One for which I am eternally grateful.
Luck and happiness always, my friends.
Happy holidays, Deb! I’ve loved getting to know you over the past year or so. 🙂
The same to you!
I completely agree, Deb. The people I’ve met in this business have kept me sane. I love writers.
Kept me sane and made life so much richer! Happy holidays!
Writers and readers!! When I began writing, I had no idea that like you said Deborah, these people would give me more joy that everything else about the profession.
Books come and go but the friends along the way have kept me going. I have loved getting to know these women as well. 🙂
Have a great holiday!!!!
Have a great holiday as well. And being a part of the MSW gang has been one of the writing high-points for me. What an incredible group of women!
You’re on my short list of besties, Deb, and you won’t be shaking me any time soon. Thanks for being you. My life (writing and otherwise!) is better with you in it.
So totally, Vicki! What would I do without you to laugh, commiserate, drink, pontificate, rail, drink, giggle, plot, plan….with? Even if you did throw me under the bus in the bar at the last thrillerFest…..
I love the writing community. When I’ve been at my lowest and tempted to throw the entire idea of writing out the window, I still said I wanted to hang onto the social aspect because I love the people I’ve met. I met Chuck R. at Bouchercon this year. He went out to dinner with a group of us.
I agree Deb! I never imagined I’d make such wonderful friends in this business.
Happy holidays!