As I wrote in my last blog, I think that writing improves my life and makes me happy… most of the time. There are also moments when it makes me anxious, depressed and discouraged. The doubts creep in and gnaw away at my satisfaction and joy. I compare my work to that of other writers…
Author: Mary Gillgannon
Mary Gillgannon began writing historical romance soon after she discovered the genre. She loves how these stories allow her to portray the excitement and high stakes of past eras, yet focus on relationships and create a happy ending. She has written seventeen novels, including romances set in the dark age, medieval and Regency time periods, time travel and historical fantasy. Her books have been translated into Russian, Chinese, Dutch and German. She has worked at the Laramie County Library for over twenty-fire years and acquires adult fiction as part of her job.
Happiness and Writing
We’re all interested in the secret of happiness. I’ve read quite a few articles on the subject over the years. Most agree that wealth is no guarantee of satisfaction and contentment. (Although severe financial struggle certainly doesn’t increase your chances of being happy.) Career success is not necessarily a predictor of happiness either, particularly in…
The Excitement and Terror of Deadlines
Since small publishers don’t usually offer for your book until it’s finished, I haven’t had a deadline in years. Now, after signing with a new publisher, I have one, and I’m a little unnerved. With 17 books published, you’d think I would take this all in stride. But having a deadline (two, in fact) is…
Publish or Perish (Your Writing Career, That is)
As part of my job maintaining the adult fiction collection for the local public library, I have to weed books. I know it sounds awful—getting rid of books—but we have limited space, so it has to be done. I’ve been weeding the collection for a long time, removing books that are damaged or worn out…
Getting the Words to Flow
It used to be rare that I got stuck while writing a book. But lately, with my time more fragmented and no deadlines except those I impose on myself, I’ve found myself clawing my way through first drafts. To try and get the momentum going again, I’ve gone back to the techniques that served me…