A Blizzard and Choices

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Photo by Emanuel Hahn on Unsplash

For me, many things happen in Boston. For uncounted years, I went to Arisia, one of the biggest science fiction and fantasy conventions in the northern U.S. I still count it as my home con and try to go every year.

People laugh in a good hearted way when a newbie at that con asks about snow. It always snows at Arisia. One time we were all trapped there an extra day, but I have to say they are a gloriously fun group to be snowbound with.

That particular weekend, one of my panels focused on the writing life. One of the authors on that panel lived in New York City, had a big publisher, and had carved out a big career for herself in science fiction. She lived in a Manhattan apartment with her cats and wrote to her heart’s desire. She had no other job than writing. She only went to events where her publisher requested her attendance. Her every waking minute was devoted soley to her work.

During that panel discussion, a disparity came out between whether to give up everything and only write or to have a day job, a sweetheart, a family or friends that pull you with them into adventres in addition to writing.

She was 100% against the latter. You had to be true to your craft as a writer, if that’s what you really wanted to do.  All those things were a distraction.

The heat of the opposing views increased when we were asked what should a writer do of they were stuck.

Different authors gave different views of defeating writer’s block. When it came to me, I suggested taking a vacation to recharge and get new ideas. (In actuality, after a day of sightseeing, I usually write a ton in the hotel room.)

She was adamant that you don’t stop no matter what, not for a day, not for an hour. You write right through it. (This is also a technique.)

Later after the panel, we talked. I asked her if she was happy. She assured me she was. She also wrote on the subway going to meetings. I always write, too, in waiting rooms. We reached a common ground on being obsessive. (laughs)

Then over the intercom system of the hotel, it was announced that the city of Boston was closed due to a blizzard. Trains and buses cancelled. The mayor declared the city closed. Cars were not allowed on the city streets. The New York author hurried off to call a friend to feed her cats.

I went to my room to meet up with my oldest daughter, order room service, and write.

That weekend, I learned about choices. Our choices influence how we create. Authors are as different as their life choices. Some love writing every moment. Some seek out the adventure and then write about it. (Hemingway went fishing.)

I love watching adventures unfold around me, and that’s why I sat by my hotel window watching the city embraced by snow. Blizzards inspire me.

-Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley, Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance

www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

Where love burns eternal and whispers in the dark!

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