Why I Do This

Writing a novel is a huge challenge and undertaking, as anyone who's ever tried it and done it can attest. So why do it? I ask my workshop writers why they want to write, whether a poem, short story or novel. The reasons vary, of course, from the thrill of selling a book to a stranger, to personal pride of accomplishment. But if I could distil them all down to one reason, it would be this: to be heard.

There is so much noise in the world (this blog contributes to that noise too, doesn't it?) and to have our voices heard is increasingly difficult. So what I do through the workshops is offer my writers two things: first, a supportive community and tools to write awesome prose; and second, to be published so their voices can be heard.

I do this not for love of gold; rather, I do this to show writers how powerful they are and that anything is possible when you start to say "yes" to endless opportunities. And I see this all the time. "All actions have unintended consequences," as I say in The Crying of Ross 128. At first, this may sound fearsome and dangerous, but the other side of the coin is that our actions can change the world in ways we can't even imagine. That's why I do what I do.

Since starting the workshops in May 2017, over 150 writers have participated. More than 40 of those writers are now published authors for the first time, receiving accolades (and royalties) for their efforts.

Write, and change your world.
Publish, and change the world.