Writer's Wishes
I've spent a lot of time recently pondering which direction I want my writing future to take. To that end, I consulted fellow writers to find out what wish they have in mind when it comes to their writing and their writing future. To help those of you on the same mission, here's what some of those writers shared with me:
Jana Rieger, a researcher by day and writer by night, recently completed a novel on research fraud. “I love the topic of wishes, because what’s at the heart of a wish is hope. And hope is what propels us from one day to the next with meaning in our lives. Now, I’m hesitant to tell you my wish because, at the tender age of about six, there was a superstition going around the neighborhood that if you told someone your wish, it wouldn’t come true. And so, from that day forward, I always remained tight lipped around blowing out birthday candles, first stars at night, and stray eyelashes. Should I break that tradition now? I’m not sure. And even if I did, there are so many things that I’m wishing for, I wouldn’t be sure where to start. Probably my biggest wish is what many other writers are also wishing for (does that need more explanation?)! If not that, then I’d settle for a sun-drenched beach, with white powdery sand, and a pink drink with an umbrella in it.”
Andrea Tombrowski is a freelance writer, reporter, and photographer. “I wish to earn more money from my writing. Yes, I’m using ‘money’ and ‘writing’ in the same sentence. I write because I’m passionate about the craft – and because I choose this profession (the greatest in the world) to pay my bills.”
Joan Crate writes poetry, fiction, essays, and e-mails. “I’d like to see increased funding for the arts and decreased funding for jails. As a result of that, a few more small publishers springing up (and healthier ones that have already sprung) would be great. And my car to stop giving out on hills. No. Hell, make it a new car, one that never breaks down.”
Jason Lee Norman is working on a book of short stories. “My wish is sort of like that of Pinocchio. He wished to be a real boy, I wish for a real job. A job where I can write. Anything from greeting cards, stock photo captions, answering Justin Bieber’s fan mail, anything at all. I’d work for nothing but a new box of pens each month and a peanut butter sandwich for lunch each day. Jesus, Buddha, Santa Claus, anybody. Please! Help!”
Rona Altrows – “My wish is to write at least one piece for kids. And I will.”
Ellen Kelly – “Peace, love, health, more writing time - that’s about it.”
Marina Endicott – “Fail again, fail better.”
Emily Ursuliak is one part poet, one part novelist, two parts brandy; shake over ice, strain and serve with a slice of strange; garnish with small town innocence and add metropolitan excess to taste. “I moved to Calgary, Alberta, to pursue an MA with a creative thesis, so I’d have to say my wish revolves around that. I hope to build a circle of friends in my new home city who are not only supportive, but challenge me and push me outside of my creative comfort zone. Also I want to make it through writing my first novel without going insane!”
Tracey Anderson – “My wish is to finally get paid for something I write!”
Dana Robinson – “To write 365 days in a row.”
Susan Lorimer – “There’s never enough time, so I would wish for a new day of the week that would be all mine for writing (or just eating cookies). It should be called Sues-day.”
Barbara Janusz – “I wish that my soon to be released first novel, Mirrored in the Caves, will be so wildly successful that a Hollywood producer will offer to buy the motion picture rights.”
Lana Shepherd has been writing for the past 12 years, mostly creative non-fiction and poetry. She is currently compiling stories with her father’s family’s homesteading in northern
Diane Tolley – “I would like to sell another book. A bestseller. And make the New York Times Bestseller list. That is all!”
Diane Robitelle, a poet, shares her wish in the style she loves best:
“I’ve been thinking/wishing to get printed
a set of 6 poetry note-cards, ‘TRUTH’,
for others who wish to spread the word
of courage for truth
to reign in hearts and minds of human beings
who wish for peace, love, and joy
upon our good, beautiful earth.”
Jean Crozier – “If I could only have one, here’s what I’d wish for: an exceptionally productive experience with the Humber Writing School by correspondence (I’ve been accepted, and now I’m anxious to get underway!)”
Lyn Thompson - “What else! I’d like to find a publisher for my novel, or even better an agent who would find a publisher for my novel, my two short story collections, my set of eight stories written for the blind . . . Need I go on? If that can’t be arranged by someone other than me, then I ask for good health to pursue same for many years. I’m 81 and I don’t like that part of writing that means the work stays on my shelf or in my drawer until I spend weeks consulting marketing books and months waiting for replies, but I’m no different than any other writer. We all want the same thing.”
Melanie Fischer – “I am so grateful for living in a society of such abundance so it was difficult to come up with a wish for anything for myself. My wish is that all who have been given the gift of inspiration through written words, will boldly place their pen to paper and fulfill their calling and bless others with their gift as well as encourage all writers to do the same.”
My greatest wish is that you find your own true writing journey and destination. It's such a great ride!