Jane Austen, ever the insightful observer, offered witty and intricately crafted statements regarding the culture surrounding her. Had Twitter exited in her day, I imagine she would have stepped into the fray, cautiously, appalled by some users, intrigued by others.
And always, ever, observing and finding inspiration in the humans around her.
What do you think? Did I do justice to the beloved First Lady of Literature?
I’ve always been a writer. From the moment I first wrapped my little fingers around a pencil, I’ve been scribbling thoughts and ideas. But I haven’t always written fiction. In fact, if you told me five years ago that I would write a novel (much less two), I would’ve smiled politely while thinking, Okay, strange person.
I tried writing fiction when I was a kid. It wasn’t very good. I was smart enough to realize that. And when you grow up in a competitive family, you either get good at whatever it is you attempt or you find something you are good at. I didn’t know how to get better. And the one writing workshop I went to actually made it harder for me to write.
I figured it just wasn’t for me. So at the age of 10, I dumped fiction and focused on poetry. Poetry was good to me. People liked my poetry. It came easily, effortlessly.
And then, as with all great personal stories, things happened. (more…)