Writers, join our fun and caring support group, created by Alex Cavanaugh, HERE.
I appreciate the co-hosts for the April 5 posting of the IWSG: Jemima Pett, Nancy Gideon, and Natalie Aguirre!
April 5 question – Do you remember writing your first book? What were your thoughts about a career path on writing? Where are you now and how is it working out for you? If you’re at the start of the journey, what are your goals?
Though I enjoyed creative writing as a child, I never intended to become a writer or author. But the world of fan fiction swept me up in its encouraging community, much like the support of this wonderful writer’s group. I posted one chapter at a time about characters in a favorite TV show, and fellow fans cheered me on (even though my writing was quite amateur at first).
As a psychologist, I listen all day. As a writer, I guess I had a lot to say, because the words poured out of me. After two long, rambling fan fiction stories, I started writing my first novel featuring an ex-psychologist who fell in love with a felon she met at her parole officer’s doorstep (With Good Behavior). And I was lucky to find a small publisher, Omnific Publishing, to release my baby into the world in 2010.
I have since published nine novels and two short stories. Writing is a side gig for me, not a career. Since the pandemic began, I have taken a hiatus from writing. But I recently started outlining novel #10, once again featuring a female psychologist character and a male swim coach character whose trauma she helps heal. I can’t wait to dive in!
Jennifer Lane Books 
That’s awesome that you found a publisher for your first book and kept writing after that. Your new project sounds interesting. Good luck with it!
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Thank you, Natalie! ❤
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Glad you are back ‘in the swim of things’.
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😀
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Started with fan fiction – I didn’t know that.
Glad you are back at writing again.
And I never wanted author as a career either. Too much pressure.
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It hasn’t felt like much pressure lately since I haven’t been writing, Alex! 😉
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Oh fanfiction. I adore it. It’s such a wonderful way to put your words into the world anonymously. It feels safer than just sending something totally original out into the world. BUT we have to do that at some point, just to see, don’t we? I’m still in the editing phase of a trilogy but that query letter is looming. Best of luck in getting back into writing!
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Fan fiction was an ideal way for me to start writing, as I could focus on my own wacky plot while not worrying about developing characters. But you’re right that we need to tell our own stories through our characters’ eyes one day. Best of luck with querying, Jen!
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I’m glad you’re back at it. Writing is good for the soul. hehehe
Anna from elements of emaginette
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My soul needs it, Anna! hehe
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Interesting how many writers start with fan fiction and then segue into their original writing. I did the opposite. I started with my own writing, published 3 novels with a niche publisher, before I began writing fan fiction.
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That’s great, Olga! Which fandoms do you enjoy? Mine was Prison Break.
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Wen Spencer’s Elfhome and Anne Bishop’s The Others.
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