As a writer I’m often asked two questions.  In “A writer’s journey to finding her way Part I” I shared insights on the question, “How did you begin to write?”  In this entry I continue those insights as well and address another common question, “What thoughts would you share with an aspiring writer?”

I understand what Wayne Dyer means when he says when we're in-Spirit, we're inspired, and the things that bring us the greatest joy are aligned with our higher purpose.  I often think that writers write because it is part of our destiny and aligned with our calling in life.  Most writers don’t write for the money, they write because it brings joy and purpose to life.  When I began writing I opened myself to a new way of thinking … and living.  I started looking at the world differently.  Over the years, I realized I was developing my stories and characters by asking questions of Spirit in my mind and somehow the answers revealed themselves in the events of my life.  My life became a constant, instant creative source for my stories, which is my favorite component of writing and very exciting. 

This creativity process was the inspiration behind my newest project, a forthcoming spiritual self-help book, Lifesigns: a Lifeline to Spirit in which I share how it works.  I’ve used this creativity method for years, while writing my published novels as well as a new conspiracy novel I’m currently working on.  It is this reason I know my stories are not only a work of heart, they’re a work of Spirit and it always amazes me where my tales takes me.  

I was recently asked, “If you could spend time with another author, who would it be?” Without reservation I thought of three of my favorite authors and teachers.  I would cherish bouncing my often radical thoughts, by Marianne Williamson, Wayne Dyer and Deepak Chopra, because their writing has been inspiring, comforting and confirming. 

To those aspiring writers looking for words of wisdom, I’m sure you’ve heard other authors encourage you to, “Write, write, and write!”  While I would never disagree with that advice, I would add, if writing is calling you, write for the right reasons.  If you’ve conjured up the notion that being a writer is glamorous, a life of prosperity and excitement, think again.  I am not suggesting that it cannot be, but don’t choose such shallow reasons to write.  Write if your heart lures you to it.  Write about things you’re passionate about, things that bring joy and meaning to you.  Most importantly, believe in yourself and know you’ll attain your goal.  Don’t fret about the difficulties of becoming traditionally published.  Don’t buy into the statistics. It is no secret that your thoughts are powerful and can be your greatest proponent to foster achievement, or become an Achilles heel and sabotage success.  

Take it from someone who had never written before and was naïve to the industry.  I finished my first novel, dropped it in the mail to a New York publisher and five days later the publisher emailed me to express interest in my story.  The draw to my manuscript wasn’t because I had written brilliant prose (though I’d like to think it was pretty good)!  The secret to attracting my publisher was the power of belief.  I believed whole-heartedly that one of the reasons I was walking this planet was to write that first book, Facades. I believed in myself and knew that there was no way I was going to allow myself to fail at my mission in life. 

Why do writers write?  It is who we are.  Writing is aligned with the writer’s higher calling and can offer a journey of a lifetime.