Hannah M.
asked
Helen Simonson:
hi. I have always wanted to be an author and I would like to ask you a few questions if you'd answer them. I was wondering if you have any responsibilities as an author? if you do what are they? also what kind of education did you have to get to become an author. and what if any contributions do you as an author make to society? thanks.
Helen Simonson
Dear Hannah,
An author is merely someone who has been published. I prefer to think of myself as a writer - that's the real vocation. I write full time though I have occasionally taught a creative-writing class. Many writers teach to support their families or have other careers. Trollope was a postman I think? I was a stay-at-home mom for many years which gave me some time to write. You should think about how you will support yourself during the years it may take to become published (took me 15 years). When I'm under contract to write a book I have a responsibility to meet my deadline but my publisher is very nice about it. Being a writer requires you to be responsible mainly to yourself. If you don't want to complete a book no one is going to push you into it or weep for the missed opportunity. You have to be driven, persistent and self-motivated to choose this path. I did not major in English as an undergraduate. I studied economics and politics instead. After taking a few writing classes in the community, I began to attend writers conferences and then pursued an MFA part time. Education in the field can focus you on your craft and build a community and structure around your writing but it is not a prerequisite. I think the best education for a writer is to be an incessant reader. That is very hard to do in today's technology and social media world but if you can turn off the Snapchat and read a book instead you will find it hugely nourishing as a writer. No reading experience or writing class is ever wasted I think. Regardless of publishing success or failure, good reading and writing skills are super valuable. Fiction writers don't report the world and the human experience, they seek to explain it, one book and one little bit at a time. We contribute to society by writing stories that allow people to step into another person's shoes. We raise issues and inspire empathy. We open up the world. I also like to contribute a good laugh now and then. I am only a very small and humble member of the great community of fiction writers but there is always room for more of us. I hope you pursue your dream of becoming an author. Best regards, Helen Simonson
An author is merely someone who has been published. I prefer to think of myself as a writer - that's the real vocation. I write full time though I have occasionally taught a creative-writing class. Many writers teach to support their families or have other careers. Trollope was a postman I think? I was a stay-at-home mom for many years which gave me some time to write. You should think about how you will support yourself during the years it may take to become published (took me 15 years). When I'm under contract to write a book I have a responsibility to meet my deadline but my publisher is very nice about it. Being a writer requires you to be responsible mainly to yourself. If you don't want to complete a book no one is going to push you into it or weep for the missed opportunity. You have to be driven, persistent and self-motivated to choose this path. I did not major in English as an undergraduate. I studied economics and politics instead. After taking a few writing classes in the community, I began to attend writers conferences and then pursued an MFA part time. Education in the field can focus you on your craft and build a community and structure around your writing but it is not a prerequisite. I think the best education for a writer is to be an incessant reader. That is very hard to do in today's technology and social media world but if you can turn off the Snapchat and read a book instead you will find it hugely nourishing as a writer. No reading experience or writing class is ever wasted I think. Regardless of publishing success or failure, good reading and writing skills are super valuable. Fiction writers don't report the world and the human experience, they seek to explain it, one book and one little bit at a time. We contribute to society by writing stories that allow people to step into another person's shoes. We raise issues and inspire empathy. We open up the world. I also like to contribute a good laugh now and then. I am only a very small and humble member of the great community of fiction writers but there is always room for more of us. I hope you pursue your dream of becoming an author. Best regards, Helen Simonson
More Answered Questions
Christine F.
asked
Helen Simonson:
I must tell you, I am still processing your beautifully touching story. I read your first novel but this one is so special! I felt as though I was sitting in the garden with Hugh and his family at the lovely cottage. The descriptions of the war were chilling. I too am a writer. You might enjoy my novel - AN EVEN EXCHANGE. It is told in twovoices and is set inthe US and England. How did you research WW 1 info?
Diane Cadei
asked
Helen Simonson:
No question, just wanted to say that it has been a long time since I read a book that I just had to sit and read until I finished it----"The Summer Before the War" was just that book, it was a beautiful Sunday afternoon and I laid on the couch and read and read and read. I just had to finish it. Thank you for such a lovely story. Bring on more. I don't mind waiting. Are you writing another?
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