Plenary Session: Susan Wiggs and the Writer’s Journey

Presented by Susan Wiggs.

Here are the 12 steps to being a writer, presented as a form of the Hero’s Journey.  I mentioned it in an earlier post, and have had a chance to write it up now.

She also made the point that while it is nice to have a career as a writer and lots of readers, sometimes the work of writing has to be its own reward.

Step 1:  The Heroine (the writer) is in her normal world

• possesses a great imagination

Step 2: Call to Adventure

• there is a specific catalyst for the heroine to start on the writing path
• decide how badly you have to write
• check ‘Writing Fiction’ by Janet Burroway

Step 3:  The Reluctant Heroine

• may not want to write
• there are always reasons not to

Step 4:  Wise Old Man

• there is always something new to learn
• be the best writer you can be

Step 5:  Into the Special World

• going to conferences
• being part of a critique group
• joining local RWA chapter

Step 6:  Allies and Enemies

• Agent appointment
• accepting rejection
• cultivate group who support and respect what you do
• write from your heart – love, anger fear -> true emotion

Step 7:  Innermost Cave

• no right or wrong way to write a book
• the best way to write is the one that gets the book written

Step 8.  Supreme Ordeal

• sending the book to editors and agents
• editors and agents do want to find new talent

Step 9:  Seizing the Sword

• start writing!

Step 10:  The Road Back

• no new plots
• retell one of the plots in your own unique voice

Step 11:  Resurrection

• the final exam – be ready when opportunities are presented to you

Step 12:  The Magical Elixir

• there is no age limit to starting