This past week I got to have lunch with author Layton Green. We’ve known each other for years, both having studied with Shihan Duke Swain–he for jujitsu, and me for Wild Goose Breathing Chi Kung. Years ago, I got to read his first draft of a book, and we’ve kept in touch since. I was working on Fate of the Red Queen at the time.. I’ve proofed his Blackwood Saga, and hope to work more on other of his fantasy novels. His Dominic Grey series is part of the reason he’s in my top five authors.
He rarely gives advice on novels, but his advice on Fate of the Red Queen transformed the beginning. was giving me advice on publishing–as he has had some useful experience being a hybrid author, as well as an Amazon bestselling author. Touching base with him was a balm for my soul.
One of the topics we discussed was the time we give for writing. How precious our time is for writing, and how we need to protect it. I’ve not done that well. Listening to how he respects and nurtures his own drive for the work, I was inspired. I’m averaging a chapter a month, though I’ve done some writing work, including some short stories. When you need to put food on the table, you have to protect that time. Inspired, and realizing how badly I’ve done that, I’ve I just quit working for my twin mowing her lawn. I’m so full up with adult care giving, that if I’m ever going to finish editing my own work, I have to protect my time.
Thank you, Layton, for inspiring me!