“One has to live a life that creates a writer.”
~Erno Paasilinna
I don’t know that I’d heard or read those words before, but when I turned eighteen I decided I wanted Life Experience.
People say “be careful what you wish for”, and that’s often true.
I made a long series of mistakes, but I have no regrets. I walked away from a life I hated, a life that made me hate myself. I had a ten-month-old and another on the way. I found the strength to start over.
I now have a beautiful family, and I found my way here. It’s a great place to be, among friends and community who share the same passions, who want to tell stories and talk about the art and craft of the process.
The most definitive lesson I learned from life and apply to writing is this: There is value in knowing when to end one story and begin another.
Not so long ago, in a land called the Midwest
A long conversation with my husband last spring culminated in the awareness that I needed to write. It was my therapy, it opened up passion I didn’t know was possible, it gave me immense joy.
I started my first manuscript. It is awful. It’s discombobulated, mangy, and coughs up hairballs on occasion. I am its proud creator.
It occurred to me that I might be able to connect with writers online. (I know, right?) As supportive as my family and friends are, I needed others to learn from and talk shop with. Writing is lonely work, I understood that, and being an introvert, it suited me. But I wanted to know if I was doing it right, if my problems, success, and goals were comparable to others’.
If I was going to write, and not just talk about it, I knew there were a few things I needed besides a few good pens and some paper.
One afternoon, I found a podcast featuring Jane Friedman, and a few clicks later I found Writer UnBoxed.
If it weren’t for you….
I value my tribe ( and you are all part of it), and I love writers. Would I still be grinding away? I believe in myself and desires enough to say yes, absolutely. But the rough spots would have taken more skin and the happy spots wouldn’t shine so much. We are awesome. If writers ruled the world…
Define success
Success does not define me. If I waited for that moment, I’d still be telemarketing, or selling vitamins. I value where I’m at right now. I’m polishing this amazing story I believe in. My focus is giving the story what it deserves, and what readers deserve. I’ve come to know and admire talented writers.
There’s a world full of people who don’t know where to even begin finding something they are passionate about.
Here we are, here I am.
This story has a great beginning.
Courtney Koschel has been writing since she could hold a crayon. She has worked as a journalist, editor, technical writer, and technical editor. Young adult fiction is near and dear to her heart, which is why she writes YA and all of its glorious sub-genres.
Tonia Marie Houston is a mother, writer, poet, bookworm, and blogger. When sheís not chasing her three spider monkeys, she spends her time revising a young adult novel about life after death and second chances. Though she began to pursue her career later in life, she hopes to inspire and motivate other writers to put their best book forward.
This native Texan now lives with her Scottish hubby in North Ayrshire, Scotland, where she wanders the moors in search of William Wallace. She has been a guest blogger on Writer Unboxed and is currently working on the sequel to her YA supernatural novel, Touched by Darkness.
Jamie Raintree writes what she likes to call everyday fairytale love stories, featuring the little moments in life that are truly magical. She lives in Arizona with her husband and daughter and is currently editing her second novel.
Jani Grey is a South African ambivert, writer, reader, optimist, and bacon enthusiast. When her boss isnít looking she writes, revises, or edits YA Urban Fantasies in between work. Sheís sneaky like that. Sheís a NaNoWriMo addict and is currently working on two NaNo novels.
Rebecca Fields is a modern gypsy, roaming from place to place in search of ñ well, sheíll let you know when she finds it. Writing has become a way for her to share her adventures, both real and imagined. Along with her on her journey are her son and an assortment of rescued animals.
Rebecca
July 6, 2012 at 10:14 pm
Beautiful post, Tonia! It’s funny how we’re willing to accept things as they are – until we have children. Then we find a previously unimagined strength. I’m curious though, did you have an interest in writing before last spring? What was it that set you to writing and not painting or sculpting? Tell me more, I want to know
Tonia Marie Houston
July 6, 2012 at 10:43 pm
You know what, you’re right. I’d written more, but edited a good part of the opening out. I didn’t want to go that far back or there would be pages,lol.
I knew when I was eight years old I wanted to be a writer. I couldn’t sculpt, paint, or sing. But I loved working magic with words, still do.
When I turned eighteen, I rebelled. I was an A student and should have gone on to college. I grew up sheltered, the oldest of five girls, and I was responsible for them a great deal of the time. Being young, I felt I had to make my own mistakes, etc-the big Life Experience-before I could write anything well.
I appreciate your interest. And it’s true, having children changes everything. I’m proud of myself for making that decision- it’s my best mom moment ever.
Rebecca
July 6, 2012 at 11:51 pm
Wonderful!! That’s what I wanted to know. I love learning what got others involved in writing and you seem so passionate about your work. I knew there had to be more to the story. Thanks so much for sharing!
Tonia Marie Houston
July 7, 2012 at 8:20 pm
Again, thank you, Rebecca. I love learning about others’ writing journeys as well.
Courtney Koschel
July 7, 2012 at 6:02 am
I absolutely loved reading your post. Thank you for sharing, hun. I value our tribe so so much. It’s so important to be able to connect with others who share a common goal. Please know how much I cherish you.
Your husband sounds like an incredible man. I’m glad he was there to encourage you. Thank you for giving us a glimpse into your journey! And you’re right, this story is just the beginning. I can’t wait to see where it takes you.
Tonia Marie Houston
July 7, 2012 at 8:25 pm
Oh, Courtney, you mean so much to me. You’re just an all-around giving and awesome person. I love it here, I love the writers I’ve come to know.
My husband is a good man. When doubt hits me like a sucker punch, he’s there telling me to suck it up. He believes in me and when I ask how so many people could be supportive of me, who has so much to learn, he says, “Because you’re Tonia.” lol. Trust me, I’m holding onto him.
I can’t wait to hear more of your personal journey. Every day is a new chance to get it right. *hugs*
Nicole L. Bates
July 7, 2012 at 6:31 am
There is value in knowing when to end one story and begin another. I love this quote. Good for you for following your dreams, I think sometimes that can be the scariest step to take. I look forward to seeing where the story takes you. Good luck!
Tonia Marie Houston
July 7, 2012 at 8:27 pm
Thank you, Nicole. Learning that lesson qualified all the time spent not writing, but finding some crazy strength to move on. Taking that step is scary, but we’ve all done it. We run in great circles, don’t we?
vaughnroycroft
July 7, 2012 at 7:17 am
I still remember when you were a newbie over on WU. If I remember right, one of the first times you and I interacted, you were going to have to speak to a group and asked for the tribe’s advice. I piped up with some lame joke (rather than actually being helpful – I like to think of it as lightening the mood
). To my eternal delight, you actually seemed amused by my lame jokes. So glad we both found this great intertwined community–our tribe. You’re right, it’s an incredible beginning! Great post!
Tonia Marie Houston
July 7, 2012 at 8:32 pm
I don’t think of you as lame, I think of you as one of my talented and quirky friends. That’s a compliment, even in non-virtual life, all of my friends are quirky.
I do remember that. Then, we went on to connect through Heather, authors like GRRM and Jacqueline Carey, and great music.
You’re a valuable part of this intertwined, fantastic tribe. Thanks for helping a newbie out.
bwtaylor75
July 7, 2012 at 8:57 am
A wise character from my story once said, “Like any good story there has to be a beginning, a place where it all began.” Your beginning is just that, a beginning. Where you take the story next is up to you. I’ll gladly walk along. Feel free to lean on me when the incline gets steep. You know I’m there for you.
Even though we make mistakes and hurt ourselves, we somehow manage to make it where we’re supposed to be. Doesn’t it feel like you’re supposed to be here? I’m glad you’re here.
*raises glass* Here’s to the happy ending you’ve worked so hard for, and deserve. Cheers!
Tonia Marie Houston
July 7, 2012 at 8:49 pm
*Raises own glass* Salud.
I absolutely feel I am supposed to be here.
I’m glad you’re here as well and happy to walk along with you as well. That’s what warriors do when they can’t stand on their own- lean on eachother. For a chick, I have pretty broad shoulders.
Jamie Raintree
July 8, 2012 at 10:39 pm
That quote is so true. I find some of the best writers have lived through some of the biggest heartbreaks and toughest challenges.
I’m happy to be a part of your tribe!
Jani
July 9, 2012 at 11:45 am
One of my favorite things about this post is the mention of tribe. I love how you share yourself and your experience with us. I absolutely adore you, Tonia. Your journey inspires me and I can’t wait to see your reach your destination.