The Journey

“When it comes to writing, the journey is the point; the product isn’t.”
 
Those sage words were spoken by the multi-published author Julianna Holmes on her podcast. The statement stopped me in my tracks. I admit it: Up until that moment, I had always focused on the product. That is, getting my novels published and having my series appear in bookstores, shelved in libraries, and sold with online retailers. I mean, that’s the point of writing, isn’t it?
 
Well, no. Once I embraced Julianna’s words, I pivoted and concentrated on the actual journey. The first thing I realized is that a writer probably shouldn’t travel alone. Up until then, I’d been working solo on my mystery series for about ten years while also working full time. It was a very personal, private undertaking. So, why not open my manuscripts to others? Inviting people to join me in my journey has allowed me to embrace creative writers, join critique clubs, work with copy editors, and connect with beta readers. Their shared stories and genuine feedback have been incredibly refreshing while having a profound impact on my writing. I’ve found it’s delightful to belong to an ever-expanding group of talented, humorous, challenging, and caring individuals who all contribute to “the product.” One day, my community will also include agents, content editors, book cover designers, and publishers who will add more exciting new tools to my travel bag as I continue to grow as a writer. But I’m not worried about when that day arrives.
 
Recognizing that the journey is the point of writing made room for both humility and humor in my life. It allows me to remain a lifelong apprentice to the craft and to belong to a wonderful community of readers and writers. It has been a lovely, freeing notion.