Someone asked me recently if I thought my life as a writer was normal. In the moment, I thought it was an odd question — what is normal? But writers get to do some cool things that maybe aren’t normal for everyone. So Wickeds, what cool things have you done?
Julie: So many things! One of my favorite field trips was to a clock tower, where I climbed up and learned how it worked. It changed my book Chime and Punishment. I also love that I make up stories for people all the time. I’ll sit in a coffeeshop and make up backstories for everyone there. That is one of our cooler superpowers, making stuff up.
Barb: Being a writer is foundational to so many interesting things. I love that I get to meet readers and speak at libraries, bookstores, and conferences. The mystery community is so fabulous. And, of course, I get to blog with my Wicked sistas! Writing and publishing is just the ticket to ride this fun train.
Liz: So many things! I’ve met so many interesting people, gotten to go to awesome events and conferences, and do cool research. For me one of the coolest things was getting to be part of the Boston Book Festival a few years back on a really fun panel. I was kind of in awe that I was actually an author participating in that event!
Jessie: I think for me the best part is feeling like my life is always expanding and becoming more fulfilling. It is astonishing how wonderful life is when you feel like you are lined up with your purpose. I think being a writer has helped me to come into my own in ways I had not before and I am supremely grateful for that part of the journey! How else could I have attended a seance as a research trip?
Sherry: One of the most fun (and most terrifying) things I’ve done as an author was to Skype with three sixth grade creative writing classes. I was afraid I’d bore them to death, but they asked wonderful questions. We laughed together and the time flew by each time. It was so fun to see these bright, talented kids.
Edith: What a great question! Some of the hands-on research I’ve done for the Quaker Midwife Mysteries has been a real treat: riding in a historic buggy pulled by a real horse on rural riding paths; living the life of an 1870s New England family for 24 hours (right down to the chamberpot…); hanging out in John Greenleaf Whittier’s study, unchanged from when he wrote and received visitors in it? Definitely not “normal” but so valuable for the small details in my series.
Readers: What cool things have you done in your life that might not seem “normal” to someone else?