Not sure how many of you have had the chance to catch the first season of David Letterman’s Netflix show, My Next Guest Needs No Introduction, but Letterman’s return to television has made me realize how much I miss those “Top Ten” lists he used to rattle off on the Late Show.
If Letterman had done a survey of the top ten questions writers were asked while sitting in a bar, it might have gone something like this:
10. Didn’t I see your book on a bargain table at B&N?
9. Does your agent go by 007 or just Bond, James Bond?
8. What’s it like to sit about in your pajamas all day chasing the muse?
7. You wouldn’t write about me now would you? Would you?
6. How’s the day job?
5. Is Stephen King a little edgy or what?
4. What are those voices in your head telling you?
3. Are you sure I haven’t read any of your work?
2. Who gets more in royalties–you or J.K. Rowling?
And
1. Need an idea for your next novel? Well, pull up a stool. Today’s your lucky day.
Obviously, this list is all in jest–and thank God I’m not a comedy writer looking for a gig at SNL any time soon. One thing that occurred to me while creating this list, however, is how many times we find ourselves on the opposite end of the spectrum, in a position where we’re too timid to ask another writer about his/her process or about how to navigate the craft because we don’t want to appear foolish, or worse, ignorant in front of someone whose work or career inspires us.
I’ve always believed in the importance of a generous and supportive writing community. There is so much we can learn from one another. I’d love to open up the conversation and take this opportunity to invite you to contact me via my contact page with any questions you may have concerning the writing life, craft, publishing or otherwise. I’ll do my best to address these questions in future blog posts and hopefully, others will feel compelled to weigh in and add their comments and/or experiences to the mix as well.
My hope, really my wish, is that this forum of sorts will become a soft place to land for those writers who need a little guidance and/or the occasional boost so they feel emboldened enough to propel themselves forward. After all, there’s nothing more comforting than knowing you’re not swimming in the big pool alone. I’m excited to hear from you.
Kristin Tenor 