As I prepare for the release of my third book and reflect on nearly ten years of writing, I often think about what I would tell my younger self—the version of me who had just typed the first words in the first of the Simone LaFray mystery series: “Bonjour,” or should I say, “Hello.” Even without the aid of a time machine, I still vividly remember staring at the screen, blank apart from a blinking cursor, with my story outlined in a notebook next to it. We’ve all been there, and felt the confluence of excitement and anxiety as we type the first line, erase it, retype it, and mull over the next. In that pause before typing the next line—when the fuse was then lit—I would offer my younger self the following:
Nothing will go to plan.
After deciding to develop Simone into a proper middle grade series, I crafted a schedule to keep me on task: Write the first book in six months, edit it for three months, and sign a book deal by the end of the year. Write two books a year, wrap up the series in under five years, and become a fixture on the New York Times bestseller list. None of this happened. Ah, the best-laid plans. While your desire for efficiency and responsiveness will be ever-present, the reality is that you only control a fraction of this journey. Write authentically, persist, and tear up your schedule.
Writing will introduce you to the most extraordinary and supportive community.
This is the most unexpected and spectacular happenstance of this journey. To introduce yourself as a writer for the first time is perilous at best—but put yourself out there. This community will welcome you with open arms and support you tirelessly. You will join a friend network that spans the globe. You will be in near-daily contact with people in England, India, Canada, Scotland, Africa, Jamaica, and all over the United States. You will cheer for them as much as they will cheer for you, and all achievements will be celebrated. You will have champions in your publisher and editor, and you will consider them friends. Book people are the best people, and you will come to know many.
Writing will bring you joy.
When it comes down to it, writing is a solitary endeavor, a quiet room, a relaxed mind, and a vivid imagination. While these moments may sometimes feel unfulfilled or frustrating, holding the printer’s proof of your books will take your breath away. You will love your books, and you will love writing. Kids will ask you questions about your characters that you have never considered. You will be invited to book signings, author panels, and podcasts. You will be asked to beta-read books and write reviews. You will win awards and be featured in many magazines and articles. You will be in talks to sell your production rights, and you will be inspired to write even more books. Yes, the good stuff will come—but the true joy will be in the discovery. Savor the process.
A huge thanks to Robert and my friends at Brandylane for making this all possible.
S.P. O’Farrell is the award-winning author of the Simone LaFray Mysteries. When he isn’t writing, he is championing special education, the performing arts, and numerous environmental initiatives. He lives in western Maryland with his wife and two sons.
