Years ago, when I was a moderator of a private online community of tens of thousands of writers, I noticed that the same writers’ names would appear in comment threads, surrounding the controversy du jour.
Wish I had better words to say that you're amazing! As an editor (and more) you always have the best ideas/perspectives and an unlimited supply of encouragement. So lucky to be working with you.
You are an inspiration, truly. I think I'm gonna book one of those calls, Leigh. I have been a working writer my whole adult life, but about 10 years ago I pivoted my writing career from mainly magazine work, editing, and educational books for the school library market to what I *really* wanted to be doing: literary writing & teaching. It's going well--my debut memoir came out in 2021 to starred reviews from Kirkus and PW and I am currently working on my second book, a novel, teaching steadily, and have been building Writing in the Dark on Substack for the past year and it's thriving. But in terms of career strategy, I feel like I am always making it up as I go! Your smart, clear voice of wisdom really draws me.
Thank you! And I'm serous about booking a session. I love the way you talk about the writing life, and the work of being a writer. I know I will never (likely) be on TikTok, but I am serious about doing the things I am capable of doing to make my path easier, and I have giant respect for voices in this muddle who take the work and the work of the work as dead seriously as I do. Looking forward!
I remember those days on the private community and thinking the SAME thing! So exciting to see all of the progres here and the pivots you've made as a working writer, and encouraging all of us to do the same.
Thank you for the shout out - and for the sage advice, for so generously sharing your connections - something that doesn't always happen in the literary world - and enthusiastic encouragement. ❤️
You’re a gem, Leigh!
you are! 💎
Wish I had better words to say that you're amazing! As an editor (and more) you always have the best ideas/perspectives and an unlimited supply of encouragement. So lucky to be working with you.
thank you so much Melanie!
Another banger 🔥🎯❤️
aw thanks Jenovia!
You are an inspiration, truly. I think I'm gonna book one of those calls, Leigh. I have been a working writer my whole adult life, but about 10 years ago I pivoted my writing career from mainly magazine work, editing, and educational books for the school library market to what I *really* wanted to be doing: literary writing & teaching. It's going well--my debut memoir came out in 2021 to starred reviews from Kirkus and PW and I am currently working on my second book, a novel, teaching steadily, and have been building Writing in the Dark on Substack for the past year and it's thriving. But in terms of career strategy, I feel like I am always making it up as I go! Your smart, clear voice of wisdom really draws me.
thank you for the kind words! Congrats on all your Substack success this year!
Thank you! And I'm serous about booking a session. I love the way you talk about the writing life, and the work of being a writer. I know I will never (likely) be on TikTok, but I am serious about doing the things I am capable of doing to make my path easier, and I have giant respect for voices in this muddle who take the work and the work of the work as dead seriously as I do. Looking forward!
I remember those days on the private community and thinking the SAME thing! So exciting to see all of the progres here and the pivots you've made as a working writer, and encouraging all of us to do the same.
(1) I love how often you wear your Content shirt
(2) I love how you refer to studying TikTok as traveling abroad
(3) I love that the internet exists because that’s how we met. 🤘🏽
I found a great photo of us on Zoom in our matching shirts!
Prove it 🤘🏽
So glad we finally got to meet IRL!
me toooo
I think it’s really easy to stay with what once worked - your pivots into TikTok and Substack are inspiring!!
aw, thanks!
Well put, there is “general advice” and then there is “Tailored Advice” and people can get lost with too much of the general one out there. Thank you!
yes!
You know, in a way, you speak at many Authors Guild events, because the panelists are always quoting you
no way! 😂 you made my week!
I love that this year connected us and that you so generously connected me to so many amazing women and books!
Thank you for the shout out - and for the sage advice, for so generously sharing your connections - something that doesn't always happen in the literary world - and enthusiastic encouragement. ❤️
always! 📣
Felicitations Leigh!
thanks Judy!
Are you a good fit for adult dark fantasy with mature themes?