"I shall live badly if I do not write, and I shall write badly if I do not live."
~FRANÇOISE SAGAN
The days of the reclusive author have faded into outdated stereotype. The truth is, most authors, even historically, have been most productive and successful when they have healthy relationships, stable home lives, and strong social connections--personal and professional, virtual and in-person. It's true that drama and suffering can provide excellent fodder for fiction, but too much isolation can snuff the spark.
To make it as an author today requires that you define and build your own model of success and that you maintain fulfilling relationships with your writing partners, family, friends, lovers, mentors, and colleagues. Most of us juggle day-job work, romance, friendships, and parenting with our solitary writing time. It is tricky but essential to cultivate relationships and interpersonal dynamics that feed your soul, support your creativity, and keep you connected to the world of real people--hanging solely with your imaginary friends and story characters won't cut it, for you or for your writing.
As a mother, I have learned that nothing has the power to bomb your life as hard as a first baby. Mommy Brain is real; forgive yourself if you are a new mother or father and need to take a break from writing for a few months or a few years. Eventually, parenthood provides many wonderful opportunities to see the world through the eyes of a child again, instill a love of reading in a fresh new person, and deepen your life experiences on a new level that will enrich your insights and imagination for the rest of your life.
