November's letter from the editor

I was really excited to learn Robert Louis Stevenson, author of Treasure Island, Kidnapped and the Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde was born in November, partly because I was born in November, too, and the day this blog runs, it’ll be my birthday. Additionally, as I type this I’m packing to go to New York. I’m full of anticipation to see a Broadway play, Central Park, the Empire State Building, Ellis Island and more. But also because Stevenson’s quote not only encompasses physical traveling, his words tie in beautifully to our writing life, don't you agree?

Think about it. November is one of the busiest seasons for writers as many are doing NanoWriMo and/or struggling to close out the year by meeting those goals they made at the first of the year. If you’re working on a novel this month or getting words down on a page you’re on a journey, and, ideally, the process fills you with as much a satisfaction at every stage as when you type, “The End.”

Enjoying and celebrating the process make us writers—not just to say, “I wrote a book,” but to say, “I write.”

We hope you’re checking out our regular columnists and our new contributors on Writing from the Peak. Every time I read their insights, I find myself vigorously nodding and learning something new. This month, we’ll talk about writing woes, careers and, naturally, craft. We’ll discuss critique groups and the Internet—is it helpful or is it a distraction? We also have a fantastic article on why we need diversity in books. Don’t just take my word for it, tune in!   

To those of you doing Nano, good luck. Whether you’re traveling physically or via your muse, I think Robert Louis Stevenson had it right. May you travel hopefully until the moment you arrive. 

Enjoy your November.

About the author: Donnell Ann Bell is the managing editor for Writing from the Peak and the coordinator for the monthly Open Critique held on the first Wednesday of every month. She is a best selling romantic suspense and mystery author. To learn more about her books, find her at www.donnellannbell.com