I was fifteen years old when I officially decided to launch my writing journey. I began by devouring books within the genre I’d like to write, studying the craft, learning how the industry works, starting this blog, and I wrote the first draft of my debut novel, PURPLE MOON.
When I attended my first conference a year later, I met several writers who were supportive and encouraged me in my writing journey. I can’t tell you how many people have told me, “I wish I was your age when I’d started out!” However, over the years I’ve also come across writers (and professionals) who don’t seem to have a respect for young writers. Some might even categorize them all as inexperienced, impatient, and assume they can’t write because they haven’t been in the industry long enough.
It’s as if some people will only respect writers if they’ve held a college degree for years, have worked in another profession, and then they finally decide to pursue this field well-into their parenting years.
