There is no one path to being a writer or any kind of artist. Listening and learning from those already on their own journey can help brighten our way. These authors, bloggers, editors and publishers offer advice and experience to help you avoid the dangerous tangles of self-doubt and publishing pitfalls.
Author Kirsten Holmstedt’s first book, Band of Sisters: American Women at War in Iraq, won a Golden Quill Award from the American Author’s Association, as well as the hearts of thousands of readers. Her second book, The Girls Come Marching Home (Stackpole Books) hit stores July 4th. Kristin, a skilled writer, researcher, public speaker and promoter, offered to give us some insight into her journey so far.
Pinchback Press: What is your earliest writing-related memory?
Kirsten Holmstedt: I started writing in a journal at a young age and have kept that habit going throughout my life. I’ve always enjoyed chronicling my feelings and actions, and writing about events of personal, local, national, and worldwide significance.
PP: Briefly describe your path to publishing/what lead you here?
KH: My background is in journalism. I started writing for newspapers right out of college and have been writing for newspapers and magazine on and off for the past twenty-five years. I was working in public relations for a community college (writing articles about faculty, staff, students, programs, … for local newspapers) when I decided I wanted to take my writing to another level … challenge myself. I enrolled in undergraduate creative writing classes. I liked those classes so much that I enrolled in the master of fine arts program in creative non-fiction writing at UNCW. My first book was my thesis. It was published a year after I graduated from the MFA program.
PP: Have you had any formal training in writing? Who do you rely on for feedback?
KH: My formal training in writing came from the journalism program at Drake University, where I earned my bachelor’s degree, and from UNCW. For feedback, I rely on what I learned from my peers and professors at UNCW, my boyfriend (who is a college professor), writer friends, and my editor.
PP: What is the most challenging part of being a writer?
KH: The most challenging part for me is sitting down at the computer. There are days I would rather get on my hands and knees and scrub the floors, or clean the toilets. Writing is hard; scrubbing floors, easy.
Seriously, knowing what I want to convey and how I want to convey it can be challenging. I like to get a handle on those questions before I start writing. Once I can answer those questions things seem to flow, though not without much effort.
PP: What has been most rewarding in this journey for you?
KH: My two books have to do with American women serving in combat in Iraq and returning from combat. Being a voice for these women, who shy away from the spotlight despite their heroics and struggles, is a privilege and an honor.
PP: What advice would you like to share with up-and-coming writers?
KH: Writing is an art and skill that requires much discipline and perseverance, especially if you want to write a book. Follow your passion and work hard. When you feel like giving up, don’t! It’s those moments … those struggles … that will determine whether or not you will be published.
http://www.bandofsistersbook.com/
http://www.girlscomemarchinghome.com