What Do You Love Most About Being an Author?

I really and truly love everything about being an author. My only complaint is that I wish I had more time to write. I definitely feel that life is too short to spend the time wishing that I had my dream job. So I am very fortunate to be doing what I love.

I have so much fun creating. I mean, there aren't a ton of jobs where you can pretend to be whoever you want to be. Through writing I am able to travel to all sorts of places, real and fantasy. And for the most part people don't call writers crazy for getting into character.

Another part of writing that I love is connecting with readers. I chose to write for teens because I feel like I can relate to them. I have yet to forget what it is like to get dissed by a guy or not make the school play. I hope people enjoy my books whether they are reading them to escape or for pure enjoyment.

Of course, there are days when I am slugging along through a chapter or a scene but that's when I turn to my critique buddies for a fresh eye. Being a writer can be isolating if you let it, but I've met so many fascinating people along my journey.

Other cool authorly perks that I take advantage of:
1. I can work in my pjs.
2. Starbucks has become my own personal office. Boy do I love my office:)!
3. Goinging on FB, Twitter and blogging are all part of my job.
4. That goes for watching TV and reading teen mags too!
5. Buying too many books at my local Borders, all to stay in touch with my industry, of course.
6. Meeting so many other cool authors, readers and bloggers whether it's a conferences or even online. It's a great community to be a part of.

Bottom line, I am happy to be able to do what I love, day in and day out. If I haven't written for a few days, I can get kind of grumpy. Writing is like exercise for my mind. I'm always thinking ahead to what project I'm going to dive into next. Well, off to finish the manuscript that I'm working on--Graveyard Shift.