#6. Get a Dog

Years ago, when I googled “How to become a writer” (yes, I did actually google this) a blog post from # 1 New York Times Best Selling writer, Jennifer Weiner filled my screen. There she lists some steps to becoming a novelist. Number six is: get a dog. She draws similarities between the discipline of being a dog owner to the discipline necessary in becoming a writer. I think it’s great advice and I’ve found that some of my best thinking about my story occurs on the walks with my dog, Rosie. As you can see Rosie also sits by my side and gives great feedback and advice. I wonder if Jennifer Weiner also listed Get a Dog as a step for becoming a writer because of the love and support they give. I know I could never have finished revisions and queried this year without Rosie’s loyalty and support and I would never have gotten out of my head without her habitual walks and persistent requests for the dog park. 

I’ve thought about this blog post many times over the past several years. The suggestion of getting a dog is only one of many great pieces of advice for anyone inquiring about the creative endeavor of writing. To read the full article click on this link.