I had the pleasure of sitting down with Megan Rockwell, debut author of Without Light. Every time I interview an author, I come away with a takeaway, and with Megan, it was this: invest in yourself.
Writing should be purposeful, and so I never come onto Substack without one, and I’m lucky that the authors I meet with always inspire a takeaway. With Megan, my takeaway was invest in yourself. It’s so much easier said than done when you’re not sure how your novel will be received, but Megan and I spoke about how that’s not really the point. Of course, becoming a bestselling author is the dream—but does that have to be the mission?
Megan spoke to me about how despite her extensive experience in marketing and communication, she didn’t feel that creative spark anymore. She took time off to be a mother to her two sons, balancing part time work along the way. Then, her partner/sons’ father told her she needed to make a decision. Invest in yourself and finish your book, or don’t, but halfway committing wasn’t working.
Investing in yourself of course equates to money, but also time. I often find myself asking if I’m wasting my time. Will I ever amount to anything? Will I ever feel confident in my work to share it with the world? After speaking with Megan, I was reminded, it’s not the point. Perhaps the answer is that I’ll never feel confident to do so. But like she said, “the time is going to pass anyway.” Why not spend it creatively, working on a story that brings me joy, and that’s that?
When I paint, I don’t expect my work to hang in a gallery. I just enjoy the process. Why is it so hard to apply that mindset to writing?
Once it becomes enough, investing the time and committing is suddenly easier. The pressure of comparing against others and having something to show for the effort disappears. Megan took a chance with her time. Then she also took a chance with monetary investments into an editor. And it all paid off!
Without Light is a dystopian novel filled with compelling characters with varying goals and motivations, and its up to the reader to find out what they are in a world that might not be as free as it seems to be.
My favorite excerpt from the book: “‘Currents are curious things. Sometimes they’re gentle, guiding us, supporting us. But other times . . . other times, they carry a force behind them. They press and pull, steering us in ways we don’t always see. And yet, we follow the flow, don’t we?’”
Megan honed her practice through various WIPs before Without Light, but then she took her time over several years to perfect her debut novel with the help of editors and her supportive community of writers.
Megan said that this community was worth more than 5000 followers on instagram, because they are real meaningful connections, and I have to agree. In those moments where my motivation plummets, I find my inspiration from those writers who know the ebb and flow of inspiration. Those writers who will celebrate even one messy page with me, because they know my love and creativity went into it.
And so, for anyone reading this, if you don’t have that kind of community, if you’re looking for people to critique, support, or just send good vibes your way—let me know. I’d love to help you find your wonderful circle filled with writers like Megan. Because your words are always worth investing in.
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