Rebecca at work in her writing room

Being a writer is an interesting and challenging life. It's extremely solitary, which is a mix of good and bad. There are those good days when hours go by and I don't know how, I'm so immersed in writing. And there are those days when I wish I had someone sitting next to me, at their desk, writing away, so that I could say, "do you think this works?" or "read me that line you're working on." I do meet with a small group of writers, who have become my friends, at least once a year for a writing retreat. It gives me a chance to get out of that solitary life, exchange opinions and ideas, laugh a lot, and shhhhh, eat even more pie.

I have met fascinating writers and poets, and have made great friendships. I have a wonderful and supportive agent, and I have had some absolutely awesome editors. Now that my children are grown, I spend most days in my writing room when I'm not traveling to conferences or visiting schools. I've been lucky enough to meet many dedicated teachers and librarians. Some I get to see from year to year. I have pictures of, and notes from, many of the children I've met. Tacked on the bulletin board around my computer, their faces and words remind me of why I love to do what I do.