Member Spotlight: Hadley Erin Leggett

Why is writing important to you and why do you think it’s an important medium for the world? Writing helps me pay attention and stay present in my own life. I’ve discovered that when I’m in the middle of drafting a novel, I become far more observant, noticing small details about my surroundings, listening for snippets of interesting dialogue, and imagining the people I bump into at the grocery store as three-dimensional characters. I think storytelling is a key component to our humanity, and I love how reading and writing gives us a glimpse inside the minds of others, allowing us to understand and empathize with each other more fully.

What are your tried and tested remedies to cure writer’s block? For me, the best cure for writer’s block is reading a really good novel! Writers like Lily King and Ann Patchett always inspire me to get back to the page. Another thing I sometimes try is writing scenes with my characters that I *don’t* plan to use in the novel (for instance, I have my protagonist get a flat tire or make her go camping just to see what happens). Doing this kind of “not for the book” writing is easier because there’s no pressure to write well, but it helps me get to know my characters better and often gets me into the flow. Sometimes I also journal or just set a timer and force myself to write without stopping until the timer goes off.

What is your favorite time to write? I admire people who can write early in the morning or late at night, but personally I find my brain is most alert from around 9a to noon. I mostly write while my three kids are in school, and I try to get my words in first thing after dropping them off, before other interruptions crop up.

What’s the best piece of writing advice you’ve ever received and would like to impart to other writers? Don’t go it alone! For me, finding a community of other writers has been one of the best parts of becoming an author. I recommend casting a wide net, trying out both local, in-person writing groups and virtual ones until you find the right match. I can’t overemphasize the importance of having a small group of other writers with whom you can share feedback, celebrate the wins, and commiserate over the setbacks.

What excites you most about being a writer in today’s age? I love that there are so many different avenues to publishing these days, and so many ways to connect with readers. In the past, I think many authors felt like traditional publishing was the only option, but more and more I’m seeing authors who try multiple publishing pathways and find success in a variety of ways.

Hadley Erin Leggett’s All They Ask Is Everything is out August 27 with‎ Lake Union Publishing.