This morning I was asked what it’s like to be a writer. My first response was ‘difficult’. Like many people who hold down a full time position while trying to fulfill their creative urge on the side, it is very much a journey of give and take. First priorities are with work and family, everything else has to fit in around our daily lives. To be a writer I’ve had to give up the charming concept of free time, which during the years of writing The Bark Cutters often meant forgoing social events on weekends. I was hard on myself, however I didn’t realise it at the time. I had a story I wanted to tell and I needed the head space and time to do it. However writing is also a release for me and a joy, when I’m not down on my hands and knees searching for my muse! Most creators I would imagine have a love/hate relationship towards their craft, I’m compelled to write even though I find it difficult at times, however I couldn’t imagine not  trying to create new stories and characters.