Valley Haggard
(1990-1991)
How would you characterize the influence of your YWW experience in your life?
YWW had a profound impact on me that is still vital today. YWW was the first place I was treated with respect as a writer rather than a kid with a hobby and it is this spirit of respect I try to pass on to the young writers I work with today. YWW introduced me to a way of writing and interacting with language and other writers that I fell deeply in love with and credit for helping form the writer and teacher I am today.
What’s the best advice you can give a Young Writer (in general or in your specific genre)?
Try everything! Write up against the edge of your comfort zone. Keep going even when you are absolutely convinced you suck. Don’t sit on the edge of the pool longing to swim. Allow lots of room for mess and mistakes. Learn when to trust yourself and when you are your own worst enemy. Keep going.
What do you find yourself most often reading or listening to lately and why?
Reading-wise, these days I’m following my nose and chasing down whims. After almost a decade reviewing books, it’s a great freedom to read for pleasure. Recently I read a bunch of classics I was totally ashamed not to have read before and right now I have a stack of books by contemporary female authors towering over my bed.