Author Meghan Rogers on Write-Life Balance
Meghan Rogers will be speaking on a panel discussing “write-life balance” as part of Philadelphia Stories’ write-a-thon, taking place at Rosemont College’s Center City location on May 21 starting at 11am. Click here for more information and to reserve your seat.
Meghan Rogers has been telling stories since she could talk and writing creatively since she was first introduced to the concept in third grade. She spent her high school years completing her first novel and has been actively writing ever since. After college, Meghan went on to work with high school writers while earning her MFA in Creative Writing from Rosemont College. She is the author of the Raven Files series (Crossing the Line and Enemy Exposure). Meghan spoke with Philadelphia Stories’ Christine Weiser about the importance of making time for writing.
How do you make a living?
Both by writing and by working part-time as a college writing tutor.
How do you find time for writing in your busy life?
I started prioritizing writing when I was in high school, so for me it was always about building my life around writing instead of fitting writing into my life. In my junior and senior years of high school I had an independent study built into my schedule so I could write my book. I got used to having that time in set aside everyday. After I graduated, I made it a point to always schedule writing time. I'm a big planner and scheduler, so I've found it helpful to plan out each and every day. I have a work schedule, but outside of that, the first thing I schedule in is time to write. On busier days, I may have to cut back if I can't fit everything in, but it's still the first thing I plan. Basically, I find time to write because writing has always been my priority.
Why do you do it?
Because I love it and it makes me happy.
How do you see the time spent writing enriching other aspects of your life?
Honestly, writing really enriches every aspect of my life. I'm a better and more complete person because I write. Even when I'm writing badly, I'm a better and happier person than when I'm not writing at all. There isn't anything I can point to specifically--my whole life is simply more complete and fulfilled.
What tips can you offer your writing peers?
I think the best thing you can do for yourself, and for your writing, is to take the time to build a writing process that works for you and makes you look forward to writing every day. I also think that it's important to let go of all the factors you can't control and focus on what you can. Put your time and attention on the story in front of you and not on if people will like it, if it will sell, or anything like that. I think your priority should be to write a book that you love, and trust that if you love it, other people will too.
Interview by Christine Weiser, Executive Director of Philadelphia Stories and author of Come As You Are, a novel about balancing work, life, and a chick rock band.
