A few chapters into my first novel, I wrote a paragraph that made me fall in love with writing. Perhaps it's like the first high people get with drugs. It hooked me, filled me with a sense of power. I wanted that feeling again and again, and the only way to get it is to do my best, stretch the limits of my creativity, and work my ass off. 

I've been at it over twenty years now, and I have five completed novels and several of my stories have been published.

Moments of discovery when I write still propel me. Don Harington, a wonderful novelist, a man who unselfishly gave his time, encouragement and advice to me, among others, wrote that publishing was a "madhouse," and that faith, perseverance, and honing one's craft were the most important elements in achieving success. I remind myself of that every day.

In my travels to writer's workshops, I've met legions of gifted writers who struggle to find footings in the inscrutable, mercurial world of publishing. Mentors have included the brilliant Nancy Zafris, Brad Kessler, and Samrat Uphadhay. Published or unpublished, we are out here, wherever "here" is, doing our best. What follows on this site is some of mine.


Shelley Houlihan
contact@storiesetalia.com

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