What’s Second Chapter?
Second Chapter is a Substack focused on sharing how writers went from their previous career to being a published author.
I used to think a published author was only someone who was a master of grammar rules, majored in English or held a MFA degree. I used to think they had to be sad and depressed, or that a published draft was close to their first draft. I basically used to just think that people like me - those ‘business’ people - couldn’t write a fantasy fiction novel.
As I’ve begun to write my book over the past two years, I’ve debunked a lot of those personally held myths. Writers come from all walks of life, their brains think in all sorts of ways. Ask a writer what their writing process or routine is, and you won’t find the same answer twice.
I’ve also learned that many published authors didn’t know they wanted to write a novel until they were well into their 20’s, 30’s, 40’s, even late 60’s. Look at Colleen Hoover, a previous social worker and teacher turned national bestselling author whose books are literally everywhere. Or look at Ali Hazelwood, a cognitive neuroscience professor turned best selling romance novelist. Or Bonnie Garmus, a creative copywriter turned viral novelist at the age of 65, her book made into an Apple+ TV Series.
If I’ve learned one thing about writing is that you need a community to spur you on. Whether that’s in-person writing groups, online groups, or even just writing influencers or podcasts that make you feel less alone. Writing is hard. It takes time and graft and the ability to take criticism and accept that a book is not for everyone.
In an effort to help aspirational writers feel less alone and provide some inspiration for them to keep writing, Second Chapter will feature interviews with published authors that lift the curtain behind how they transitioned from one career to becoming an author. I want to look at how they became published. I want them to share the nitty gritty, the highs and lows. I want to know what inspired them and how they kept going.
Hopefully throughout the series, you'll walk away believing that if they can do it, so can you.
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