It All Starts With The Writing

“Whether you are 12 or 70, you should sit down today and start being a writer if that is what you want to do. You might have to write on a notebook while your kids are playing on the swings or write in your car on your coffee break. That's okay. I think we've all 'been there, done that.' Just remember, it all starts with the writing.” – Robin Hobb

Margaret Astrid Lindholm Ogden – who writes as Hobb and Megan Lindholm – took her own advice and started writing for children’s magazines at the age of 18.  While she was successful in that field, she thought she’d be better at science fiction and fantasy and decided to give that a try.  Good choice.  Over the past 40 years she’s arguably been the most prolific writer in those fields.   Among her works are The Liveship Traders Trilogy, The Soldier Son Trilogy and the four volume tale, The Rain Wilds Chronicles.   Her works have been translated into over 20 languages, winning multiple awards globally.    

                              Hobb, who celebrated her 66^th birthday this month, has been praised by most critics as “the standard setter for modern serious fantasy.”  George R.R. Martin (author of the Game of Thrones series) told me last year that he thought Hobb was the best fantasy writer he has ever read.  “In today’s crowded fantasy market,” Martin said, “Robin Hobb’s books are like diamonds in a sea of zircons.”

Margaret’s secret to success?    “Keep writing, keep faith in the idea that you have unique stories to tell, and tell them.” 

 

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