I went to the library the other day and picked up some of the books I had on hold. The night was warm, bright, and sprinkled with possibilities. I’ll admit that I’m new to the library scene. I used to go all the time as a kid but after I got my first job, I started spending most of the money on books.

I’d forgotten what if felt like to walk into a library, all of this preloved books just waiting for someone to check them out. I’d forgotten about the quiet, the cleanliness, and all of the other book lovers congregating in a place made for them. Best of all, they’re FREE!!

As I checked out my latest haul (see below), I heard a soft, shy voice ask the librarian Do you have any books on how to write a novel? My head shot up immediately as I locked eyes with the woman who asked the question. We shared a smile before I got back to checking out my books. I was still eavesdropping and heard her tell the librarian that she was going to wait until she retired to start writing but couldn’t see the point in waiting to do something she knew she wanted to do. Again, I smiled.

Before I left, I walked over to her and began listing off some of my favourite books on writing. She reached into her overstuffed tote bag, filled with her laptop, notebooks, pens, and charger to grab her phone and type out all of the books that spewed from my mouth. She thanked me and I wished her the best of luck on her writing journey. I nearly sashayed out of the library – excited for this stranger to be starting her writing journey and excited to continue my own. I realized that I need more writers in my life, more people who understand the craft, fear, self-doubt, and sheer joy that putting a pen to paper can provide.

So, if there are any other writers out there, let’s connect.

xo Vanessa