Darling Hill

I don't write fiction. That's what I told a minivan driving soccer dad last week when he asked whether I had any plans to write a legal thriller. Today, I asked myself "why not?" Lawyers can write fiction--maybe not always good fiction, but they can write it. I realized, my no fiction stance is all about fear...not knowing where to begin, how to write fiction, and how to do it well--that's the lawyer talking...the outcome can't be anything but great, right?

While I still have no plans to start writing fiction, I realized it would be worth my time to figure out the basics of fiction writing, so I picked up a book on the subject. Cathy Yardley's Will Write for Shoes: How to Write A Chick Lit Novel. Okay, maybe it won't get me started on a legal thriller, but it does dive into the how-tos of plot, structure, and character development.

Are you a lawyer-parent thinking about diving into fiction writing in order to create a flexible career? If so, inspire us all....

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