Indianapolis Star

Author advises aspiring writers

September 15, 2006

By Jennifer Evans

Byrl Harlan went to Brownsburg Public Library last week to find help for his writer's block.

The Brownsburg retiree is writing an adventure series based on a little bit of autobiographical experience and one very colorful dream. His family encouraged him to turn it all into a book. But after an editor did an extensive rewrite -- complete with lots of red ink marking up the text -- Harlan found himself discouraged.

Hoosier novelist Patricia Henley encouraged Harlan and more than a dozen other aspiring authors to never give up.

"You just never know what is going to happen in a writing career," she said. "The incredible disappointments don't go away. You just have to keep going."

Henley, West Lafayette, visited the library through a Purdue University program that links authors with public libraries at no cost, according to Rachel Burgess, an Adult Services librarian at the Brownsburg library.

In an hourlong discussion about breaking into publishing, Henley offered advice on issues including copyrights, contests, selecting an agent and assisting with publicity.

Henley's understanding of the business comes from her experience as a writer and a teacher.

In addition to her success publishing short stories and poetry, Henley's novel "Hummingbird House" was a finalist for the National Book Award. That recognition led to a job as a creative writing professor at Purdue University.

Henley feels it is important for fledgling writers to take advantage of the wisdom of the writing community.

"Write a note to a writer you enjoy," Henley suggested. "It helps you feel a part of the writing community."

Also important is for all writers to mentor each other. She urged the audience to meet to talk and read each other's work.

"See, there are two of you here who are working on children's books who need to get together and talk," Henley said, gesturing toward women sitting on separate sides of the meeting area.

Participant Dee Johnston, Brownsburg, invited all the aspiring authors to attend the informal writers group she helps facilitate about twice a month at the library. She attended the Henley event with her husband, Robert, whose writing interest is the nonfiction topics of energy and manufacturing.

As for Harlan's concerns about how long it may take him to complete his tale of adventure, Henley encouraged him by sharing that she took 10 years from concept to publication of "Hummingbird House."