And it’s really fun writing with a sister, isnt’ it? If my sister hadn’t started writing, I probably would never have had the courage to try myself.
Susan

I wonder how many of us were inspired to pursue our dream of writing by Diana and the CS Writers’ Forum? I loved Outlander, too, so when Diana came to speak at a small library here in Ohio, I made sure to be in the audience. I had her sign my well-worn paperback copy of Outlander, but also bought a new hardcover one for my shelves. She mentioned being a part of the forum. I checked it out. I joined. I participated in Exercises. I learned a lot. And I kept writing. And, yes, I listened to the chuckles of my own family through it all.

As for fate, it was one of the CS Forum leaders (Marsha Skrypuch) who introduced me to recommended me to my first agent, which resulted in my first sale, which is how I met my current editor, with whom I have done six books (and another four in the works.)

I don’t know that any of it would have happened if I had not gone to see Diana speak that night.

Fate.

This post was mentioned on Twitter by Susan Crandall: Learn about my unique path to publication at RWA-WF blog http://www.rwa-wf.com/2009/12/04/do-you-believe-in-fate/...

My fate? Well the first day at a new job (which I went to because I couldn’t bear to stay another day at the hospital where I was working) the orientation nurse kept looking at me weird. By the end of the day she said, “I’ve got a guy for you.” ha ha ha ha ha. I held her at bay for two weeks then caved. “Ok, he can call me.” We talked on the phone a few times. No ring a ding ding or sparkler moments on my end. We met for pizza. I kept wondering where I knew him from and how. I recognized him (not his looks, but something deeper). That’s the only way I can describe it. We’d never met before that night. Still, I didn’t have any huge epiphany over meeting him, but I agreed to a second date. A year later… yeah, we’re married 27 years now.