A writer’s life is a lonely life. I spend long solitary hours at my computer, writing, re writing, and playing FreeCell. Ah yes…full disclosure here. Morning after morning I sit at my desk, still in my pajamas, hair unbrushed (and you thought writing was a glamorous profession), sipping coffee long gone cold, ignoring phone calls because “I’m on to an idea.”

There’s clutter around me; stacks of file folders filled with ‘great’ ideas and half-finished manuscripts. In my window a shrivelled spider plant gasps for water. I fortify myself with crackers and cheese, apples and cheese and handfuls of dry granola from Hanks Bakery. Writing is brain work and my body craves food. My new Fitbit reminds me I am sadly lacking in steps.

On one of those days when I am angst-ing over whether I am a good writer or just a good enough writer, this lands in my inbox.

Dear Liz,

“I’m a producer with The Cultural Frontline on BBC World Service. I’m reaching out to see if you might be open to joining us for a conversation about your memoir, River Tales: Stories from My Cowichan Years……”

“What immediately stood out to me was the rich sense of place that shapes the narrative, particularly the presence of the Cowichan River as both a physical and symbolic anchor throughout your experiences ….”

“The backdrop of the back-to-the-land movement in the 1970s provides a fascinating historical and cultural context, grounding your personal stories within a broader moment of social change…”

“I was also especially drawn to the candid and reflective nature of the storytelling capturing not only the adventure but also the misadventures that come with building a life in a rural setting. The balance between resilience, community, and the unpredictability of such a lifestyle gives the memoir a warmth and authenticity that feels both intimate and relatable….”

And it went on. They want to interview me for their global audience and much more. BBC wow! This is big time.

It was of course a scam. A more sophisticated one than most that have been filling my inbox. For a moment I let myself dream. There’s always that doubt, maybe it is for real instead of a slick AI created letter. I didn’t reply.

Cowichan River in the fall

But there’s always a sunny side…there was another email request that day and this time it was from my writer friend Larry Amstutz who wanted to buy a couple more copies of River Tales. We met when he was here on the island selling his memoir Finding My Groove in his hometown of Lake Cowichan. We shared a table and bought each others’ books as one does.

This email was real and meaningful. I felt an uplift of happiness because he’d read my book and wanted to buy more for gifts. That’s better than any seductive AI letter promising the moon.

The act of writing itself is worthwhile. I love writing. I don’t need accolades or fanciful promises to enjoy the pleasure I gain from the art of creating story. But a few notes of appreciation always help. Thanks Larry and all the friends and family who have bought my books. You keep me going.

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~ Island Crone by Liz Maxwell Forbes

www.osbornebaybooks.com