Vanessa,
You don’t have to have the answers now. All you need is a general interest and you have that. If writing is what you like get an internship anywhere that lets you write. Volunteer. Blog. I can’t tell you all the horrible writing internships and odd jobs I had. I did everything that had to do with writing– anything that allowed me to say I was a writer. Say yes to it all. Work your butt off and stop trying to get to the end of your own story so quickly. Graduating is your first chapter, not your last. And how many characters know how to get what they want in the first chapter? That’s right. None. You need experiences. Some will be good. Others will suck. It’s the sum of those experiences that will lead you down the right path. Stressing about it will not. So enjoy the rest of college. Finish one story before you start a new one.

xoxo Lisi

Kiana,
I love how introspective you are. I was dying to get to the end of your comment to see what you chose and songwriting did not disappoint! How cool! Seriously. As far as “now what?” why are you worrying about that right now? Right now your work is to keep writing songs. Start calling yourself a songwriter. Get really good at it. Study it. Immerse yourself in it. Get those 10,000 hours that make you an ‘expert’. When you meet people tell them that’s who you are. If you do all of this the next step will appear when you’re ready to take it. Don’t get ahead of yourself.
I’m so excited for you and this new path. Please keep me posted.
xoxo Lisi

And yes, those earrings made quite a statement. Did you notice I went one long and one short? I was a master, even then.

xoxo Lisi

Thank you Shaila. I really appreciate the time you took to write this amazing comment. And I’m glad you found your groove.

xoxo Lisi

I am so glad. Happy to help. Now relax, will ya?

xoxo Lisi

I love the advice you gave to Zara, and am so happy Kiana, that you have found your groove. I am a bit older than you and had to changed careers due to cutbacks. I loved my first job as a teacher because kids are my passion. I was forced to examine my skillset and quickly realized that creativity and helping people were a major part of what makes me tick. So I channelled those and started my own business.
I have always wondered why writers write. I guess some write to inform, to document history, others write to entertain, to get things off their chests, to work out their own issues through the lives of their characters. Others write as an outlet, because they are angry, frustrated, trying to resolve issues, to wake us up, to celebrate life and on and on. I suppose each author has his (her) own reasons at any given time.
I have been a fan, Lisi, since you started writing the Clique and have read every book you have written, some more than once. WHY? Because of your ability to see what’s beneath the surface and to tap into the human condition. I love your blogs and sage advice they offer to ‘kids’ of any age. You are wise, insightful, very down to earth and have great values. Your advice resonates with all of us. Your characters are timeless. The mean, entitled girls aren’t just in high school. They grow up to be entitled adults who raise mini-me kids. I have bought them your books as gifts, hoping they’ll see themselves reflected in your words and change their ways. (old habits die hard!!)
I loved The Dirty Book Club. I read it twice! The letters from the original members were packed full of humour, wisdom and pain, but your writing style, your way with words, seduces me every time. and I find myself laughing out loud!
So whatever is your particular motivation, keep writing!! Can’t wait for the next blog:)

Thanks again,
Zara (:

P.S. Nice earrings. 😉