There’s a lot more to writing than putting pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard.
Just ask Lee Bice-Matheson.
The Orillia author shared that message with an enthusiastic audience Saturday afternoon at the Orillia Youth Centre, where she went from a slide show to a writing exercise to karaoke.
It was all an effort to get the wild mind motivated.
Bice-Matheson, who authored the supernatural Paige Maddison Series with her son, J.R. Matheson, shared with local youths her inspiration, her process and her struggles as a writer.
“I grew up trying to escape my daily life, so I read books,” she told them.
She explained the benefits of reading: It reduces stress, teaches empathy and helps the reader sleep better — “except for It, by Stephen King,” she quipped.
It was Bice-Matheson’s third visit to the youth centre, and getting to interact with her target audience is something she relishes.
“They are here. They showed up. They’re interested,” she said. “It’s their enthusiasm. That’s what I do it for.”
Cheyenne hung onto Bice-Matheson’s every word.
“I really like reading, and the craft of writing is really interesting,” the 13-year-old said. “Writing helps express feelings.”
What did she take away from the author’s presentation?
“No matter how much you get turned down, just keep going and try your hardest.”
It worked for Bice-Matheson. She recalled someone scoffing at one of her self-published books, simply because it was self-published, but that book went on to outsell others from well-known publishers.
Her journey has taken her to bookstores across the province and appearances on TV and in newspapers.
“It is a 24/7 thing,” she said of being an author. “It is not something you dabble in.”
Everyone in attendance Saturday received a signed copy of Shine Your Light, the latest in the Paige Maddison Series, courtesy of the Kiwanis Club of Orillia, and snacks provided by Brewery Bay Food Company.
Learn more about the author at leebicematheson.ca.
