Ruth Shidlo

I like to think I am both. I am happy when I’m able to help someone deal more wholesomely with something that’s weighing upon them, and regain or achieve a new inner balance.
I enjoy both professions, sometimes wonder what it would be like to be a full-time writer, one who is able to support herself solely by writing. I tried that once, and found it quite a challenge, even with some editing thrown in for good measure. I love editing, especially if the writer is intelligent and has a clear message. I recently edited "The Enigma of Childhood" by Ronnie Solan (Karnac, 2015). Although somewhat biased given my involvement, I recommend it highly.

I envy those writers who are able to plan ahead, even if they then have the freedom to deviate as needed. I find it very hard, if not downright impossible, to outline a story or plot in advance—often I literally start writing without the faintest notion of where the story will take me—this is still a “pre-story time.” I allow myself to reserve judgement and simply write. I know there will always be time to whit it down, to edit, to play with it. Gradually, the story unfolds, in large measure thanks to its characters.