Maxine Sommers - Travel Writer
Maxine Sommers
Maxine Sommers, a proud Texan, has had a successful and varied literary career. Here she tells Ye Editor about her writing:
I have always loved to write but did not get serious about it until I was about 40 years old. I wrote one book, then two and then three . . . and finally over a period of 10 years . . . a total of 30 books of various sizes, comprised of: food and travel books, children's books, how-to books and classroom workbooks for my classes.
After my third book was published I was asked to write a weekly food column for a newspaper. During the ensuing twenty years I progressed to writing for local and area newspapers, magazines, and web sites.
Because of my travel columns I must of necessity travel here, there and everywhere. That part of my life is a never ending adventure. Sometimes I am amazed I have survived in this field as long as I have. People frequently say, 'Your job must be so much FUN!' I cringe when I hear the words. I wish I had them with me when I am on the road living like a gypsy, working 14 hour days and traveling from town to town. During my last trip out I covered Las Vegas, New York and Atlantic City. (How crazy am I?) The good thing about this lifestyle is I have the opportunity to meet a wide assortment of great people.
A few years into my book writing extravaganza, I was asked to teach in the Informal Class section at the State University--a four hour drive from my home.
The class was entitled: Organizing, Writing, Publishing and Marketing Books. What a time that was, up and down the highway like I had good sense. I drove to and fro once a month with my car filled with workbooks and demonstration material. No small feat. I taught there for about 10 years. Also, during that time, I developed and taught 14 additional creative writing and communication classes for children and adults. At one time my youngest student was 6 and my oldest student was 92. I am still teaching in various places along with my freelance writing. No time to get bored in this business!
So, that's the tip of the iceberg. It makes me tired to read it, but it certainly has been interesting living it. It has been a great thrill to be able to meet new challenges and not be afraid to go-for-it. I tell my students: 'No failures . . . only challenges' and expect them to act accordingly!
Maxine can be contacted by email at msommsers@interconnect.net
