What Is the Best Part about Being a Fiction Author?
That’s a tough one, and there is no simple answer. Simply being able to write–that’s probably the best part. Finishing a book–that’s next best. Starting a new book that I’ve wanted to do ever since I dreamed that next story–that’s best too. And being able to study any discipline I want, to follow any technological advance, to have time to discuss issues and ethics and philosophy with others–that’s also best. They’re all close “bests.” Some of those “bests” are the same, whether I write fiction or science materials. But as a fiction writer, I sometimes feel that I can more completely explore an idea from germination to final form. I do feel a great deal of excitement every time I see the cover flat for a new book for the first time. That is always the first time the book is “real” to me as far as being published is concerned. Too, I have to admit that there is something wonderful about seeing a whole line of Tara K. Harper novels on a bookshelf. And although I never expect a novel t
