I am really interested in learning about your journey to become a writer.
When did you realize you had talent? What did you do once you became aware of your talent? What is the first risk you took to put your work 'out there'? How did you decide what to write about? Who helped you the most to become a writer? What life experiences impacted your writing the most? Is writing something you 'do' that is unconnected to who you are or is being a writer a part of your identity? I would love to learn more if you are willing to share.
Thanks!!
Writing has been a therapy for many years, beginning back in middle school, when I was writing poetry. I decided to share one of my original poems for a school assignment, and actually had the courage to recite it in my language arts class. The teacher gave me a post-it note which read, "You write from your heart. Keep doing it." I still have the note, to this day, and it has fueled my writing passion.
When I really started seriously writing was when my 20-year marriage abruptly came to an end, without any forewarning or knowledge that something was amiss in the relationship. I began to plant a garden, because of the tense financial battle with the divorce. It was then that I discovered how much I was learning during my times of working in the garden, and I started a blog. I wrote the blog for exactly one year, and then the need to write just stopped. And I was okay with that.
Fast forward 10 years later, and I wanted to try writing again. My daughters had graduated from high school and college, and the three of us learned a lot during the time of me being their sole parent. I thought I could take some of our experiences and share them with others. I applied to be a freelance writer with Genes2Teens, a website based out of Dublin, Ireland, and was offered a contract. I've written three articles and one book review, and even if I have just four readers -- my daughters, my new husband, and my mom -- it's enough for me. Writing is not my identity, but it is definitely part of it. I write for the sheer fun of creativity and being able to put thoughts to paper. If, in the end, it brings some kind of help, then all the better. But, if not, I am confident in my finished work and just enjoy the process.
For me, writing was always a part of myself. I loved stringing words together to get my thoughts out - to make sense of the world. I was never certain of any talent in the area. And to be honest, I still don't think I'm a big deal.
What got me into writing was a suggestion by one of my friends. She mentioned that no matter my skill, I had a story to share, a perspective that was uniquely my own. So I tried it out. Most of my starting work was personal, emotional, more casual pieces. Once I saw that someone was willing to read what I wrote, I gained the confidence to expand my writing topics and genres.
But it's not been an easy ride. I have applied for many roles and jobs, and come up short. I have had my work rejected for varying reasons. I have been turned away countless times fr being "the wrong fit". But through that, I found my voice as a writer. I was able to establish what I wanted to write about, how I wanted to write, and who I wanted to write for.
I'm still on a journey, refining my skills and honing my thoughts, and I've got a ways to go. I do not think I'm going to be the next JK Rowling, of course, but I do love what I do - and isn't that what counts in the end?
I've always loved writing, and I found it was something I always wanted to learn more about and do in my spare time. I've struggled with the identity part of writing as my writing has slowed down during the pandemic and isn't a part of my daily work. However, I recently got advice that doing the writing every day/week/etc—making it a habit—is what makes you a writer. And that was really eye-opening!
What a great way to look at it- what makes a writer a writer is writing! A dr. is a dr whether or not he's working or not. That's so true. Thank you for this!
Yes! I love that comparison. It's how you spend your time!