I wrote my first short story in the fourth grade. I loved it, but between fifth grade and my freshman year in high school, I can't remember writing creatively at all. I was probably too busy trying (and failing) to fit in.
In high school, I picked up poetry. Again, I loved it. Perhaps even more than I loved writing short stories in the fourth grade. It was in writing poetry that I learned there was healing in writing. My sister tried to tell me that I had talent for it, and should try to get published, but at the time, I had no desire to see my writing in print.
Between high school graduation and when I began taking my writing "seriously," I continued to work on my poetry, though not nearly as much as I had in high school. Through all these years, I never once thought about writing as a career.
Until the fall of 2008. I could attempt to explain how I came about it, how I decided to write novels and attempt to get published, but honestly, it probably wouldn't make sense. I barely remember how it came about exactly, except that it was ignited by a song.
I started writing a novel, and quit three pages in. Then I immediately started working on another novel, which I shelved after completing the first draft because I realized it wasn't the type of novel I wanted to write. And that's when I started working on my two current fantasy projects. Around this time was also when I started writing short fiction again, and this year I picked my poetry back up in full swing.
At the end of last year, I decided to take this semester off from school. And I can honestly say that I am so glad that I did. For the first time since I started this journey, I am writing every day, the words (usually) flow much easier than they ever have before, I can see my work is improving, I can clearly identify where my weaknesses are, and for the first time in just over two years, I actually feel like a real writer.
So. That's how I got here. How did you get to the point you're at in your writing journey?
In high school, I picked up poetry. Again, I loved it. Perhaps even more than I loved writing short stories in the fourth grade. It was in writing poetry that I learned there was healing in writing. My sister tried to tell me that I had talent for it, and should try to get published, but at the time, I had no desire to see my writing in print.
Between high school graduation and when I began taking my writing "seriously," I continued to work on my poetry, though not nearly as much as I had in high school. Through all these years, I never once thought about writing as a career.
Until the fall of 2008. I could attempt to explain how I came about it, how I decided to write novels and attempt to get published, but honestly, it probably wouldn't make sense. I barely remember how it came about exactly, except that it was ignited by a song.
I started writing a novel, and quit three pages in. Then I immediately started working on another novel, which I shelved after completing the first draft because I realized it wasn't the type of novel I wanted to write. And that's when I started working on my two current fantasy projects. Around this time was also when I started writing short fiction again, and this year I picked my poetry back up in full swing.
At the end of last year, I decided to take this semester off from school. And I can honestly say that I am so glad that I did. For the first time since I started this journey, I am writing every day, the words (usually) flow much easier than they ever have before, I can see my work is improving, I can clearly identify where my weaknesses are, and for the first time in just over two years, I actually feel like a real writer.
So. That's how I got here. How did you get to the point you're at in your writing journey?
I'm hardly doing anything in my journey right now. I have too much going on with University. It's SO much work all the time, it gets very hard.
ReplyDeleteI actually considered quitting the last couple weeks and taking some time off to focus on the writing thing. But I am going to stick with it. At least get my certificate before I take time off.
Glad the time to focus on your writing is working out the way you hoped!
My story is documented on a seperate page on my blog. Check it out sometime. I enjoyed finding more about yours! :)
ReplyDeleteI love reading your writing journey! There's something about completing that first book that solidifies your devotion.
ReplyDeleteI've always written little things. I grew up in a library basically, so I was always around books and would get inspired to write. Like you, things didn't click until I had that one idea that almost wrote itself. Now I can't stop.
I'm glad you feel like a real writer. I drift in and out from feeling like a real writer. If only there were a trick to hold onto that feeling.
ReplyDeleteOh now that story is much too long to post in my comments.
ReplyDeleteI think I posted an explanation on my blog once.
Over-simplified and trite version: Born into a writing family. Wrote since I could read. Never thought of becoming a writer. Never thought of not becoming a writer. Decided to get published when I was 13.
etc. etc. etc.
:-)
That is awesome! I bet having a semester off would feel so wonderful to write in!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your writing journey with us! I love to find out how people got their start.
ReplyDeleteAbout 2 years ago I suddenly thought - maybe I could try to publish some of this stuff I write. I'm nowhere near that goal yet, but I've sure learned a lot in the past 2 years!! :)
ReplyDeleteAmy - It's so funny how things work out like that, and then you think "Why'd I never think of this before?" LOL.
ReplyDeleteKelly - Thanks! I love reading about other people's journeys, as well. It's always interesting!