It's the first post of the year for the Insecure Writer's Support Group. Our #WritingCommunity consists of writers of every genre, and all levels of experience. Everyone is welcome. If you'd like to join, go HERE.
Many thanks to our founder and host, Alex Cavanaugh, and our awesome co-hosts for this month: T. Powell Coltrin, Victoria Marie Lees, Stephen Tremp, Renee Scattergood, and J.H. Moncrieff!
If you can't think about what to write, here is this month's optional question:
What started you on your writing journey? Was it a particular book, movie, story, or series? Was it a teacher/coach/spouse/friend/parent? Did you just "know" suddenly you wanted to write?
ANSWER:
Like most writers, my journey started with a love of reading. The discovery of the school library somewhere around third grade (late to be introduced to books, in my opinion) is when it all started for me. The whole class tromped down to the library together. This was around the time when writing book reports became part of the curriculum. Most kids grumbled about it, but I secretly loved it.
It never occurred to me that I could be a writer until later in life. Education or book learning wasn't a high priority growing up. I knew that "IF" I graduated from high school, I was going to work. College didn't appear on my very short list of options.
Long story short, I did go to college as an older adult (encouraged by my very supportive hubby) and earned a BA in English Literature. I got to read a lot! And write a lot! I started questioning what I could do with my life. Up until this time, I worked and went to school and took care of my family.
But what did I want?
The answer was writing. Even so, it took me a long while to follow through--because life, and fear, and doubt....
And eventually...
There is a sell-by date on our lives that we don't tend to notice until middle age. The thought that time might run out before accomplishing something in life.
And so I decided to start writing. Better late than never.
The ticking time clock spurred me on.
What about you?
Were you spurred on by a ticking clock?
Or had you always known you wanted to be a writer?
Better late than never is definitely true! I think I've always known I wanted to be a writer.
ReplyDeleteIt's so nice that you always knew what you wanted to do. I wasted a lot of time, just going through the motions and never thinking about what I wanted.
DeleteAnd the older we get, the closer that sell-by date becomes, which is motivating to say the least.
ReplyDeleteThat's exactly it, Diane. We become more aware.
DeleteI never wanted to be a writer when I was younger. I had my career planned and followed through and then writing just sort of happened.
ReplyDeleteJust goes to show that you never know what life holds in store for you.
DeleteGwen, the world is a better place because of your decision. Think of all the happy readers out there who have enjoyed your work. Glad you followed your dream.
ReplyDeleteAwww, thank you so much. I really appreciate that.
DeleteI got a late start too and I never would have imagined I'd be writing at this point in my life. Sometimes life changes for the better! I'm so glad you decided to write and share your stories.
ReplyDeleteI'm so much better because of the writing. It opened up a whole new world for me. I'm so glad you found writing too!
DeleteI was a late writer too, but didn't go back to college to take writing classes like you. Wish I could have.
ReplyDeleteI loved the beginning writing classes I took, but I have to say, they didn't prepare me for the reality. I learned way more through writing blogs than I did in college.
DeleteI am so glad that you decided to take a chance and invest in you. The world is better because Indigo and her antics are giving cozy mystery readers like me something to look forward to.
ReplyDeleteBetter late than never, but also, best when done when you are ready.
Happy New Year!
Lol, the world is a better place because of Sleuthers Indigo and Franny!
DeleteBetter late than never. Me too. I did not start taking writing as something I could do as career until later in life, but I written for fun and play for years. I'm a little late making the rounds. Happy IWSG!
ReplyDeleteA lot of late bloomers here!
DeleteHaha, I wanted to be an actor. I thought it would be kewl to be anyone you wanted to be. Didn't realize until late I could be God and write instead. It's never too late, Gwen. Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteOh, didn't everyone want to be a movie star? LOL.
DeleteAbsolutely better late than never, Gwen! You and I have a lot in common. I went to college later in life. In fact I'm writing a memoir about the experience. You are so right about life, and fear, and doubt getting in the way of our trying something that takes a lot of bravery to do; i.e. attend college later in life and write--all while raising a family. More power to you in 2020! http://victoriamarielees.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't have been ready for college any earlier. Good for you for following your dreams!
DeleteMiddle age does seem to be a good spur! I never said it aloud, but one reason I switched from seeking an agent to self-publishing was that I wanted my mom to see and read my published book (at the time, I had no idea if it would be more than one).
ReplyDeleteYes! When you're older you just don't want to wait for years to see your books in print.
DeleteExcellent post! I also was a late reader. I didn't figure it out until the 4th grade, but once I started, I didn't stop. I also hear ya on the midlife thing. I feel much more pressured by time now.
ReplyDeleteEven though I discovered the joy of books late, I was a really good reader. Weird, huh?
DeleteVampires is not at all like in the movies or books. Sure, I understand. You are young you have the whole world open to you. You can be anything that you choose if you apply yourself and try hard to work toward that goal. But being a Vampire is not what it seems like. It’s a life full of good, and amazing things. We are as human as you are.. It’s not what you are that counts, But how you choose to be. Do you want a life full of interesting things? Do you want to have power and influence over others? To be charming and desirable? To have wealth, health, and longevity, I can help you solve any problem you are having
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