IWSG: The Start of my Writing Journey
Happy New Year, fellow Insecure Writers! We’ve got a great question to start 2020: “What started you on your writing journey?”
In my case, it was several things, starting with my mom who read to me at bedtime until I was old enough to read to her. Those fanciful Dr. Seuss books (which she loathed!), fairytales, and her favorite – Carl Sandburg’s Rutabaga Stories , had my mind swirling with possibilities the second the light turned out. Instead of lulling me to sleep, those words began a domino-ing “What if?” effect that had me stretching out those stories into my own HEA endings, turning me into a storyteller. But the writing bug (sparked by my first publication in the school newspaper when I was in 6th grade) blossomed in this painfully shy middle-schooler when we had to read our own made up epitaphs to the class. Mine, purposefully, made everyone laugh. What a wonderful feeling to encourage a positive response in that tough 8th grade audience. I started thinking, I want to do this!
That writer bloomed in middle and high school when sharing continuing stories with several of my friends. They couldn’t WAIT to get that next installment. I wrote and wrote, filling spirals and notebooks – but never finished anything. Then came college along with a part time job, and fictional pursuits lay mostly dormant. Until a chance encounter at a craft fair after I’d gotten married and was supplementing my income making stuffed animal toys, when a dapper woman stopped at my booth and recognized me as one of her former English students. She sized me up and pronounced disdainfully, “So, this is what you’re doing with your college education.” It was the kick in the ego I’d been waiting for. I went home and related the story to my now ex and announced I was going to finish a book and sell it. I ended up writing FOUR full manuscripts, and finally submitted the best one to New York. It sold and was followed over the years by 67 more. Now that I’m newly retired, writing IS my full-time job.
That daydreamer, storyteller finally broke loose. And yes, this is what I do with my college education. I write because I can’t NOT write. And it all started with bedtime stories . . .
Oh, and one of those books is on SALE! MIDNIGHT KISS , the first installment in my “Touched by Midnight” vampire series is just $0.99 until January 15! Sink your teeth in and enjoy!!
Preview Book 1
Add to Goodreads TBR→
How about you, fellow IWSGers? I can’t wait to find out what unlocked that creative door for you. May that passion flame long and strong in 2020! Write on!
The Insecure Writer’s Support Group
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time.The awesome co-hosts for the January 8th posting of the IWSG will be T. Powell Coltrin, Victoria Marie Lees, Stephen Tremp, Renee Scattergood, and J.H. Moncrieff!
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!
Twitter hashtag is #IWSG
In my case, it was several things, starting with my mom who read to me at bedtime until I was old enough to read to her. Those fanciful Dr. Seuss books (which she loathed!), fairytales, and her favorite – Carl Sandburg’s Rutabaga Stories , had my mind swirling with possibilities the second the light turned out. Instead of lulling me to sleep, those words began a domino-ing “What if?” effect that had me stretching out those stories into my own HEA endings, turning me into a storyteller. But the writing bug (sparked by my first publication in the school newspaper when I was in 6th grade) blossomed in this painfully shy middle-schooler when we had to read our own made up epitaphs to the class. Mine, purposefully, made everyone laugh. What a wonderful feeling to encourage a positive response in that tough 8th grade audience. I started thinking, I want to do this!
That writer bloomed in middle and high school when sharing continuing stories with several of my friends. They couldn’t WAIT to get that next installment. I wrote and wrote, filling spirals and notebooks – but never finished anything. Then came college along with a part time job, and fictional pursuits lay mostly dormant. Until a chance encounter at a craft fair after I’d gotten married and was supplementing my income making stuffed animal toys, when a dapper woman stopped at my booth and recognized me as one of her former English students. She sized me up and pronounced disdainfully, “So, this is what you’re doing with your college education.” It was the kick in the ego I’d been waiting for. I went home and related the story to my now ex and announced I was going to finish a book and sell it. I ended up writing FOUR full manuscripts, and finally submitted the best one to New York. It sold and was followed over the years by 67 more. Now that I’m newly retired, writing IS my full-time job.
That daydreamer, storyteller finally broke loose. And yes, this is what I do with my college education. I write because I can’t NOT write. And it all started with bedtime stories . . .
Oh, and one of those books is on SALE! MIDNIGHT KISS , the first installment in my “Touched by Midnight” vampire series is just $0.99 until January 15! Sink your teeth in and enjoy!!
Preview Book 1
Add to Goodreads TBR→How about you, fellow IWSGers? I can’t wait to find out what unlocked that creative door for you. May that passion flame long and strong in 2020! Write on!
The Insecure Writer’s Support Group
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time.The awesome co-hosts for the January 8th posting of the IWSG will be T. Powell Coltrin, Victoria Marie Lees, Stephen Tremp, Renee Scattergood, and J.H. Moncrieff!
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!
Twitter hashtag is #IWSG
No comments have been added yet.
