I'm a Writer!

Issac Asimov once said, "I write for the same reason I breathe- because if I didn't, I would die."


I have loved to write for as long as I can remember. And I would have to agree with Asimov. If I didn't write, I would shrivel up and fall to pieces. Even though I write, sharing my writing is a whole other story.


I wrote when I was a kid, but I was always too shy to share anything. I always had journals next to my bed, notebooks full of stories and poems and of course the inevitable diary. The first time I remember sharing my writing was in high school. I finally had  friend, Kris,  who liked to write too. We would sit together in our bedrooms and write paragraphs and paragraphs of stories. I remember handing her my notebook with my first romance story and waiting for her response. Surprisingly, she loved it! With her approval, I was motivated enough to write even more. However, I never shared with anyone else.


Of course, I made straight A's on my English papers in High School and College. But as far as my creative writing and sharing went, I was "in the closet," so to speak. Then I became an English teacher, of all things, and had to teach my students how to write! Actually, this is fun because I can open up with my students and every now and then I  share a poem or a few lines of my stories. I always do this with a beating heart and sweaty palms. Why am I nervous? I think... am I a worthy writer to share? 


Finally,  after having my third child in 2006, I decided it was time to step out and let the world see what I could do. I began my first complete full romance novel. I shared it with my sister who loved it and then joined a Critique group (www.critiquecircle.com) online. What a huge step! Every time I shared a chapter, I felt a huge weight on my shoulders. Would they think it was good? Do I sound ridiculous? Are they laughing at me?Am I nuts to think I am a writer? 


Well, guess what? I am! I have finally come to the conclusion that I am a writer! I'm proud to be one. Writing gives me a sense of purpose. It makes me whole. It is a huge part of me. Sharing is still a challenge, but I am out there and ready to be published.

Now I am on a new journey. Publishing. My first step.... this blog. I hope you find some joy in my musings and know that I love being a writer. It's been a part of my life since I could open a notebook. It's part of who I am.


Stephen King said, "If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot."


Here I am on that adventure!


Melinda