A Look at My Writing Journey
When I started writing, I wanted to educate others about a health concern that I experienced. That was the focus of my first two published pieces. I met a friend for tea one day who told me about a writer’s conference. After a great deal of consideration, I registered for my first ever conference.
As I drove closer to the event location, a little doubter sitting on my shoulder said, “Who do you think you are?”
A battle went on within. Should I continue on? Or go home? I almost turned around. I reminded myself of the sum I had paid to be there, and the practical part of me wasn’t going to waste it, or the opportunity. With much trepidation, I kept on going.
The people I met, and the things I learned, would change my life. The varied workshops, especially the one for beginners, opened up a new horizon for me. I could still write to educate others, and I could also write book reviews, devotions, stories for children, or inspirational pieces for adults. By the end of the conference, my brain felt like a full sponge, waiting to be squeezed out. My heart was full too. Full of expectation and excitement.
I brought home notes, and a book I planned to read and review. Each day I devoted time, even if only an hour, for writing. Sometimes it felt overwhelming to get all my thoughts and ideas on paper, but I made myself sit down again and write. And I worked on submitting pieces. One kind editor responded, “Write to the theme.” Soon I was being accepted at that women’s magazine as a regular writer.
When an editor writes back and says, “That’s what we’re looking for!” it’s encouraging.
Rejections will come, but if there are no words on a page, and no submissions, it will take forever to get where you want to go. It takes courage to write from the heart and submit.
I got rejections too, plenty of them. I refuse to keep count. Did they hurt? Yes. But after a short break each time, I’d go back to my desk and write again. And I did save a few encouraging notes that came along.
I attended other conferences and kept on learning, and writing. Workshops counted too. Each time something new presented itself. I met more new writers and experienced authors with whom I could stay in touch. Encouragement in the doubting days and people to celebrate with in the publishing successes.
Eventually I wrote a memoir, inspirational nonfiction, poetry, and my first children’s book. It took years and tons of revision. I got to teach writing too, so I could share what I had learned and encourage other new writers.
Every so often that little doubter returns. “You again!”
“Go away” I say, and flick him off my shoulder, then go back to my writing.
Jane Kirkpatrick, a prolific author of memoir and historical novels, calls those little naysayers harpies, so I guess she’s experienced it too.
Now I ask you. “What do you see yourself doing, or experimenting with, by this time next year?”
Will you keep on writing? Or if you haven’t yet begun, make 2024 your year to start.
Join me on the journey.