My Writing Dream...

Origins Blogfest

I'm sure as writers, you have all gotten this question: when did you realize you wanted to write?

My answer is simple: I don't remember a time when I didn't like to write.  I mean, I didn't grow up thinking I could actually try it as a profession, but I still loved to make up stories in my head and occasionally write it all down on paper.

A couple months ago I found an old notebook from middle school with this huge science fiction plot written out.  I had character names, city names, names for currency, the year- it looked almost like some sort of sci-fi dystopian/fantasy.  I was pretty impressed, actually.  Nothing was ever written...but whatevs.  We won't focus on that part.

I think when I actually realized I might be able to do this for real was in college during my first creative writing class.  I didn't major in it (because it still didn't cross my mind that I could actually do this as a living) but I still loved taking any type of English class.  (and now I kick myself for not majoring in English.)

My professor had us all write short stories for the last major project.  I knew something was different when mine turned into a mini-novel of sorts.  Most of us read ours out loud in front of the class- but it took like, two or three class periods to get through mine when everyone else's took one.  But the cool thing is my classmates wanted me to read it!  They got so caught up in it, they were excited to come to class and listen to my story.  My professor was impressed with my world-building.  And then he told me I could definitely go somewhere with this.

That's when the lightbulb went off.  That's when I thought I might actually be able to write a whole book.

I didn't start actually writing my first book until quite a few years later after Little Monster was 3 or 4 and the Hubs practically forced me encouraged me to start, but it was always in the back of my mind after that class in college.  So even though I can't remember my professor's name (I know, shameful!) I still owe him a lot for encouraging me (and the Hubs for buying me my laptop so I had no more excuses NOT to write).

Now, whether or not I get published is one thing- it's more about the fun I have when writing. So even if it never happens, it'll still be fun to see what kind of worlds I can come up with and who I can make come to life on paper.  Besides, my mom and sis will always enjoy my books even if they don't get published.

Go check out some of the other participants in DL Hammon's Origins Blogfest!