So, I finally decided to make the commitment to become a writer. How did I get here and why did I choose writing?
Does anyone really choose to be a writer? From my initial steps into the writing community most would say that they did not have a choice. Writing is something they feel they need to do. Was it the same for me? I honestly do not know. All I know is that I have lots of stories going around in my head and I feel the need to set them free. Other than brain surgery to release the built up pressure (a bit unnecessary I feel), the only option is to write them down.
My story telling started in my head at high school. I love history and I studied it from 11 years old right through to attaining my history degree when I was 21. The entire time I was re-writing the life stories of historical figures in my head. I have to admit that they tended to lean more towards more romanticism than real life but not all were happy endings. I never committed any of these stories to paper but when I was at university one of my tutors remarked that I had a fantastic writing style and wanted to know what I was going to do with my talent.
Well, that was it. She planted the seed and it has grown within me ever since. Unfortunately, I did not have the courage to step into the world as a writer, so like many other graduates, I got a job to ensure my financial security. It was a job where I did a lot of writing but all I got to write was press releases, promotional materials and training manuals. I even wrote a few articles that were published in trade magazines! But hey, it was writing, one step in the right direction.
I knew it wasn’t for me in the long term though, and I started to think about writing fiction. I made the common mistake of believing that an easy way to dip my toes in would be to write a romance novel. Up to this point I had not read a romance novel so I began my research and soon developed an addiction to romance novels that I continue to feed today.
15 years of research (well that’s what I’m calling it), and two children later, I have finallly started to put the words down. I have no more excuses, my children are older, I have a part time job so I have more time than most to dedicate to writing.
Now I get up at five am to write before the kids are up and I have to go to work. Why did I wait this long? I’m writing every day and I love it. Will I be successful? Will others enjoy my stories? I don’t know but I will never find out unless I try.
So, here’s to taking a risk. I hope you will join me.
