The Storyteller and Writer in Me

My earliest memory of writing was when I was in my early elementary years of school. My sister, who was two grades ahead, learned about writing poetry. So of course, I started writing poetry, too. Maybe I'll share a sample someday- it was pretty good for a 7 year old!

Then, when I was in the third grade, creative writing was part of the curriculum... and I loved it! I "published" my first book a few years later- it was typed and bound and I did all my own illustrations. A nice story about a mouse named Bartholemew who discovered what Christmas was all about.

I also recall entertaining my younger sisters with stories of  a monster named Asperigus. (I wonder if they remember this)

I was a reporter for the school newspaper in Junior High and High School. I have notebooks full of story ideas and other bits and pieces. I continued with some writing in college, and even took up storytelling as an off shoot of my teaching career.

In truth, I always had writing as part of who I am. So why has it taken so long for me to pursue a career as a writer? Well..... it's because I'm a big chicken! I knew that authors face rejection. And not just any rejection... I mean the kind where you slave and work and put your heart and soul into something- and then send it off to someone who, more likely than not, will reject it. I couldn't face that kind of rejection. So I have spent most of my life finding joy in other creative endeavors.

But in the Spring of 2009, I attended a forum on Children's Literature at UVU. It was a wonderful event. I attended several workshops aimed at helping writers hone their craft. I learned about the process of not only writing, but of being published. It was wonderful! And when I got home, I sat down to write. That's when I realized that I wasn't ready yet. I couldn't find it within me to dedicate myself to the time and effort it would take to get something ready to submit for publishing.

I suppose it was partially the big chicken within me coming through- but there were other things. I was in the middle of a pretty big project at home- constructing a built- in entertainment unit for the family room. Then, once Summer arrived, I found that I needed to finish the railing on the deck that we had built the year before as well as finishing the back yard landscaping. My middle daughter soon announced her engagement, and I was caught up in plans for her wedding. My creative energies were needed elsewhere and I realized that this was not the season for writing.

Then, quite by surprise, I got a notice in the mail. UVU was sponsoring another conference- this one specifically for writers, called The Book Academy. I had less than a month's notice, and it would cost me a few hundred dollars in expenses, but it just seemed "right". I can't explain it really. I just felt that maybe this time I was ready.

So I registered for the conference, booked a flight and a rental car, and made any other additional arrangements. I was on my way!

The conference was great! (I'll probably write a little more about it later)- but the main thing that I came away with was this:

Writing is hard work. It takes daily dedication and work. It is highly competitive and I will be rejected- many times. And even if I do find myself getting a publishing contract, it may be several years before I ever see my work in print. It will take a lot of faith, effort and patience....

...and you know,
                                                                                     .....I'm OK with that.

I guess I'm ready.