I’ve been writing since before I can even remember. My mom kept a file folder for each child with keepsakes in it. I discovered mine when I was probably between ten and twelve years old. I loved going through my baby book (do they even make baby books anymore?) and reading about what I was like. In this file folder, I came across a piece of paper that had been folded into a little, odd-shaped square. I pried apart each fold until I had a full-size notebook page. Every single line was filled with loops. I took the paper to my mom and asked, “What’s this?”
She was sitting at our dining table, and she smiled at the sight of the paper. Lovingly, she took the paper and told me the following story. (Not verbatim.)
When you were very small, I wrote regular letters to my mother and other family members. One day you wanted to draw, so I gave you a piece of paper and pencil. After a while, you came back and handed me this paper folded up all crooked and tiny. I opened it and smiled at your writing. When I asked you what it said, you burst into tears. “What’s wrong?” I asked, and you said, “You know I can’t read.”
I don’t remember what my mom said her response was. I suspect she took me on her lap and “read” me some wonderful thing about flowers or puppies or something cute I’d done.
always writing
As you can see, I loved writing way before I could read what I wrote. That love was fostered in school. Growing up, the best part of starting another schoolyear was getting new notebooks and pencils. To this day I love a clean notebook. And pencils? There’s nothing like a #2 pencil sharpened to nearly a point. Mechanical pencils break too easily, and I don’t get the same feel as pressing on that sturdy lead. I know. My age is showing. I’ll admit it’s nice to not have to sharpen a mechanical. It’s an interesting debate.
In sixth grade I won first place in a poetry contest and received the book Nitter Pitter as a prize, and I still have it. Somewhere. Any book about horses is a go for me. I wrote for the Junior High yearbook and stories for advanced English class. I wrote an essay about my brother’s suicide for a competition – but didn’t win anything. College was filled with writing, but not for fun. Then I became a mother. Writing took a backseat but wasn’t far from my thoughts.
someday
I created children’s book concepts in my mind and couldn’t wait for the day I would actually write them. For teacher appreciation days I’d write poetry and attach it to a present. I helped the kids write assignments for school. I edited my husband’s papers when he went back to college. I ended up freelance editing and co-authoring a book for someone I’d been editing for. Words! Words were wonderful friends. And those children’s books kept whispering to me.
Someday. Someday I would go back to school and get a degree in writing. Then I would be able to write well. When the kids were grown, and I had time to focus on it. When I felt better and had more energy. THEN I would write my children’s books.
For my mother’s 80th birthday in 2016, her children decided to each create something for her. I decided it was time to (casually) write a fictional story based on a true-life event from her childhood. My daughter created the illustrations, and I printed and spiral bound it for her, thinking that someday I would possibly make it into a real picture book. It sat on a shelf until I turned 50.
reality check
Turning 50 did something to me. I realized that my somedays were on the decline and I better start making time for me because nobody else could. I rewrote Good for Pigs Bad for People, paid for better illustrations, and worked on finding an agent. My other stories started jumping up and down for attention. I found WIFYR and wrote two more picture books for their 2022 writing conference in Utah. An agent asked me to send her my manuscript. I WAS FINALLY WRITING!
Now . . . I have not been published yet. At the conference they suggested getting more writing platforms to show agents we’re serious about our craft. And my idea for a blog took shape. So here I am. Writing and creating and sharing the wonder of words with others.
I’ll be posting my ideas and writing progress with you soon: The poems I wrote for my homograph series. The Point of You books that originally captured my imagination. How my picture book Good for Pigs Bad for People has morphed into three: a picture book, a early reader, and a middle grade novel/ series. If I don’t find a publisher, I’ll publish myself. But someday is coming now!!
Your turn
Do you like to write? When did that love develop? Which do you prefer – mechanical or wooden pencils? Do you have anything you’re waiting for someday to come? If so, what’s holding you back? What advice could you give me and others who struggle to put their drather b first?
When the other students would groan over writing assignments, I cheered in my seat. I love writing. I love finding the right words to put down to convey my thoughts. I love the flow state. Now days, I mostly write for my DnD group. As Dungeon Master, my job is to set the scenes and facilitate the story. I do writing out the intro scenes, like a prologue before the episode. A cliff hanger, a tease. It is so fun. Incredibly fun cause I get to see immediately how my players react to my writing. Talk about instant feedback.
P.S. if I got a good sharpener: wood pencil all day.
It’s great that you continue to write post school. I like role playing games — especially when the “master” is great at their role. Go team wooden pencils!
I never liked writing but I’ve always had stories in my head that I’d like to be able to have the skill to write down. Team wooden pencil for sure. I’ve always wanted to be a stay at home mom. The day came and I was one. I love being a mom most days. There are days when I wonder what was I thinking? I just want to be me not mom for a few days. I long to have hobbies and interests but it goes to the back seat because I’m a mom first. I guess I keep thinking or keep hearing, “ oh just wait till the boys are older then you can….” So I guess I’ll wait?
I totally relate to everything you said. Don’t be afraid you’re not good enough to write your stories. (Maybe you can record the stories if you don’t want to write them. ) And please don’t think you have to wait till the kids are grown.
Momming takes a lot of time, I know. My advice is to set aside some time – daily or weekly or even once a month – to do that thing you’drather do. Maybe when the boys are sleeping or a family member can tend them.
Take a writing lesson online, or shadow someone with a skill you want to learn. If it’s a hobbie you already have, schedule the time for yourself. I promise you’ll be a better mom for it. A big hug from me. You’ve got this!