When I was in the third grade, personal issues forced me to close myself off a little from others. I, as a child, took a step back from the world, but I took a step closer to the imagined world of books. I had always thought reading was enjoyable. But this was different. I relied on books to do so much more than entertain me. As a child, I didn't fully understand why I needed to read so much. I just knew I needed it.
Soon, this love for books blossomed into a love for crafting my own stories. Something I had always done aloud with the kids in my family. But now, I was putting my words on paper for others to see. I was stepping forward bravely and telling the world that I had something to say. Unfortunately, no one I knew wrote, or thought about writing as a career. This desire I had drifted away as I grew older. The adults in my life who knew I loved to read and write never questioned it either.
My love for reading persisted, but the idea that I could write fiction dissipated. When I decided on a major for collage, writing resurfaced. It was journalism and not fiction that sounded more within my reach. I never told anyone that I wanted to be a writer. But I had shared stories, written plays for school - things like that. I did have one teacher in high school show interest in my writing and we and talked about writing books. I think he was actually writing one himself. I don't know if he ever wrote the book, though.
My point about all this...writers need nurturing. Sometimes I think about how good I could be now if I had nurtured the craft, if I had stayed true to what I wanted and pursued it with my whole heart. I know that I cannot go back but I can pay it forward.
I don't tell my kids their dreams are unattainable because it might be tough for them. I encourage them to push on anyway. I do educate them on their pursued passions and the obstacles they might face because of them but I never discourage. Never!
Have you always felt encouraged in your writing or other endeavors? Did anyone ever tell you, you couldn't do something? What was your reaction?
Have a great day. Read a book and laugh!
Hi Dawn, all artists need nurturing and the great thing is, (I know it's a cliche but it's one of those that also rings true) it's never too late to begin. Never too late to keep going either. :) Even though there were few people who gave me the impression I was over-ambitious when they knew I was writing, most of the discouragements actually came from myself while encouragements came from fellow-writers/readers and my sisters.
ReplyDeleteClaudine,
DeleteYou're right. It is never too late to persue your passion.
I've been told I couldn't do something and it just made me try harder. I don't like to be doubted, so I turn it around and become determined.
ReplyDeleteKelly,
DeleteThat is how I am now. I push myself harder to prove naysayers wrong.
Sorry that I'm late to your blog, but better late than never!
ReplyDeleteI've always felt inspired to write; ever since I was a small child. My mother started to teach me how to read when I was four years old. Growing up, I always created stories which possessed as much fantasy and myth as possible.
I feel like the only time I didn't stay true to my heart was in college when I decided to major in Business. Everyone lectured me about how finance and marketing were where the money was to be made. I spent two years dedicated toward this major and hated every moment of it. It was right before I began my junior year that I brought my minor, which was English at the time, up to my major. As I began a new journey, I started to excel in all of my classes. My only regret is that I didn't do this in the first place and double major in Journalism as well.
Thanks for sharing this, Dawn! I can't stress it enough how important it is for each and everyone of us to stay true to our passions and dreams.
Gina,
DeleteBetter late than never. Right? I wish that I had had the encouragement to continue when I was young. But I won't harp on that. It's great that you discovered you passion early. I majored in law...Yeah, that sucked. But my heart knew where I needed to be- my brain just needed to catch up.
Great article. I went through something similar when I was hospitalised at 8 years old. My father supported my writing, but with the proviso that I get a 'proper job'. Now, my husband believes in me completely and is a great sounding board.
ReplyDeleteIt's like that sometimes, Fi. It's sad that some just don't take it seriously. But I'm glad to hear that your husband fully supports your writing. My hubby complains sometimes but he is pretty much on board with it...he knows this is very serious for me.
Delete