Hello.. I am a published writer, of local and social history features, fiction too. The being paid is lovely I have to say, but it gives me such a buzz, even after eight years or more, to see my work in a national or privately published magazine. To know that my faith in my writing wasn't misplaced, that it was considered good enough to be put in something with a large circulation.
I also keep a journal, and have done since teenage years. I keep a notebook with me at all times, because ideas can come from anywhere and have to be written down straightaway or they'd vanish altogether, without trace.
I have completed a novel which I saved up to have professionally appraised, and though it wasn't cheap, it was definitely the best thing I could have done. I had sent the ms to various agents, those who took authors who wrote similar types of story, but it was returned, always because their lists were full, or it wasn't quite right. I needed to know if there was any point to my carrying on, or if I was just fooling myself about my writing skills. Happily, it was a very positive appraisal.
I have a couple of workbooks aimed at writers, with exercises to help with those times when the writer's block comes upon me. When I want to write, but frustratingly can't get a single idea to form.
I am not a professional writer, nor someone who does it all the time. I have many other things in my life, and like variety. I am not good at writing to order, doing anything to order really, and write when I am in the mood, when an idea strikes. Then I can be at it all day and hate to be interrupted. Now just because I don't make myself go into my workroom and write, whether I feel like it or not, whether I know what to write or not, doesn't make me any less of a writer than someone who does. There are levels of seriousness about your writing.. to me it's a creative outlet, something I enjoy doing when it flows. But if it's not flowing, then I won't force it.. life's too short.
It should be enjoyed, and once it becomes a chore or a bore, then is the time to stop. I have been writing since I won a national schools competition aged 10, and can't imagine ever not doing it...having said that, it's several weeks since I wrote a story for a competition.
I agree that it would be good if W&H gave us a slot all to ourselves... where we could get help with the old writers block, tell each other about competitions, ask advice, help with research for a short story perhaps.
Meanwhile, happy writing...x
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