Timing and Writing

There must have been in my childhood a desire to get to know people’s stories and share them with others. I have always loved to read, and I remember trying off and on to keep a diary. The school newspaper and annual interested me but I never pursued it. English and literature were my favorite classes in high school and college. So back then the seed germinated for this desire to write for others to read.

Should I give up writing? I pursue it even with hazards and weaknesses such as being a not-so-good speller. My dad would have me look up a word in the dictionary when I wanted to know how to spell it. Now Bill does the same. I’ve defended myself by asking how can I look up a word when I don’t know how to spell it.

With my writing there’s also the problem of being good enough, writing unique pieces. Several years back and also for the last several years I’ve tried to be serious about writing for publication. I’ve had some success, but not what I want. I’m not giving up yet unless it’s proven I can’t do it, unless the Lord says I need to spend my time and energy elsewhere. So I press on. I spend more time on it and try new avenues to improve myself.

I need to find the balance between other necessary work – family, house, varied interests – and the work of a writer. At the computer I get caught on a project, like cleaning up my files, and notice that I’ve been at it for hours. Other things don’t get done while I write, so I need to reschedule, re-direct my time, be more organized. This sounds like any occupation.