My very first book, The Dog with No Ears, was written when I was five years old.
I folded printing paper in half and sewed or stapled the pages in so it could flip like a “real” book and it was also illustrated by me.
Now, clearly, a five-year-old can only do so much, so I’m sure I had help, but that didn’t deter me from being proud of my book! I recall that I excitedly presented it to my dad during one of our visits (in true Gen Xer fashion, my parents divorced when I was very young), and I also remember how happy he was with his gift.
I don’t know what happened to that book, but it was made with love, determination, and hope. The best kind of recipe for writing there is.
I have always written something, somewhere, everywhere, and anywhere.
Recently, I was repacking boxes full of mementos, and I came across journal after journal, most of which were half-written and written at different stages of my life. Later, I would transport my journaling to writing online, where I chronicled my life for over two decades. I’ve now moved again to a newsletter. I’ve written over 200 issues.
I continue to publish my newsletter and write reviews, poetry, prose, short stories, and other interesting pieces.
Do I think I’m a good writer?
When a piece gets accepted for publication, then yes. Most of the time? No.
You be the judge.
Member affiliations: RWA, Hearts Through History, Contemporary Romance Writers, Kiss of Death, Fantasy, Futuristic, and Paranormal, Michigan Romance Writers, Romance Women’s Fiction, Passionate Ink