My very first book, The Dog With No Ears, was written when I was five.
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 remember I excitedly presented it to my dad at one of our visits (in true GenXer 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 journals upon journals, most half written and written in different stages of my life. Later, I would transport my journalling to writing online where I chronicled my life for over two decades. I’ve now moved again to a newsletter. I’m closing in on my 200th issue.
Now, I keep up my newsletter and also write reviews, poetry, prose, short stories, and other interesting things.
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, Sisters in Crime, Hearts Through History, Contemporary Romance Writers, Kiss of Death, Great Lakes Fiction Writers, Sisters in Crime, and Fantasy, Futuristic, and Paranormal