Find Your Passion

Well, hello there.  I know, I know!  It’s been a minute and while there are really no excuses, let me just say that like the vast majority of writers, serious and otherwise, I do carry a full-time job.  I’m fortunate that it’s something that I’m equally passionate about and love as well. All that to say, I’m sorry that I’ve not posted something feigning substance in a while.  I have been writing though and working on my manuscript in my spare time. Most of my writing occurs in the early morning hours before work or in the evenings after dinner and, of course, the weekends.

So why am I sharing that tidbit of info and why do you care?  Well, I recently discovered a fantasy writer’s podcast (shout out to Wizards, Warriors, and Words), and they’ve got some sound advice on writing, plot lines, marketing, etc.  One in particular that resonated for me as I hung on every word while on my elliptical one evening last week, was the notion that if you want it bad enough, you will find a way.  Granted, they were specifically talking about writing but I think that goes for pretty much anything, doesn’t it? The will and tenacity to keep moving forward especially in the face of challenges is what makes it worth it in the end, whatever “it” may be…the epitome of the Hero’s Journey.

What’s your passion?  If you know, great, if you don’t, I encourage you to find it because it is where passion meets industry that magic happens.  Think of your favorite childhood hero.  Chances are they faced obstacles to achieve success whether that’s in fiction or real life. Think about what draws you to that hero.  Often you will find it’s the overcoming of some struggle that resonates.  We all love a good “despite all odds” story.  It’s no secret that I have long loved books of all varieties but in particular, I love a good story, one that paints a vivid picture, one that draws you into the moment with its characters, and one that haunts you long after you’ve read that last word. What people don’t know is that I gave up.  Yep, you read that correctly.  I. GAVE. UP…whether it was from necessity (bills to pay and a kiddo to raise), from fear of failure, from doubting my own worth or voice, or from packing my day with so many other things that I couldn’t possibly cram something in just for me, who knows, but I, in fact, felt the mountain was too high to climb.   

The pandemic of 2020 has taught me many things but one thing that is sticking is that I am happier when I create and my chosen way of creating is through words strung together to tell a story.  I’ve noticed it and my family has noticed it. Whether I ever reach fame and fortune or whether I simply write for me, one thing is for certain, I will keep telling stories as long as I’m able to write, type, see, and speak.  And in the end, that’s what makes the difference, writing for me isn’t about seeking fame and fortune, it’s simply part of who I am.