About halfway through my first year as a yearbook adviser, I got a sinking sense of loss: why hadn’t anyone ever told me to take a journalism class? I loved English and was a solid “A” ELA and social studies student. I had expressed my desire to someday be an English teacher. While I was not the best writer in my high school graduating class, I rarely got anything but praise from my teachers and peers. So why hadn’t anyone challenged me to do something more with my writing?
This was a wonderful read, and I especially appreciate the conversation on the slow unfolding of writing. I've been thinking about that a lot lately, noticing how letting go of ideas of what we should have accomplished already can lead to a wonderful deepening and joy in the process itself.
It is hard! Old habits and the general hustle and bustle of the world are always pointing the opposite way. It is daunting work but so worth it to carve a different path
Excellent article full of wisdom and sound observations. As you state, and as with almost anything in life, there is no standard blueprint for 'being a writer'. No one size fits all. Enjoyed this very much. Thanks for sharing.
This was interesting for me to read because I have similar questions about myself as a writer! It’s lovely to meet you here. I’m a budding poet, editor, and writer in Indiana. I was in a magnet school Language Arts program during high school and became an English/Creative writing major when I went away to college. Going on 50 years of ago, I will say that I have often wished that someone had pressured me to take journalism courses during college. Think of the bucks that could have made me. And it has turned out that much of the best of my college poetry has been deemed worthy of publication. However, at the time, I didn’t know the true value of what I was writing! I just new I was getting good grades, and that was satisfying. Here I am now, and most of the poetry I’ve gotten published recently was written just under 30 years ago. Heavens, that is somewhat mystifying! I definitely agree with the idea of schooling kids on different forms of writing. Even just going back to school to study some Political Science/American Public Policy caused me to create an outstanding writing sample. I just sent it out in an application for an Assistant Editor position at a literary publication.
This was a wonderful read, and I especially appreciate the conversation on the slow unfolding of writing. I've been thinking about that a lot lately, noticing how letting go of ideas of what we should have accomplished already can lead to a wonderful deepening and joy in the process itself.
And it's hard. I keep having to remind myself that even in my 40s, I still have time.
It is hard! Old habits and the general hustle and bustle of the world are always pointing the opposite way. It is daunting work but so worth it to carve a different path
Fantastic tips!
I hope they help someone 😊
Your self discovery journey is a long one. Especially in writing. It's a great reminder of the patience required in the writing process.
SO much patience, and I'm not a patient person 😂
This was exactly what I needed to read this morning - thank you! I am a writer, finally, planning to launch my Substack tomorrow.
I’m both excited and increasingly nervous, but I’m going to jump in anyway!
Congratulations.
Thanks.
Sarah,
Excellent article full of wisdom and sound observations. As you state, and as with almost anything in life, there is no standard blueprint for 'being a writer'. No one size fits all. Enjoyed this very much. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for reading!
Wise words.. it’s easy to get caught up in the immediacy of social media and the pace of life. Thank you for reminding me they’re no rush .
We ALL need that reminder. It is so easy to look for quick fixes and quick success.
This was interesting for me to read because I have similar questions about myself as a writer! It’s lovely to meet you here. I’m a budding poet, editor, and writer in Indiana. I was in a magnet school Language Arts program during high school and became an English/Creative writing major when I went away to college. Going on 50 years of ago, I will say that I have often wished that someone had pressured me to take journalism courses during college. Think of the bucks that could have made me. And it has turned out that much of the best of my college poetry has been deemed worthy of publication. However, at the time, I didn’t know the true value of what I was writing! I just new I was getting good grades, and that was satisfying. Here I am now, and most of the poetry I’ve gotten published recently was written just under 30 years ago. Heavens, that is somewhat mystifying! I definitely agree with the idea of schooling kids on different forms of writing. Even just going back to school to study some Political Science/American Public Policy caused me to create an outstanding writing sample. I just sent it out in an application for an Assistant Editor position at a literary publication.
We're never too old to pursue our dreams! And I love meeting fellow Hoosier writers. We need to make a group :-)
For sure!
Thank U so.
Thanks, I'm now rereading Elizabeth Gilbert, I appreciate the nudge. 😊
You're welcome 😂
Beautiful and inspiring
Thank you!