Ambitions of a Writer
The road to becoming a professional writer is not a paved one. As an aspiring author, I begin my journey in the writing world by researching and gathering my thoughts into a roadmap to my biggest dream. My first step is in identifying the genres I am interested in such as fiction, nonfiction and poetry. From there, I begin to develop stories and ideas from my creative imagination. The next question is, "What avenues to pursue in establishing the credentials to spark a publisher's interest?" The assistance of a literary agent can provide the guidance and knowledge in protecting my intellectual property rights and most importantly connecting me with the network of industry professionals in the publishing world. There will be many twists and turns in this endeavor of rejections and criticisms but my own self-doubts and uncertainty do not sway me, from pen to pad to sharing my perspective of life in words with the world.
As a young girl, I remember anticipating English Class or anywhere I could develop my artistic talents. I wrote my first poem at 10 years of age and can remember that my teachers would always encourage me by saying that, "I write well." In the eighth grade, I won my first creative writing award and from then on words have been my refuge. I never thought I would have desired to become a professional writer because of an early memory of someone saying, "That it was too hard and that I would have to be exceptional to make it." I continued to write over the years and went to college to pursue a degree in engineering but in the back of my mind my dream was deferred but truthfully, it never died. Here we are now and my heart-filled dream is alive and well and I have written my first fiction novel and poetry collection. I have written my first query letter and book proposal in search of a literary agent. I have also sought the assistance of creative writing teachers to further hone my skills. The most discouraging part of it all is the reality of rejection for to date I have received several letters of discontent.
Networking is one of the most powerful tools that can connect people of different backgrounds all over the world. This resourceful tool can provide the knowledge and insight of experienced persons to individuals beginning a new career. A writer's network is one of the most beneficial assets a writer can have. I have found e-mail list servers and writing conferences very useful. I have been able to connect with published authors who provide valuable words of wisdom on how to get published and remain marketable. I have also subscribed to Writer's Digest and Poets & Writer's to stay informed of potential writing opportunities. Another viable option is freelance writing in magazines, newspapers and online publications to build a writer's resume.
A writer must be willing to seize the moment of opportunity for luck plays a significant role just as much as talent. After my personal storm of soul searching I stepped outside of the box of fear and self doubt to embrace my dream. Every struggle, heartbreak and disappointment has been an experience in preparation and fulfillment of my destiny. The image I see of myself is one of resilience and self-determination to move in the direction of becoming a professional writer. The rainbow has emerged from the clouds of that dismal afternoon and I now see things clearly, as the promise of tomorrow unfolds. I am a writer and I refuse to stop pursuing my passion and all of my innermost desires.
Published by A.M. Morgan
A.M. Morgan is a New Orleans native who enjoys creative writing and the performing arts. View profile
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15 Comments
Post a CommentMay all the blessings be yours! great job on this!
Great piece. Being a writer sometimes means having to work a "regular" job in order to afford doing what you really love - writing. I think we all get sidetracked with life at one point or another but it's wonderful when you can return to writing whether you are paid or not (however payment is nice!). Ignore the naysayers who proclaim that there is no money in writing - it's the process that thrills us no matter how much money we make.
nicely expressed. best wishes.
Good luck to you! No matter where you road goes, you will be successful!
Wonderful essay. Inspirational and touching.
When I went off in 2000 to pursue my master's in writing at Seton Hill, I got a rude--an instantaneous--awakening. My entire writing life had been devoted to nonfiction; this program was fiction only. The more experienced fiction writers wasted no time in letting me know what their definition of a "professional writer" was. It was someone who identified the markets that paid a living for a writer and who learned to write for them. Out the window went my thoughts of becoming another Boris Pasternak!
I second what Eclectic Muse wrote ! You absolutely wrote a great piece on how an authors road is full of twists and turns never paved with distinct 'landmarks' along the way.
I too began my 'writing career' early in life, beginning with journaling as early as nine and then being published on that stuff in a collaboration of essays, after the age of 35. Now, ater working in the medical field for over ten years, receiving both my baccalaureate and masters in Psychology, first traditional, the latter Transpersonal, I am expanding my horizons and nurturing the right-sided brain hemeispheric thinking. It has blessed me & kept me 'balanced'.
I like your style and I see a passion that even after many years of not being 'recognized' it is still 'classic ' !
sharing the light,
You've hit the nail on the head! I feel the exactly the same. I began writing at an early age--poems, short stories, even my own versions of what I called then "little" novels. I went to college to pursue a career in writing. Life happened, I worked to support myself, and I placed my desire on the back burner. I am just now putting the pen back to paper after many years. We shall see what the future brings. Good luck to all of us!
I relate to what you are saying 100%. I have always wanted to write but never felt that I was good enough. Then I started writing for business purposes, doing training manuals. I was asked to write a business column, which I did for years. But when I left Oklahoma to come back to Virginia, I assumed I'd never get the chance to write again. Then I found AC and I'm once again living my dream. Thanks for reminding me of how important his is to MY heart.
writersweekly.com is one place I've started to look and fundsforwriters.com is another. But what can I say: I can't even take an article about a man who has run the bell for the Salvation Army for 50 years and sell it to their own mag, The War Cry. It's tough. Best wishes to you. -- Mike