No More Hiding
Lisa Renee Strong ... Unmasked!
Hey everyone, I am back, and I am hoping that I can stay awhile. I have decided to write you all an open letter to explain my absence from AC for all of this time. I first want to thank all of my friends and fans for their support. Sometimes, life gets in the way of art, and that is exactly what has happened to me. I have had a rough couple of years, and writing for AC has been very therapeutic for me. I left AC for awhile, because my problems became so overwhelming, that even the gifts that were given to me had abandoned me for a long time, and I didn't know if they would ever come back. Some may call it writer's block...I just call it a total creative shutdown. My real job is so demanding that I have had trouble just finding the time to sit behind a computer, and when I did have the time, all that I found myself doing was staring at a blank page. Writing is not the only area of my life that has suffered. My long hours make it hard to maintain relationships, and the once active social life that I enjoyed is now long-gone. Even Church work has been put on the back-burner because there is just no time for it. Unfortunately, because economic times are so hard, I cannot be choosy about where I work, or how long that my hours are.
Dreams are great, they help us set goals in life, and they give us ideas on how to reach those goals. I have been dreaming of a career in the arts since I was a little girl. I am now almost 50, and I have just realized that dreams don't always come true. I wanted to be a serious, published, creative writer, but I have come to the realization, that writing (just like my gifts in music and art) will never be more than a just a fun hobby for me...And I have decided that its alright. There is an aching sadness, but also a kind of freedom of letting go of something that you have held onto for so long.
I have decided not to hide behind an avatar anymore. I want people to see me as I am...Not as some unseen creative force, but as I truly am, a real-live, blue-collar, middle-aged woman who is not afraid (any longer) of putting herself out there. I have also decided to use my full, real name. I know that there are a lot of nutcases on the internet, but my last name is Strong...What the hell else am I supposed to be with a name like that?
In closing, I should warn you that I cannot spend a lot of time here...and you may not see me very often, but I do try and read a bit every day, so you guys who think that I don't read your work are dead wrong...I just don't have time for many comments.
Thank you all for letting me rant. I am so blessed to know that you enjoy my work, and I hope to have more stuff written for you soon...Stay tuned.
Sincerely,
Lisa Renee Strong
Published by Lisa R. Strong
I was born and raised in Binghamton NY. I have been writing short stories since I was eight years old, and poetry since I was a teenager. I also write prayers, meditations, and opinion articles. My dre... View profile
To My Dear Sister Lisa ReneeShe is a content producer on AC.
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11 Comments
Post a CommentLook forward to reading more of your work on AC soon. Writing down one's thoughts can be very therapeutic, and sometimes the stories and/or articles can open the mind and create some sunshine in the lives of others.
We Americans are treated so bad in the workplace today; I'm glad I'm out. I have recently written an article about the importance of Internet safety. Yes you are right, there are nutcases out there, and I think there is one right here on this site. You are on his/her list of 42 favorites, all of whom are Christians. I'm on the list too. Take care. Shirley Mandel
I am so very glad to see you back!!! You look great and so does Mr. Lucky! :)
Welcome back. Cute photo with your pretty kitty.
I am soooooo much happy to see my sister again :) :) :)
Lisa, I'm so happy you're back. I long ago stopped taking rejection notices seriously
especially today when a writer can find sites like this one. To my mind, there is only
one way a writer can learn to write and that is by writing. I feel the only person who can tell me if I have written a good article or poem is me and that voice inside of me, not some unknown publisher; but, I dearly treasure each review from my friends. As a teacher of small children, I, too was to busy to write, and most writing say in a drawer for years, until I retired. Even now I can't write and review as much as I like because I need to rest and gather my energy at times. Welcome back! I look forward to reading your writing.
WOW! I love the way this closes! Famous, serious, or recreational, writing is what you love to do and something you truly excel at. I let 'the paycheck' get in the way too many times myself, but the important thing is that you keep coming back when a little time happens! Never, ever stop creating. Lisa. Artists understand one thing about their art; even if it doesn't make them a penny, it's what's keeps them alive! Welcome back, Lisa (and believe me, I understand what courage it took you to reveal yourself to the web-world. How does it feel to be free?)
Oh, and that is a beautiful picture of you :)
I'm glad you're back and can't wait to read more of your stuff. It sometimes inspires me when I am not sure of what to write. I was so happy when I saw that you were starting to publish again :)
Lisa it is nice to read your words again. I hope you get as much joy creating your pieces as I do purusing them. You are a talented writer and artist. When I was younger I came within a hairs breath of getting a novel published one of my professors got me in touch with his agent. But it fell through. Writing can be extremely hard work and sometimes the rewards are miniscule. I haven't attempted that again, in fact didn't write for a long time. But I could not stay away from something I love to do. I am trying new things with my writing and it is going well. Just a few instances of writers block. Welcome back.