Monday, November 28, 2011

Light It!


Once upon a time we were all a bit younger. Some of us enjoyed writing, and knew we wanted to be writers. Others, well, maybe not as much.

I fell into the latter category. I liked to write, but never dreamed of becoming a poet or novelist. I was content to write a bit, pen letters to friends and family, and read. I didn't fancy myself as a storyteller, but I did enjoy reading a good one. Little did I know where I was headed...:)

How about you? Did your interest or passion in writing start early? Or were you a later bloomer like I was? Was there a certain spark that ignited the fire? Or did it come slowly and methodically? Please share!


Happy writing,
Karen


Photo credit: Stock Exchange

31 comments :

  1. Happy writing to you, Karen!

    I thought that great writers were born. Since no teacher ever said to me, "This is the best writing I've ever seen," I took it to mean I shouldn't write. But those pesky ideas kept coming the older I became...

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  2. Hi Karen .. certainly very late in life .. though when I got to South Africa - the touch of providing that extra information clicked in to my letters - giving me an info-history of my travels. That continued with some of the trips I did to Namibia, Botswana and Rhodesia -though not my early trip to Rhodesia (though the memories are there .. and come out occasionally.)

    Really since my mother got ill and I put the positive into letter writing and making them enjoyable to read - so much so .. people were say they were so positive and please don't stop - then the blog was born .. and I've settled into my own eclectic style.

    Cheers - lots of ideas for developing aspects out .. just lovely having the support of blogging friends around to encourage and prompt for more - I reckon I'm lucky .. bye - good friend! Enjoy continuing lighting your writing fire .. Hilary

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  3. That spark was always there but I could never do much with it when I was having a very young family. But when I knew I wanted to, I then took time to pray and really make sure I was ready for the commitment beyond writing for fun. I guess I was a late bloomer.

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  4. Good question. My mom actually "guilted" me into it.
    Definitely a late bloomer "professionally," but blossoming just the same!

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  5. Theresa,
    I think great writers ARE born. They just don't always know it early on. And you my friend, are one of them! :)

    Hilary,
    And I love your style - it is unique and all your own! I am glad you are blogging, and so happy we've met! :) We will keep writing, won't we? We must!

    Laura,
    Well, you are not alone, that's for sure. I think we come around in our own way, you know? :) You are a wonderful writer.

    Jen,
    Well, I suppose there is this thing called positive guilt, isn't there? lol I am sure it was there all the time, no matter when it blossomed! You are a writer, that's for sure!

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  6. I always liked writing, but thought art would be the avenue I pursue. But the doors to writing presented themselves, so this is what I pursued.

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  7. As soon as I could pick up a pen. Okay, maybe that was a bit early, but as soon as I knew my letters, I'm pretty sure I was a writer. Before that my mum said I would stand on the hearth and entertain visitors with very tall tales. Maybe my dream consisted of being a writer, actor, and stand-up comedian. Sounds like Steve Martin. So, since he already exited, I decided to narrow it down to writing.

    Happy Monday, Karen.

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  8. Mine started at around 16, but I didn't really strive to be published until my early 20s.

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  9. My writing rather grew out of my spiritual gift of exhortation . . . and sometimes it was talking, instead of writing. :-)

    Fondly,
    Glenda

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  10. I was a late bloomer too!
    Didn't start writing until I had children. (Had to do something at nap time) LOL!

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  11. Stephen,
    I think there are many writers that are also artists. Well, actually, writers are artists, now aren't they? :)

    Joylene,
    And I am so glad you did! I think you probably inherited your mother's gift! :)

    Jessica,
    We all start in different ways, don't we? I like hearing about everyone's journey!

    Glenda,
    This is yet another wonderful way to start writing, isn't it? I love that we all have a place, maybe we don't always know exactly where it is, but when we are called, it somehow finds us.

    Jennifer,
    LOL - yes, you have a good point! My kids were in grade school when I "officially" started. But they could keep themselves busy by then! :)

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  12. I'm with you, Karen. I had no big dreams to be an author. Glad I decided to pursue it, but I still would've survived if it had never happened.

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  13. Hi Karen. I didn't start writing until I was almost 50! Kind of a long story, and I've mentioned it on my blog before, I think, so I won't go into all the details. But I was also like you when I was younger. Always loved to read, to write letters to friends, family, and pen pals!

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  14. Alex,
    I never had aspirations to write a book, although I thought it would be nice. I now have several ideas for both fiction and non fiction. Who knew?

    Becky,
    Hey girl, how are you? I recall reading snippets of your story in your posts. You are an inspiration!

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  15. I'm like you, Karen...didn't start writing until later, but the seed was always there. Or, I should say "ember". :)

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  17. I started writing before I could talk :) diaries, poems, short stories, articles... anything really. So, I can say it came naturally to me. My dad is a writer and my younger brother has published several books as well. My writing has changed since I gave my heart to the Lord though, big time!

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  18. I'm a late bloomer who knew I had talent, was validated by teachers, and recipients of my ten page letters and cards with personalized rhyming verse.
    In my fifties I submitted to Parent's Magazine. An editor called me and told me I had a unique writing style and said even though he was unable to convince the head honchos to publish my work, I needed to keep writing. he ignited my fire!

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  19. I never thought it could be a reality until about ten years ago when I decided to try and actually got a nice rejection letter. I am a late bloomer but that's okay!

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  20. A late bloomer, Karen! Late! I just never really saw myself doing what I'm doing now. Makes me wonder what's down the road.

    And praying for wind at your back with your ongoing project.

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  21. My interest in writing started early, Karen. I hope I continue writing all my life.

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  22. Sarah,
    Yes, that's a great way to put it! I think we all had at least an ember. :)

    Marja,
    So it's in your blood then! It is interesting to see how our writing evolves over time and seasons of our lives. :)

    Linda,
    Well, I say better late than never, right? I think that we need to keep fanning the flames!

    Terri,
    Yes, it is so okay! It's interesting how a rejection letter can push your forward!

    Rhonda,
    Me either! Who knows where our road will take us, right? Good things ahead. Thanks so much. :)

    Rachna,
    I hope so too! Sounds like you've had a good journey. :)

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  23. My interest started early but I gave up on the idea of it being a goal I could really reach until very recently. Like Rachna, I hope the passion stays forever!

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  24. Lydia,
    I believe it will! You have much to say. I enjoy your style. :)
    Karen

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  25. My interest started early, and then I lost confidence for a number of years, and then regained it, and then felt too busy to chase the spark, and then . . . well, the spark became a constant flame that lights most of my days.

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  26. Hi Karen...Oh, my interest in writing did, indeed, evolve very early in life.

    I started a diary in the 7th grade and kept it faithfully until my 50s. Then I switched to keeping a gratitude journal!

    A nun in high school encouraged my writing and that made a huge difference, too. Susan

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  27. I like words, writing and reading them, since elementary school. I'm still not convinced I'll ever get paid for writing but I've penned a couple of novels, ones I would like to read. I really enjoy writing my blog and for now that satisfies.

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  28. Hi! I'm new to the blogging world and just found your blog a couple of days ago. I've felt the nudge to write for a few years now, but I'm a complete novice. After years of browsing decorating blogs and feeling like I would enjoy doing that myself, I've discovered that just hasn't worked out for me, and probably for good reason. I'm pleased to find so many wonderful writing blogs out there. I know I'm sure to learn a thing or two!
    Blessings,
    Christa

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  29. Tyrean,
    Well, I am glad you got re-interested in writing! You were meant to write, I'm thinking! :)

    Susan,
    I like that - a gratitude journal! I think I may need to start one. Thanks for the idea!

    Sally,
    Oh, I encourage you to pursue publication! If writing gives you this much joy, certainly you are called to it for a reason! :)

    Christa,
    Very nice to meet you! Thanks so much for stopping by and saying hello. I definitely encourage you to write if you think you're called!

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  30. Hello Karen,

    I know I'm coming into this discussion late, but it's a fascinating one, so I will put in my two cents.

    I've always been a writer, but my audience was usually a small one... writing letters to friends, (including "circle letters"), writing in my journal, writing in school, etc. But I didn't set out to write for a larger audience until I was in my thirties. And I only did it because I wanted to write the story I'd told to many people and the reaction would often be people telling me I must write my story. Then it took 16 years of persistence and many rejections to get it into print. So, in a sense I became an accidental writer. And this happened over time -- I was in my thirties when I started and the book was published a year ago (in my fifties). My embers nearly went out several times, but I breathed life into them and fed them, and they eventually burst into flames.

    I now have so many book ideas that I will probably be writing the rest of my days.

    Thank you for inviting us to share.

    Enjoy your break... and we look forward to hearing from you after January 2nd.

    May your Christmas be full of light, love, peace, warmth, and good cheer and may the New Year bring many blessings to you.

    Saloma

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  31. Saloma,
    Well, I am glad you are writing, even if "accidentally"! Thanks so much for sharing your story with us. I'm like you; there are so many ideas to write about. :)
    Happy New Year,
    Karen

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Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. Have a blessed day!