Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Finding Your Passion

If someone had told me ten years ago that I'd be trying to make a career out of writing, I would have risen one very disbelieving eyebrow.

I mean... I love to write. But come on, a writer?

Everyone knows there's no money to be made in writing. Writing is something you do in your spare time (on the premise that you actually have any). A silly side hobby for the dabblers.

It's just for FUN.

I mean... isn't that what they always say?

And how can you possibly write a whole novel? Isn't that, like, 400 pages?

My life has taken a lot of unexpected twists, yet through all the ups and downs, the one thing that remained constant was writing.

Without even realizing it, it became my truth. It resurfaced as my drive. It thrived as my passion. The more I wrote, the more I wanted it. The more I STILL want it.

And you know what?

I finished that novel. I wrote the 400 pages. I found the time. Because when it's something you truly love--you always find the time. Even when the only opportunity appears at 2:00 a.m. after a sixteen hour work day, and you've finally gotten the baby to fall asleep.

Because passion like that comes from deep within. It's what keeps you moving forward, moving towards your dreams. It's what makes you dedicated. And as long as you hold on to it, anything is possible.

Is there money to be made in writing? I don't know. It isn't the most clear cut profession.

Is it rewarding? Being able to touch someone with your story? The feeling you get watching the words fill the page?

Definitely.

And I guess that's what makes it all worth it, isn't it?

And just for the record, we shouldn't always listen to what "they" say. ;)

So tell me, what made you realize you wanted to be a writer? When do you find time to write?

16 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

It IS worth it! Believe me.

prerna pickett said...

yes it is worth it! If someone told me I'd never get published I'd continue to write because I can't imagine life without writing.

Anonymous said...

I realized I wanted to be a writer when I realized I'd rather live in an imaginary world full of imaginary people and imaginary people. Writing is worth it. It always will be.

Saumya said...

so true...writing is fulfilling on so many levels and i don't think that true passion can ever be quenched...i find myself becoming restless when i don't write, as though i'm addicted...congrats on your novel!

Joanne said...

I just have to write, it's such a strong part of me, it almost seems like a natural thing to do!

Claire Lachance said...

I enjoyed writing when I was younger, but it was only recently that I had the time to really pursue it and it's just as much fun now as it was back then!

Christine Rains said...

It really is worth it. I've always wanted to be a writer since I was a child. It's taken a long time to build up the confidence to do so. I write when my son is napping and when I can squeeze onto the computer in the evenings when my husband isn't using it. Every minute is valuable.

Kenda Turner said...

I think I realized I wanted to be a writer when a story idea took hold and wouldn't let go--and I'm just stubborn enough to run with it to see how it all turns out. And how do I find the time? I'm still trying to get a handle on that :-)

Jolene Perry said...

I write in all my "spare" moments, and the time I carve out for myself.

I can't imagine doing anything else.

Chantele Sedgwick said...

Oh, how I love this post. I write whenever I can. It's a part of me now and even if I don't sell a book, I don't care. I'll still write. It's who I am. I'm a writer. :) I can't imagine not writing. You know?

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

I always wanted to be a writer but I didn't always have the time for it. I think it's a matter of making the time.

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

I just legitimately enjoy writing. It's a fun way to pass the time.

Miranda Hardy said...

It's a complete drive to get my stories down. I write every chance I can get, bringing my notebooks everywhere.

Kelley said...

Totally great post. I'm glad I stopped by. I'm a new follower now too, and thank you for stopping in my on my little blog :)

Kristina Fugate said...

I love this post! Your passion is very inspiring :) And you're so right--we shouldn't always listen to what "they" have to say!

By the way, I passed the Versatile Blogger award on to you! Info is here: http://kaykays-corner.blogspot.com/2011/09/im-versatile.html

Deana said...

So beautifully said!
For me I realized it some time during my second pregnancy that maybe, just maybe, I could do what I wanted. Who knows why it took that long to believe I could do it. Maybe I just stopped having a choice:)