I recently read the trilogy written by Frank McCourt- Angela’s Ashes, Tis, and Teacher Man. For those who do not know, his books tell about growing up in New York and his native Ireland, his coming of age, and then, his years in teaching. While I enjoyed reading all three books, I did not feel a connection to them or the author until a passage toward the end of the last book, Teacher Man. McCourt talks about a writer’s mind.
The gist of his comments are that a writer’s mind is never still, it is always working on some idea or searching for the rest of the story that has begun in thoughts. The only release is to write the story. That short passage made me want to stand up and wave my hands in the air, and shout, “Yes!” That is what it feels like to be a writer, to have a love of writing.
Many writers will say their work began with journals or diaries. I never really did either one. I grew up as an only child, and my creating all begin in my mind, entertaining myself. I have to laugh now at the imagination I had; at one point I decided I was from another planet, and was only here to observe everyone else!
I became an avid reader at an early age, thanks to my family who made sure we had a steady supply of newspapers and books. I soon realized that I needed to do something with those thoughts that were so active in my mind.
I began writing for others in high school. When a journalism teacher named me co-editor of the high school newspaper, I found it humbling that something I loved to do brings enjoyment to others. And, that was the beginning of my journalism career.
Co-writing the novel Secrets One –The Series is a dream come true. To have it published is thrilling and humbling, knowing the many works that are never in print.
By the way, I still enjoy observing people- but as a writer, not a child from another planet. Laughs!
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