A Journey for Every Word #IWSG #amwriting #dreams

[I wrote this post as a member of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group where we share our worries and also offer support and encouragement to each other on the first Wednesday of every month. If you’re a writer like me and you’re looking for a bit of support, you can click the link and sign up here
Thank you to our awesome co-hosts this month: T. Powell Coltrin, Victoria Marie Lees, Stephen Tremp, Renee Scattergood, and J.H. Moncrieff!
Check out our IWSG homepage for recent news and events. And as always, thank you to founder Alex J. Cavaugh 🙂
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At four years old, I sat at a tiny desk in a storage room in my mother’s basement. I must have been elevated on a pile of old books so I could reach the top of the desk. It wasn’t the books or the desk that caught my eye. In front of me and on the desk sat an old black typewriter. The keys were metal and round. When I pressed them, a tiny metal foot struck paper and left behind an inked symbol.
At four years old, I couldn’t read, but I understand the idea how symbols tied together built stories. My older brother could write stories. He could read very well too. I wanted to be like him.
This month’s question asks: “What started you on your writing journey? Was it a particular book, movie, story, or series? Was it a teacher/coach/spouse/friend/parent? Did you just ‘know’ suddenly you wanted to write?”
I think my journey started because of how long it took me to read. I also struggled to write clear sentences, later paragraphs. I think my journey to write came from my drive to read, then took off when my teachers noticed me and complimented my work. They encouraged me to continue to write my creative ideas down. They encouraged me to read my thoughts to others and submit them.
I did. I still am, or at least I’m working on that.
I chose the Laura Ingalls Wilder quote because my mother would read me her books when I was really sick. It was comforting. Wilder’s work is so vivid I couldn’t help but imagine her life back then.
Happy IWSG day. May this new year help you move closer in the direction you wish to go.
Posted on January 8, 2020, in Uncategorized. Bookmark the permalink. 19 Comments.
Sometimes a little encouragement is all we need!
I was obsessed with Laura Ingalls Wilder’s books when I was a kid. I do remember how vivid the descriptions were. I could so clearly picture in my mind the settings she was describing.
I started reading her books to my daughter to share my memories with her 🙂
I love reading everyone’s amazing stories of getting started! Happy New Year.
Happy New Year Jennifer 🙂
I love hearing that a writer didn’t start as a reader. That is refreshing and heart-warming to all those writers who aren’t reading fans. Kudos on your journey, Erika!
There is such a gentle beauty to what you wrote on this post. 🙂 Left me with smiles, thanks.
Thank you so much. I really appreciate it 🙂
I loved Wilder’s books as well and reread them when I was in my twenties. After that I felt very close to my grandmother. It was like both their stories were so much more alive.
Anna from elements of emaginette
Love how you started writing. Although struggles are hard, some make you more determined, like you were with reading.
Once you got the reading down pat, the writing just took off!
Thank you Diane 🙂
You know what’s crazy, we had a bunch of Little House books when I was a kid, but I don’t remember if I’d read them! I also love the old typewriters! My mom bought me an electric one when I was a kid, a Smith Corona! 😀
Those typewriters were so interesting. My mom guarded her, knowing we’d get the keys jammed. And we did every time 🙂
Encouragement can move mountains. Enjoyed the post. I’m a little late making the rounds. Happy IWSG!
Bravo, Erika! Your drive to read and write makes you able to move mountains–or maybe just stories. Encouragement does help, like Juneta says. All best to you in 2020!
Teachers’ encouragement means so much to a young kid. You were lucky in your teachers, I think.
I’m late making the rounds, but thanks for stopping by my blog.
I love that your writing developed from your love of reading.
I fear not enough modern writers appreciate the joy of reading.
Many of them treat it like a task- just part of the job.
A kind word of encouragement is all that a child needs to help him improve and move forward.
Thank you for sharing this heart-warming experience.
Hope you’re well, Erika.