Writing Career - Overnight Success

When it comes to the subject of writing, I always have something to say. Whether I'm talking about my current project, teasing about my next one, posting something silly on social media or blogging, the little hamster wheel inside my brain is always spinning.

As a child, every single report card carried the same hand written note: "Talks too much. Needs Improvement." Some people might think this was my inspiration for wanting to become a writer, but they would be wrong. Truth is, my label today would still be "talks too much." And you know what? I'm fine with that. Over the years, I have learned to channel my chatty tendencies into listening skills. Real listening skills, such as watching reactions, noticing subtle gestures, (e.g. eye movements, talking with hands, facial expressions), voice tone and word choice. People provide material all the time, without even realizing it. All you have to do is pay attention.    

Now, about this title, Writing Career, Overnight Success. That is, of course, tongue in cheek. Two words in that phrase, career and success are both anomalies in the writing world. If you're looking for a quick climb to fame, the literary ladder is made of flimsy steel, weak brackets and the eerie squeak of possible humiliation every time you take a step. Yet, here I am, almost 65 years old and I still keep climbing that same rickety old ladder, dangling somewhere between persistence and perfection. The view hasn't changed much, but the climb sure has. These days the best part of being retired is I can write anytime I want. No timecards, no squeezing in an hour here or there, just me and my words.

Sure you hope others like what you have to say; however, as a writer, first and foremost, it is more important for you to like what you write. So if you have always had a passion for writing, just do it. (Great, now I sound like a tennis shoe commercial.) Seriously though, just start small. Write for the sheer love of telling your story, your way. Writing is nothing more than descriptive word play bringing ideas and thoughts to life.