To write a best-selling book that will become an Oscar award winner, preferably for best movie, and to be recognized as the author for that movie. I am troubled that the actors and/or directors receive more credit on a movie and the writer does. Where would those actors and directors, or the entire movie making crew, be without us writers?
My work schedule IS writing. Everything else evolves around my time to write. I wash dishes after they pile up in the sink, but sweep the floor more often. I eat frozen dinners, canned soup with a sandwich (which I can eat while writing) or take a short break to eat something that takes two hands. Since I live alone and don't have many visitors, I live as I care to and the few who stop by to see me understand my way of life.
Yes, I always dreamed of writing that best-seller. As a young girl I read books quite a bit. Winning spelling bees was easy for me and I went on to get A+ grades in writing. I always excelled in the literature arts of spelling, composition and writing. In my senior school years I submitted several book reports on books that I made up--until a teacher caught me. She encouraged me to develop my desire and ability to write, but other thing got caught in the way; such a marriage, divorce and becoming a single mother who had to work to support and raise my children. Now that I'm old(er) and alone I can finally have time to write about my life's experiences and more.
Oh, you bet I did! My life has been a book in the works all my life. I was an unwanted, beaten, battered and abused (physically and verbally) child and then wife. My first husband took up where my father left off by adding weekly hitting with his fist followed by kicking me until I landed in the same hospital the third time. I had miscarried my second child. After that I lived in England with my daughter for four years and saw much of Europe. My second husband abused me emotionally and physiologically. During that time I went into bad depressions that I later found to be caused by bipolar disorder, accompanied by manic depression. I was ridiculed by many for divorcing such a wealthy man who went on to become a multimillionaire but I knew my mental health was for important that any amount of money. From there, I self-medicated with alcohol, as do most people in this situation. I went into rehab several times due to alcohol addiction, but mostly for the depressions which had become suicidal. From there my family distanced themselves from me and I lost most all my friends who couldn't possibly understand what I was going through. I could always work with my hands in building and creating things. As a self-sufficient, single woman I learned to do carpentry, household plumbing and electrical work very well to avoid depending on men who would over-charge me. I learned to live alone with the prolific imagination that God has given me. So, with my deep faith in Him, His words to lean on and my experiences, I write on.
I think that was when I read Peyton Place when I was in high school. That not only encourage me to excel in literature and composition and writing but I went on to write my first novel many years later. I have actually been writing poetry, lyrics, short stories since I was in junior high school and younger. I wrote Valentine's and Mother's Day cards for my classmates in the fifth and sixth grades until I was reprimanded by my teacher. She insisted they should write in their own words.
Prepare yourself for a lonely journey because writing is a lonely job. If there is anyone around you be sure they understand your endeavor. Set a daily time or plan to write and stick to it with no interruptions, no long lunches or time out except to "come up for air". Shut the phone OFF, listen to calming music and seclude yourself away from kids, walking the dog--everything. All there is around you is a dictionary, your keyboard and your ideas. And write something every day, anything just to keep in touch with yourself, ideas and keyboard. This is imperative. Also, be sure you have a good spell-check when you write. Get together with other writers who can share ideas and goals. If you join a writer's group, stick to writing. Don't get sidetracked with socializing or becoming personal with others in the group, this is important--stick to only writing situations and goals. All writers doubt their abilities, even Steven King. Only share your ideas with someone who can be objective to your ideas and be supportive. Close friends and family generally are not. If writing is truly in your blood and not just a passing fancy you will know in a short time. I feel that one should write because they want, not have to.
