So you want to be a writer - Part I

Some of you are following my blog to follow the progress of my book, written for siblings grieving the loss of their sibling by a sister living a similar life.  Others are reading to see if they can learn more about my sister, Heidi Allen and others read to learn some writing tidbits to improve their own writing. 

This week I am starting my first blog series for those looking to learn about being a writer.  For those of you who haven't thought of yourself as a writer - I challenge you to think differently and dabble in a little writing this week.

Today I want to start with WHY one writes. 
I learned how to write and transform words into sentences in 1st grade with Mrs. Emerson.  She recently passed away yet her memory and the impact she had on my life are precious - she gave me a priceless gift - a love to write.  I write because I LOVE IT!  I enjoy the fun and mystery of taking an idea, giving it form through the words and sentences used to bring that idea to life.  It is a passion..

I believe this is the first lesson one must complete before adventuring into a career or hobby of writing.  Ask yourself this question ~ "Why do I write?" 

If you are writing to be rich or famous then I suggest you donate your writing supplies to a writer full of passion and inspiration to write.  They need the extra supplies - they are bubbling over with excitement yet might not slow enough to always have the right writing tools near by.  If you are writing so you can be published and see your name in print (not that this isn't exciting) you need to prepare yourself for a lot of work, stress and failed dreams. 

In my opinion writing is a passionate and energizing opportunity to share the ideas, thoughts and hopes buried within one's mind and heart with the person or people reading the finished product.  I've written many things since 1st grade - few have been published in the newspaper and none have made it to a magazine or book as of yet.  It isn't the publication that motivates me - it is the smile, tear or hug received after someone has read my creative work that fulfills my satisfaction. 

You can't put a price tag on human emotion or the ability to touch another's heart.  Writing is a priceless tool that change the lives of those reading your written word.

Writing Challenge:
Think of one person in your life that has made a difference in your life.  This person can be alive or deceased.  Carve a ten minute window into your day and write a note to this person. In this letter:  tell them why and how they have impacted your life, express thanks for the good things, transform a negative comment into a positive to encourage him or her, give an example from your life of how their impact made you who you are today and sign your name to the bottom.  (You don't have to mail the letter yet I challenge you to write it.) 

The reason you write needs to come from your heart - not your wallet.  Writing a letter is personal and an emotional connection to someone - a great place to start.

Thought to Ponder:
God has blessed each of us with an ability and gifting to both grow His Kingdom and to touch the lives of another.  Thankfully He has blessed me with the gift of words and writing. 

Make sure you read tomorrow's blog to learn what items I keep at my finger tips to make my writing go smoother and with minimal distractions. 

Lisa :)