Why I Write

From early on, I have been a devoted reader and writer. I have always enjoyed the adventure of a good book and the challenge of piecing together a story. My mother, a sentimental hoarder, once pulled out a file of my childhood writings. In it were short stories, a graduation speech, a journal, and a set of rules from a short lived neighborhood club my friend Kerry and I founded in her back yard. It seems I have always found purpose and solace in writing. 

For me writing is therapeutic, entertaining, and profitable. I am currently a technical writer by profession working with my colleagues producing documents and deliverables on railroad and bus safety. I enjoy the work and truly value the mass transit industry. Technical writing is an excellent challenge, but there had been a piece of me that sorely missed creative writing.  

For years I felt I was destined to write fabulous fiction yet, I could never finish a story. Crafting a story from infinite choices and options was debilitating for me. It wasn’t until I met Jim that I considered writing a story that had already been lived. In this way, I was not overwhelmed by creating a story, instead I was focused on making a real story creative. It clicked. I’ve been challenged and pushed and amused and humbled by working on my first biography project. In the end, as always, I have found purpose and solace in this writing project as I have in others.