Writing Dreams - Romance Writers Weekly - #lovechatwrite

This week on the Blog Hop, S.C. Mitchell invites us to remember when…

Think back to that day you first decided you were going to write a book/story. Tell us about what led you to start putting those first words on the page.

If you joined me from Dee Kelly, welcome. If not, be sure to hop all the way around so you don't miss her great post.

I know it's not original, but I can't remember when I didn't want to be a writer. I've always been a voracious reader, and I'm pretty sure it grew out of that. But if I think very carefully, it might be possible to pin down the first times I thought "Maybe I can do that, too."

Anne of Green Gables is one of my absolutely favourite series. As a young Canadian girl, it was awe-inspiring to learn how famous the red-headed imp from our smallest province was. And that the story had been written by another Canadian woman – well, it opened my eyes to the possibilities.

I should also make note of my Grade Seven teacher. Brother Ivan (I went to Catholic school) was feared throughout the lower grades. But he was one of those teachers that was demanding but fair, and most students who found themselves in his class also found themselves learning well and joyfully. He assigned many, many creative writing exercises, and I can still remember how proud I was the day he suggested I try and get one of my short stories into a magazine. If he thought I could get paid for my writing, who was I to contradict?

I was in my forties before I achieved my dream of publishing a novel. But since then I've added two more to my list, have another waiting to be published and a fifth in revisions. I know longer want to be a writer – I am one!
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I wonder how Lyra Parish found the courage to send her stories out into the world. Find out here!

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​Be sure to make an extra visit to my blog tomorrow, as I'll be revealing the cover to RWW member A.S. Fenichel's newest romance, Foolish Bride. Stop by, won't you?

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