(Not their origins in the comic book sense, though!)
They'll be talking about when they began to write seriously, and why, and where that journey's brought them, and what they've learned about themselves in the process.
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And the winners of the Friday book drawing, thanks to random.org, are: #1, Lyoness, The Moonlight Mistress; #2 and #3, LVLM and Armenia, who will both receive The Duchess, Her Maid, The Groom and Their Lover; and #4, Ilona, Cowboy Lover. I'll email you this week for mailing addresses.
Now, back to origins.
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I'll start.
Though I always told myself stories in my head, as far back as I can remember, I didn't begin to write seriously, actually putting words on paper, until I was in college. I think what changed is that in college, I had a built-in audience of friends to read and appreciate my stories. It was both motivation and reward to share stories, talk about them, and help each other write them. Until then, I hadn't really realized how much fun writing could be.
That's the most important lesson I ever learned: publication can never be my sole motive for writing. Even being paid for writing isn't enough. I need to enjoy what I'm doing, and I need to be able to share it. If it hadn't been for that college community, and the fan community of which I became a part, I might never have finished a single story, might never have gone on to seek publication.
How about you?
I was hoping, somehow, there would be gamma radiation involved. :)
ReplyDeleteHow great to find a group in college to share ideas with. Do any of you still keep in touch?
I tried to write a little in college, but couldn't find the time or concentration. Of course, maybe being a science major might have made that harder.
I agree whole-heartedly about writing for the enjoyment and the sharing.
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful origins, sharing your writing with your friends in college.
Jeannie, the radiation is a SECRET! *looks around nervously*
ReplyDeleteI do still keep in touch with some of the college folks, but the only one I really talk about my writing with wasn't one of that original group, though she did come in on the edges later on. What I've written and how I write it has changed a LOT.
I think I spent a little too much time writing fiction and not enough on my studies. But I can't help but be glad for it now.
Ella, I still love the sharing part.