By Mary Jo
One of those questions authors get asked regularly is when we knew we were meant to be writers. I was asked this recently and remembered that I once blogged on this topic in the Dark Ages of the internet–over ten years ago in June 2006. I decided to look that blog up and see what has changed. My answer hasn't, but the publishing world has.
Some knew they were born to write from their earliest days. I am not one of those. The bald fact is that I knew I was a writer when I was offered a contract for my first book. Boringly mundane, no? Yet it’s the truth.
I was always a daydreamer, spinning stories in my head when sitting bored in classes. (And I was bored a lot.) While I thought that being a writer would be Totally Cool, it never occurred to me that I could ever occupy one of those pedestals in the sky where writers dwell. (Feel free to laugh. <g>)
But with my horrid handwriting and mildly dyslexic typing, becoming a writer never seemed even remotely possible. I just couldn’t get the words down. Writing was in the vague dream category, along with being tall, thin, or fashionably dressed. (None of those other vague goals have come even close to being realized!)
All that changed when I got my first computer to do copywriting and billing for my graphic design business. (Ah, my darling Leading Edge! We remember our first computers much as Regency fans remember their first Georgette Heyer. [My first Heyer was 
SYLVESTER. <g>) Once I learned the basics of word processing, it occurred to me that I’d always wanted to write a book, and now I had a means of production where I could fix my errors and they would stay fixed. So I decided to see if I could write stories.
I charged into that first book with no expectations at all—I just wanted to see what I could do. I marked the floppy disk (5 ¼” yet!) with RR for Regency Romance, since I wasn’t ready to admit what I was doing even to myself.
One scene flowed into another, the story seemed reasonably coherent, I joined RWA, got the name of an agent from the friend of a friend, the agent marked up my 88 pages and sent them back with suggestions, and a few weeks later, I was offered a three book contract.
Yes, Virginia, that is the moment that I knew I was a writer. Having no expectations made the process easy in a lot of ways. I didn’t fear rejection since I didn’t expect acceptance.
Of course, selling my first book changed everything. I went from no expectations to behaving like a crazed lemming determined to learn everything I could about writing and 
publishing. I also developed my first and most compelling writing goal: to support myself as a writer. It took a few years, but I made it. And so it continues to the present day.
The process may be more difficult for someone who early develops a passionate desire to be a writer. Then there is yearning and fear of failure.
Actually, the problem is not so much the act of writing, which can be a great creative high, but getting published, which is usually difficult.
So maybe the real answer to the original question is that one knows one is a writer when one begins to write. I have a little Post-It note on my monitor that says, “Writers write.”
Sometimes, when publishing is making me nuts, I need to remind myself of that. I became a writer on the Saturday I sat down and started The Diabolical Baron. I recognized that I was a writer on the day someone offered actual money for my daydreams.
A writer sits down and produces words. She doesn't just daydream stories as I did for many years, and talking endlessly about about the book one plans to write is worse than useless because that dissipates the creative energy. Real writing is not mere imagination–imagination is pretty common. Writing is making the serious effort of getting words down in a form that can communicate to others even if you never show your work to anyone else.
But there are so many Magic Moment possibilities that aren't writing! Hopes and dreams of all flavors: Becoming a teacher. Or a nurse who saves lives. Mastering a perfect souffle or growing magnificent flowers. Or the REALLY hard creative goals, like having children and raising them well.
What hopes and dreams have you held, and perhaps been surprised by that recognition? Which of them have you then achieved? This a season of joy and sharing (and stress <G>), so please share a Magic Moment of your own. I'll give a copy of the Word Wench anthology THE LAST CHANCE CHRISTMAS BALL to one person who comments between now and midnight Tuesday.
Mary Jo, who still can't believe her luck that she can tell stories for a living!
So I’ll consider that all the books on my computer that I’ve dabbled with over the years make me a wee bit of a writer. (I’ve even managed to finish a few but then I wasn’t happy enough with them to submit anything) But they’re nowhere as engrossing as your books, Mary Jo. So very glad you decided to take a chance all those years ago!
It certainly brightens up my days and evenings!
Happy Christmas to all the lovely, talented Word Wenches!
So I’ll consider that all the books on my computer that I’ve dabbled with over the years make me a wee bit of a writer. (I’ve even managed to finish a few but then I wasn’t happy enough with them to submit anything) But they’re nowhere as engrossing as your books, Mary Jo. So very glad you decided to take a chance all those years ago!
It certainly brightens up my days and evenings!
Happy Christmas to all the lovely, talented Word Wenches!
So I’ll consider that all the books on my computer that I’ve dabbled with over the years make me a wee bit of a writer. (I’ve even managed to finish a few but then I wasn’t happy enough with them to submit anything) But they’re nowhere as engrossing as your books, Mary Jo. So very glad you decided to take a chance all those years ago!
It certainly brightens up my days and evenings!
Happy Christmas to all the lovely, talented Word Wenches!
So I’ll consider that all the books on my computer that I’ve dabbled with over the years make me a wee bit of a writer. (I’ve even managed to finish a few but then I wasn’t happy enough with them to submit anything) But they’re nowhere as engrossing as your books, Mary Jo. So very glad you decided to take a chance all those years ago!
It certainly brightens up my days and evenings!
Happy Christmas to all the lovely, talented Word Wenches!
So I’ll consider that all the books on my computer that I’ve dabbled with over the years make me a wee bit of a writer. (I’ve even managed to finish a few but then I wasn’t happy enough with them to submit anything) But they’re nowhere as engrossing as your books, Mary Jo. So very glad you decided to take a chance all those years ago!
It certainly brightens up my days and evenings!
Happy Christmas to all the lovely, talented Word Wenches!
As I was growing up, I knew I’d teach — all the family did— but it was a just there thing, not a yearning. I did go into education, but the classroom wasn’t the place where I fit. It was copyediting textbooks that gave me my joyous 30-year career.
What I WANTED (but never spoke of) was to have ad good marriage and raise children. I went about it all wrong. My first marriage produced three wonderful children but my husband left us without support after seven years. So there I was with the new editing job and three children with no support from their father. I think of those years as good years, but were was the marriage I wanted?
Then, as we approached empty nest stage, the children and I went to our first science fiction convention. The guest of honor was Harlan Ellison, who was very stimulating, and we made many new friends. Like many others who attended their first convention that year, we joined the local science fiction club who had hosted that convention. Another new member, whom we had met at the convention, is now my husband. We fell in love after three years, but dithered about marriage for two more years. I’m 17 years older than Bob, and we both wondered if marriage would have bad social impact on the other person. We’ve been married 43 years now, so there’s some hope this “mis-match” will last.
My magic moment was the moment, I said “I’ve changed my mind, let’s get married”, after two years of non-proposals. We still don’t know who proposed, but we know I accepted. The children are very fond of their stepfather. They usually introduce us as “my parents, Sue and Bob McCormick.,” ignoring the step relationship.
So I have raised good children and I have a happy marriage. (And 30 years of a good job).
As I was growing up, I knew I’d teach — all the family did— but it was a just there thing, not a yearning. I did go into education, but the classroom wasn’t the place where I fit. It was copyediting textbooks that gave me my joyous 30-year career.
What I WANTED (but never spoke of) was to have ad good marriage and raise children. I went about it all wrong. My first marriage produced three wonderful children but my husband left us without support after seven years. So there I was with the new editing job and three children with no support from their father. I think of those years as good years, but were was the marriage I wanted?
Then, as we approached empty nest stage, the children and I went to our first science fiction convention. The guest of honor was Harlan Ellison, who was very stimulating, and we made many new friends. Like many others who attended their first convention that year, we joined the local science fiction club who had hosted that convention. Another new member, whom we had met at the convention, is now my husband. We fell in love after three years, but dithered about marriage for two more years. I’m 17 years older than Bob, and we both wondered if marriage would have bad social impact on the other person. We’ve been married 43 years now, so there’s some hope this “mis-match” will last.
My magic moment was the moment, I said “I’ve changed my mind, let’s get married”, after two years of non-proposals. We still don’t know who proposed, but we know I accepted. The children are very fond of their stepfather. They usually introduce us as “my parents, Sue and Bob McCormick.,” ignoring the step relationship.
So I have raised good children and I have a happy marriage. (And 30 years of a good job).
As I was growing up, I knew I’d teach — all the family did— but it was a just there thing, not a yearning. I did go into education, but the classroom wasn’t the place where I fit. It was copyediting textbooks that gave me my joyous 30-year career.
What I WANTED (but never spoke of) was to have ad good marriage and raise children. I went about it all wrong. My first marriage produced three wonderful children but my husband left us without support after seven years. So there I was with the new editing job and three children with no support from their father. I think of those years as good years, but were was the marriage I wanted?
Then, as we approached empty nest stage, the children and I went to our first science fiction convention. The guest of honor was Harlan Ellison, who was very stimulating, and we made many new friends. Like many others who attended their first convention that year, we joined the local science fiction club who had hosted that convention. Another new member, whom we had met at the convention, is now my husband. We fell in love after three years, but dithered about marriage for two more years. I’m 17 years older than Bob, and we both wondered if marriage would have bad social impact on the other person. We’ve been married 43 years now, so there’s some hope this “mis-match” will last.
My magic moment was the moment, I said “I’ve changed my mind, let’s get married”, after two years of non-proposals. We still don’t know who proposed, but we know I accepted. The children are very fond of their stepfather. They usually introduce us as “my parents, Sue and Bob McCormick.,” ignoring the step relationship.
So I have raised good children and I have a happy marriage. (And 30 years of a good job).
As I was growing up, I knew I’d teach — all the family did— but it was a just there thing, not a yearning. I did go into education, but the classroom wasn’t the place where I fit. It was copyediting textbooks that gave me my joyous 30-year career.
What I WANTED (but never spoke of) was to have ad good marriage and raise children. I went about it all wrong. My first marriage produced three wonderful children but my husband left us without support after seven years. So there I was with the new editing job and three children with no support from their father. I think of those years as good years, but were was the marriage I wanted?
Then, as we approached empty nest stage, the children and I went to our first science fiction convention. The guest of honor was Harlan Ellison, who was very stimulating, and we made many new friends. Like many others who attended their first convention that year, we joined the local science fiction club who had hosted that convention. Another new member, whom we had met at the convention, is now my husband. We fell in love after three years, but dithered about marriage for two more years. I’m 17 years older than Bob, and we both wondered if marriage would have bad social impact on the other person. We’ve been married 43 years now, so there’s some hope this “mis-match” will last.
My magic moment was the moment, I said “I’ve changed my mind, let’s get married”, after two years of non-proposals. We still don’t know who proposed, but we know I accepted. The children are very fond of their stepfather. They usually introduce us as “my parents, Sue and Bob McCormick.,” ignoring the step relationship.
So I have raised good children and I have a happy marriage. (And 30 years of a good job).
As I was growing up, I knew I’d teach — all the family did— but it was a just there thing, not a yearning. I did go into education, but the classroom wasn’t the place where I fit. It was copyediting textbooks that gave me my joyous 30-year career.
What I WANTED (but never spoke of) was to have ad good marriage and raise children. I went about it all wrong. My first marriage produced three wonderful children but my husband left us without support after seven years. So there I was with the new editing job and three children with no support from their father. I think of those years as good years, but were was the marriage I wanted?
Then, as we approached empty nest stage, the children and I went to our first science fiction convention. The guest of honor was Harlan Ellison, who was very stimulating, and we made many new friends. Like many others who attended their first convention that year, we joined the local science fiction club who had hosted that convention. Another new member, whom we had met at the convention, is now my husband. We fell in love after three years, but dithered about marriage for two more years. I’m 17 years older than Bob, and we both wondered if marriage would have bad social impact on the other person. We’ve been married 43 years now, so there’s some hope this “mis-match” will last.
My magic moment was the moment, I said “I’ve changed my mind, let’s get married”, after two years of non-proposals. We still don’t know who proposed, but we know I accepted. The children are very fond of their stepfather. They usually introduce us as “my parents, Sue and Bob McCormick.,” ignoring the step relationship.
So I have raised good children and I have a happy marriage. (And 30 years of a good job).
From my earliest years I was always going to be a nurse. When I learned to read I started reading everything I could about nurses and nursing. I studied Latin in High School because many medical terms have Latin roots. I stayed out of trouble with drugs because I didn’t want anything to keep me from my goal. I graduated High School on a Friday night and started summer school in a Nursing program the following Monday. I have been a nuse for 42 years now. Though I’m teaching nursing now rather than working in a hospital, I still love nursing and I’m glad that having a goal kept me from many possible bad outcomes.
From my earliest years I was always going to be a nurse. When I learned to read I started reading everything I could about nurses and nursing. I studied Latin in High School because many medical terms have Latin roots. I stayed out of trouble with drugs because I didn’t want anything to keep me from my goal. I graduated High School on a Friday night and started summer school in a Nursing program the following Monday. I have been a nuse for 42 years now. Though I’m teaching nursing now rather than working in a hospital, I still love nursing and I’m glad that having a goal kept me from many possible bad outcomes.
From my earliest years I was always going to be a nurse. When I learned to read I started reading everything I could about nurses and nursing. I studied Latin in High School because many medical terms have Latin roots. I stayed out of trouble with drugs because I didn’t want anything to keep me from my goal. I graduated High School on a Friday night and started summer school in a Nursing program the following Monday. I have been a nuse for 42 years now. Though I’m teaching nursing now rather than working in a hospital, I still love nursing and I’m glad that having a goal kept me from many possible bad outcomes.
From my earliest years I was always going to be a nurse. When I learned to read I started reading everything I could about nurses and nursing. I studied Latin in High School because many medical terms have Latin roots. I stayed out of trouble with drugs because I didn’t want anything to keep me from my goal. I graduated High School on a Friday night and started summer school in a Nursing program the following Monday. I have been a nuse for 42 years now. Though I’m teaching nursing now rather than working in a hospital, I still love nursing and I’m glad that having a goal kept me from many possible bad outcomes.
From my earliest years I was always going to be a nurse. When I learned to read I started reading everything I could about nurses and nursing. I studied Latin in High School because many medical terms have Latin roots. I stayed out of trouble with drugs because I didn’t want anything to keep me from my goal. I graduated High School on a Friday night and started summer school in a Nursing program the following Monday. I have been a nuse for 42 years now. Though I’m teaching nursing now rather than working in a hospital, I still love nursing and I’m glad that having a goal kept me from many possible bad outcomes.
Karen, you have written books, so you’re a Real Writer. Own it! As I said, one reason I found it easy to send my first work off was because I had no expectations–no pain, no fear!
And a very happy holiday season to you and yours!
Karen, you have written books, so you’re a Real Writer. Own it! As I said, one reason I found it easy to send my first work off was because I had no expectations–no pain, no fear!
And a very happy holiday season to you and yours!
Karen, you have written books, so you’re a Real Writer. Own it! As I said, one reason I found it easy to send my first work off was because I had no expectations–no pain, no fear!
And a very happy holiday season to you and yours!
Karen, you have written books, so you’re a Real Writer. Own it! As I said, one reason I found it easy to send my first work off was because I had no expectations–no pain, no fear!
And a very happy holiday season to you and yours!
Karen, you have written books, so you’re a Real Writer. Own it! As I said, one reason I found it easy to send my first work off was because I had no expectations–no pain, no fear!
And a very happy holiday season to you and yours!
Wonderful stories, Sue! Magic Moments don’t always appear smoothly, but you got yours: a career that you loved, great children, and a great husband. You won the trifecta, and congratulations for all of it!
Wonderful stories, Sue! Magic Moments don’t always appear smoothly, but you got yours: a career that you loved, great children, and a great husband. You won the trifecta, and congratulations for all of it!
Wonderful stories, Sue! Magic Moments don’t always appear smoothly, but you got yours: a career that you loved, great children, and a great husband. You won the trifecta, and congratulations for all of it!
Wonderful stories, Sue! Magic Moments don’t always appear smoothly, but you got yours: a career that you loved, great children, and a great husband. You won the trifecta, and congratulations for all of it!
Wonderful stories, Sue! Magic Moments don’t always appear smoothly, but you got yours: a career that you loved, great children, and a great husband. You won the trifecta, and congratulations for all of it!
Kathy K, your story is a good example of how a passion can shape a whole life for the better. You made good choices, successfully followed your dream, surely helped many, many people over the years, and I’ve heard that there aren’t enough nursing educators these days, so once more you’re where you need to be, helping others. Well done! And I speak as one who has sometimes benefited by the kindness of nurses.
Kathy K, your story is a good example of how a passion can shape a whole life for the better. You made good choices, successfully followed your dream, surely helped many, many people over the years, and I’ve heard that there aren’t enough nursing educators these days, so once more you’re where you need to be, helping others. Well done! And I speak as one who has sometimes benefited by the kindness of nurses.
Kathy K, your story is a good example of how a passion can shape a whole life for the better. You made good choices, successfully followed your dream, surely helped many, many people over the years, and I’ve heard that there aren’t enough nursing educators these days, so once more you’re where you need to be, helping others. Well done! And I speak as one who has sometimes benefited by the kindness of nurses.
Kathy K, your story is a good example of how a passion can shape a whole life for the better. You made good choices, successfully followed your dream, surely helped many, many people over the years, and I’ve heard that there aren’t enough nursing educators these days, so once more you’re where you need to be, helping others. Well done! And I speak as one who has sometimes benefited by the kindness of nurses.
Kathy K, your story is a good example of how a passion can shape a whole life for the better. You made good choices, successfully followed your dream, surely helped many, many people over the years, and I’ve heard that there aren’t enough nursing educators these days, so once more you’re where you need to be, helping others. Well done! And I speak as one who has sometimes benefited by the kindness of nurses.
I think I’ve always known I wanted to be a writer. From the age of 7, I began writing stories, plays, and “made-up people” (characters). I yearned to write stories like the ones I enjoyed, my favorites being Heidi and any Nancy Drew book I could get my hands on.
I knew I was a writer, and when I sold my first book 10 years ago, I felt thrilled that someone else recognize it, too! 😉 But I think I really felt like a “Real Writer” when, after the publication of my 2nd book, someone asked if I was going to write a story about one of my secondary characters. I thought, “Hey, only real writers like Mary Jo Putney get asked that question, so I must be a real writer!” 🙂
Wishing you and all the Wenches a happy, healthy and peaceful holiday season!
I think I’ve always known I wanted to be a writer. From the age of 7, I began writing stories, plays, and “made-up people” (characters). I yearned to write stories like the ones I enjoyed, my favorites being Heidi and any Nancy Drew book I could get my hands on.
I knew I was a writer, and when I sold my first book 10 years ago, I felt thrilled that someone else recognize it, too! 😉 But I think I really felt like a “Real Writer” when, after the publication of my 2nd book, someone asked if I was going to write a story about one of my secondary characters. I thought, “Hey, only real writers like Mary Jo Putney get asked that question, so I must be a real writer!” 🙂
Wishing you and all the Wenches a happy, healthy and peaceful holiday season!
I think I’ve always known I wanted to be a writer. From the age of 7, I began writing stories, plays, and “made-up people” (characters). I yearned to write stories like the ones I enjoyed, my favorites being Heidi and any Nancy Drew book I could get my hands on.
I knew I was a writer, and when I sold my first book 10 years ago, I felt thrilled that someone else recognize it, too! 😉 But I think I really felt like a “Real Writer” when, after the publication of my 2nd book, someone asked if I was going to write a story about one of my secondary characters. I thought, “Hey, only real writers like Mary Jo Putney get asked that question, so I must be a real writer!” 🙂
Wishing you and all the Wenches a happy, healthy and peaceful holiday season!
I think I’ve always known I wanted to be a writer. From the age of 7, I began writing stories, plays, and “made-up people” (characters). I yearned to write stories like the ones I enjoyed, my favorites being Heidi and any Nancy Drew book I could get my hands on.
I knew I was a writer, and when I sold my first book 10 years ago, I felt thrilled that someone else recognize it, too! 😉 But I think I really felt like a “Real Writer” when, after the publication of my 2nd book, someone asked if I was going to write a story about one of my secondary characters. I thought, “Hey, only real writers like Mary Jo Putney get asked that question, so I must be a real writer!” 🙂
Wishing you and all the Wenches a happy, healthy and peaceful holiday season!
I think I’ve always known I wanted to be a writer. From the age of 7, I began writing stories, plays, and “made-up people” (characters). I yearned to write stories like the ones I enjoyed, my favorites being Heidi and any Nancy Drew book I could get my hands on.
I knew I was a writer, and when I sold my first book 10 years ago, I felt thrilled that someone else recognize it, too! 😉 But I think I really felt like a “Real Writer” when, after the publication of my 2nd book, someone asked if I was going to write a story about one of my secondary characters. I thought, “Hey, only real writers like Mary Jo Putney get asked that question, so I must be a real writer!” 🙂
Wishing you and all the Wenches a happy, healthy and peaceful holiday season!
Writing wasn’t ine of my dreams, but being an astronaut was. At least traveling in space. I was born too early!!!! I wanted to be a rebel and I was in my quiet way. I think syfy did this for me. I was the First female to work the grill at a fast food place, taught elementary PE and let the girls play along with the guys (male teachers always separated them), encouraged girls to do their best even if they beat some of the boys (my students were mostly Hispanic and were taught not to show up boys), and some of them did and went on to do fantastic things in HS. My daughters are a bit of a rebel, too. They are doing well in male dominated fields, are leaders, AND are great mothers! I may not travel in space ( over 60), but my grand kids might!!!
Writing wasn’t ine of my dreams, but being an astronaut was. At least traveling in space. I was born too early!!!! I wanted to be a rebel and I was in my quiet way. I think syfy did this for me. I was the First female to work the grill at a fast food place, taught elementary PE and let the girls play along with the guys (male teachers always separated them), encouraged girls to do their best even if they beat some of the boys (my students were mostly Hispanic and were taught not to show up boys), and some of them did and went on to do fantastic things in HS. My daughters are a bit of a rebel, too. They are doing well in male dominated fields, are leaders, AND are great mothers! I may not travel in space ( over 60), but my grand kids might!!!
Writing wasn’t ine of my dreams, but being an astronaut was. At least traveling in space. I was born too early!!!! I wanted to be a rebel and I was in my quiet way. I think syfy did this for me. I was the First female to work the grill at a fast food place, taught elementary PE and let the girls play along with the guys (male teachers always separated them), encouraged girls to do their best even if they beat some of the boys (my students were mostly Hispanic and were taught not to show up boys), and some of them did and went on to do fantastic things in HS. My daughters are a bit of a rebel, too. They are doing well in male dominated fields, are leaders, AND are great mothers! I may not travel in space ( over 60), but my grand kids might!!!
Writing wasn’t ine of my dreams, but being an astronaut was. At least traveling in space. I was born too early!!!! I wanted to be a rebel and I was in my quiet way. I think syfy did this for me. I was the First female to work the grill at a fast food place, taught elementary PE and let the girls play along with the guys (male teachers always separated them), encouraged girls to do their best even if they beat some of the boys (my students were mostly Hispanic and were taught not to show up boys), and some of them did and went on to do fantastic things in HS. My daughters are a bit of a rebel, too. They are doing well in male dominated fields, are leaders, AND are great mothers! I may not travel in space ( over 60), but my grand kids might!!!
Writing wasn’t ine of my dreams, but being an astronaut was. At least traveling in space. I was born too early!!!! I wanted to be a rebel and I was in my quiet way. I think syfy did this for me. I was the First female to work the grill at a fast food place, taught elementary PE and let the girls play along with the guys (male teachers always separated them), encouraged girls to do their best even if they beat some of the boys (my students were mostly Hispanic and were taught not to show up boys), and some of them did and went on to do fantastic things in HS. My daughters are a bit of a rebel, too. They are doing well in male dominated fields, are leaders, AND are great mothers! I may not travel in space ( over 60), but my grand kids might!!!
LOL, Cynthia! You -were- already a writer, but sometimes it’s hard to believe ourselves.
LOL, Cynthia! You -were- already a writer, but sometimes it’s hard to believe ourselves.
LOL, Cynthia! You -were- already a writer, but sometimes it’s hard to believe ourselves.
LOL, Cynthia! You -were- already a writer, but sometimes it’s hard to believe ourselves.
LOL, Cynthia! You -were- already a writer, but sometimes it’s hard to believe ourselves.
Cindy A, a pity it was too early for you to be Katherine Janeway, but clearly you’ve been leading the way in that direction. I’ll bet those girl students have never forgotten what you did for them. You raised and taught a tribe of strong females, and that’s a pretty fine form of magic.
Cindy A, a pity it was too early for you to be Katherine Janeway, but clearly you’ve been leading the way in that direction. I’ll bet those girl students have never forgotten what you did for them. You raised and taught a tribe of strong females, and that’s a pretty fine form of magic.
Cindy A, a pity it was too early for you to be Katherine Janeway, but clearly you’ve been leading the way in that direction. I’ll bet those girl students have never forgotten what you did for them. You raised and taught a tribe of strong females, and that’s a pretty fine form of magic.
Cindy A, a pity it was too early for you to be Katherine Janeway, but clearly you’ve been leading the way in that direction. I’ll bet those girl students have never forgotten what you did for them. You raised and taught a tribe of strong females, and that’s a pretty fine form of magic.
Cindy A, a pity it was too early for you to be Katherine Janeway, but clearly you’ve been leading the way in that direction. I’ll bet those girl students have never forgotten what you did for them. You raised and taught a tribe of strong females, and that’s a pretty fine form of magic.
I’ve always wanted to be a writer but somehow life got in the way. It hasn’t been an easy ride by any means but finally in my fifties things seem to be settling slightly. Maybe I’ll do it yet. I’d like to wish all the Wenches a very happy Christmas. I so enjoy the blog and all the info that comes with it.
(Please don’t include me in the giveaway, my well read copy of this book is sitting on my bookshelf right now).
I’ve always wanted to be a writer but somehow life got in the way. It hasn’t been an easy ride by any means but finally in my fifties things seem to be settling slightly. Maybe I’ll do it yet. I’d like to wish all the Wenches a very happy Christmas. I so enjoy the blog and all the info that comes with it.
(Please don’t include me in the giveaway, my well read copy of this book is sitting on my bookshelf right now).
I’ve always wanted to be a writer but somehow life got in the way. It hasn’t been an easy ride by any means but finally in my fifties things seem to be settling slightly. Maybe I’ll do it yet. I’d like to wish all the Wenches a very happy Christmas. I so enjoy the blog and all the info that comes with it.
(Please don’t include me in the giveaway, my well read copy of this book is sitting on my bookshelf right now).
I’ve always wanted to be a writer but somehow life got in the way. It hasn’t been an easy ride by any means but finally in my fifties things seem to be settling slightly. Maybe I’ll do it yet. I’d like to wish all the Wenches a very happy Christmas. I so enjoy the blog and all the info that comes with it.
(Please don’t include me in the giveaway, my well read copy of this book is sitting on my bookshelf right now).
I’ve always wanted to be a writer but somehow life got in the way. It hasn’t been an easy ride by any means but finally in my fifties things seem to be settling slightly. Maybe I’ll do it yet. I’d like to wish all the Wenches a very happy Christmas. I so enjoy the blog and all the info that comes with it.
(Please don’t include me in the giveaway, my well read copy of this book is sitting on my bookshelf right now).
When I graduated high school, the choices of jobs were teaching, secretary or nursing.
I chose nursing, though my dream was to be a housewife and mother. I got to do that and now have 2 wonderful children, who have given me 4 grandchildren.
But the marriage did not last and I had to work full time as a nurse. I enjoyed it, but it was just a job. Then one day, as I was introducing myself to a new patient, he asked me if I had worked in the criticial care unit a couple of years before. I replied that I had and he said, “I almost died there and you were the one to save my life”. That was my Magic Moment. It was no longer just a job.
Happy holidays to all — the writers and the readers.
When I graduated high school, the choices of jobs were teaching, secretary or nursing.
I chose nursing, though my dream was to be a housewife and mother. I got to do that and now have 2 wonderful children, who have given me 4 grandchildren.
But the marriage did not last and I had to work full time as a nurse. I enjoyed it, but it was just a job. Then one day, as I was introducing myself to a new patient, he asked me if I had worked in the criticial care unit a couple of years before. I replied that I had and he said, “I almost died there and you were the one to save my life”. That was my Magic Moment. It was no longer just a job.
Happy holidays to all — the writers and the readers.
When I graduated high school, the choices of jobs were teaching, secretary or nursing.
I chose nursing, though my dream was to be a housewife and mother. I got to do that and now have 2 wonderful children, who have given me 4 grandchildren.
But the marriage did not last and I had to work full time as a nurse. I enjoyed it, but it was just a job. Then one day, as I was introducing myself to a new patient, he asked me if I had worked in the criticial care unit a couple of years before. I replied that I had and he said, “I almost died there and you were the one to save my life”. That was my Magic Moment. It was no longer just a job.
Happy holidays to all — the writers and the readers.
When I graduated high school, the choices of jobs were teaching, secretary or nursing.
I chose nursing, though my dream was to be a housewife and mother. I got to do that and now have 2 wonderful children, who have given me 4 grandchildren.
But the marriage did not last and I had to work full time as a nurse. I enjoyed it, but it was just a job. Then one day, as I was introducing myself to a new patient, he asked me if I had worked in the criticial care unit a couple of years before. I replied that I had and he said, “I almost died there and you were the one to save my life”. That was my Magic Moment. It was no longer just a job.
Happy holidays to all — the writers and the readers.
When I graduated high school, the choices of jobs were teaching, secretary or nursing.
I chose nursing, though my dream was to be a housewife and mother. I got to do that and now have 2 wonderful children, who have given me 4 grandchildren.
But the marriage did not last and I had to work full time as a nurse. I enjoyed it, but it was just a job. Then one day, as I was introducing myself to a new patient, he asked me if I had worked in the criticial care unit a couple of years before. I replied that I had and he said, “I almost died there and you were the one to save my life”. That was my Magic Moment. It was no longer just a job.
Happy holidays to all — the writers and the readers.
I always wanted to write. I loved words and the wonderful things that could happen when you put them together. But am I a writer? Three books published (and innumerable pieces of journalism), and I’m still not convinced.
I always wanted to write. I loved words and the wonderful things that could happen when you put them together. But am I a writer? Three books published (and innumerable pieces of journalism), and I’m still not convinced.
I always wanted to write. I loved words and the wonderful things that could happen when you put them together. But am I a writer? Three books published (and innumerable pieces of journalism), and I’m still not convinced.
I always wanted to write. I loved words and the wonderful things that could happen when you put them together. But am I a writer? Three books published (and innumerable pieces of journalism), and I’m still not convinced.
I always wanted to write. I loved words and the wonderful things that could happen when you put them together. But am I a writer? Three books published (and innumerable pieces of journalism), and I’m still not convinced.
Teresa, thanks so much for the good wishes. Writing is a talent that can be pursued at any age. when the time is right, so who knows what lies in your future with it? Good luck.
Teresa, thanks so much for the good wishes. Writing is a talent that can be pursued at any age. when the time is right, so who knows what lies in your future with it? Good luck.
Teresa, thanks so much for the good wishes. Writing is a talent that can be pursued at any age. when the time is right, so who knows what lies in your future with it? Good luck.
Teresa, thanks so much for the good wishes. Writing is a talent that can be pursued at any age. when the time is right, so who knows what lies in your future with it? Good luck.
Teresa, thanks so much for the good wishes. Writing is a talent that can be pursued at any age. when the time is right, so who knows what lies in your future with it? Good luck.
Alison Y, that truly WAS a magic moment! I’d sure you’ve saved other lives, but having someone thank you to your face–that’s magic. Happy holidays to you, too!
Alison Y, that truly WAS a magic moment! I’d sure you’ve saved other lives, but having someone thank you to your face–that’s magic. Happy holidays to you, too!
Alison Y, that truly WAS a magic moment! I’d sure you’ve saved other lives, but having someone thank you to your face–that’s magic. Happy holidays to you, too!
Alison Y, that truly WAS a magic moment! I’d sure you’ve saved other lives, but having someone thank you to your face–that’s magic. Happy holidays to you, too!
Alison Y, that truly WAS a magic moment! I’d sure you’ve saved other lives, but having someone thank you to your face–that’s magic. Happy holidays to you, too!
Lillian, I think that insecurity is an essential element of creativity. *G* I’d say you are DEFINITELY a writer, so your gift to yourself this Christmas could be to own what you’ve achieved!
Lillian, I think that insecurity is an essential element of creativity. *G* I’d say you are DEFINITELY a writer, so your gift to yourself this Christmas could be to own what you’ve achieved!
Lillian, I think that insecurity is an essential element of creativity. *G* I’d say you are DEFINITELY a writer, so your gift to yourself this Christmas could be to own what you’ve achieved!
Lillian, I think that insecurity is an essential element of creativity. *G* I’d say you are DEFINITELY a writer, so your gift to yourself this Christmas could be to own what you’ve achieved!
Lillian, I think that insecurity is an essential element of creativity. *G* I’d say you are DEFINITELY a writer, so your gift to yourself this Christmas could be to own what you’ve achieved!
What a gorgeous story, Sue. Thank you for sharing it. A friend of mine’s mother married (for the second time) a man who was 15 years younger than her, and they’ve had a very long and very happy marriage, and have aged together beautifully.
What a gorgeous story, Sue. Thank you for sharing it. A friend of mine’s mother married (for the second time) a man who was 15 years younger than her, and they’ve had a very long and very happy marriage, and have aged together beautifully.
What a gorgeous story, Sue. Thank you for sharing it. A friend of mine’s mother married (for the second time) a man who was 15 years younger than her, and they’ve had a very long and very happy marriage, and have aged together beautifully.
What a gorgeous story, Sue. Thank you for sharing it. A friend of mine’s mother married (for the second time) a man who was 15 years younger than her, and they’ve had a very long and very happy marriage, and have aged together beautifully.
What a gorgeous story, Sue. Thank you for sharing it. A friend of mine’s mother married (for the second time) a man who was 15 years younger than her, and they’ve had a very long and very happy marriage, and have aged together beautifully.
Karen, we are often the worst judge of our own writing. It’s almost impossible to get a real sense of what you’ve written when it’s been in your head a long time and you’ve been over it so many times. You might be surprised.
Karen, we are often the worst judge of our own writing. It’s almost impossible to get a real sense of what you’ve written when it’s been in your head a long time and you’ve been over it so many times. You might be surprised.
Karen, we are often the worst judge of our own writing. It’s almost impossible to get a real sense of what you’ve written when it’s been in your head a long time and you’ve been over it so many times. You might be surprised.
Karen, we are often the worst judge of our own writing. It’s almost impossible to get a real sense of what you’ve written when it’s been in your head a long time and you’ve been over it so many times. You might be surprised.
Karen, we are often the worst judge of our own writing. It’s almost impossible to get a real sense of what you’ve written when it’s been in your head a long time and you’ve been over it so many times. You might be surprised.