I've been a writer all my life, in one form or another, but I only started publishing 18 months ago (I'm 64 years old!), after simply waking up one morning and telling mysef that I wanted to (finally!) publish something, and I had to find a way to be less worried about what people might think of it. A lot of people have told me that they want to write something, or they have already written something that they've simply shoved into a drawer and never looked at again, because they don't think it is worth anything. Others tell me that they wouldn't know where to start, in writing a story, a poem, or a journal, even though they really want to.
But I believe that EVERYONE has a story that is worth something. We haven't had as many life experiences for them NOT to count for something significant, have we? And maybe what we write can be of real value to others. I love to read other people's stories and novels, when I get time! I'm currently working on a series so there isn't much time right now for me to read other people's work, but I think a lot of women have incredibly worthwhile stories to tell, and I would like to hear more of them. So if you want to tell a story, whatever it is, even if it is only a memoir or legacy for your family, and not to reach or entertain the greater public, my advice is JUST START! Just make a start, get things out of your head and onto paper or a screen, and let the ideas flow.
Every writer starts as a 'would-be' writer! Nothing begins without a kernel of an idea and a little courage and self-belief. So many women are amazing and nobody gets to know about it! Its a terrible shame, and I would love to see more women like me, who found the courage to say 'even if no-one likes it, I want to do it' (for whatever reason makes sense to YOU) and get those ideas flowing. You will be amazed when you 'find your groove' and writing style, and start to run with it. You absolutely will, and you'll enjoy it a lot. I guarantee that! For me, the escapism into the fictitious little town, with characters that have now become friends that I have created over the past 18 months, is a wonderful outlet for stress and a much-needed escape sometimes from reality (which often really sucks). It literally keeps me sane sometimes! So if you want to write, WRITE, and let yourself experience the joy of it. Don't be afraid of what anyone thinks of it, or you. You are better than you think. I'd put good money on that.💛