So, you wish to be…

In January, I started a 12-month writing journey with FlourishWriters Academy. Somewhere, in the middle of 2020’s weirdness, I actually found my desire to write again. Technically, I never stopped wanting to write, but some years ago I just sort of stopped writing. I continued to journal. But my blog was not feeling the love, and any other writing projects have since been on the proverbial shelf collecting dust.

It’s always made me happy to share my thoughts and experiences with others through writing.  I’ll never forget the first time I saw my writing in print. It was a letter to the editor published in a national magazine. I pulled the month’s issue from the mail, flipped the pages, and there it was. My letter was the first one in the section. I raced up the stairs to my second-floor apartment like a rabid dog was chasing me. I had to get inside, sit down and read my words. 

“These are my words, IN PRINT,” I thought. My mind raced as I imagined the number of people across the country that may take time to read my thoughts on that page. Now it was just a letter to the editor. But it was in print, with my name next to it, and with barely a noticeable edit to be found. I was so thrilled. That’s the first time the dream of becoming a published author began to dance around in my heart. 

Since then, I’ve published a few magazine articles. My words have graced the inside of a couple of CD jackets, too. I made a buck or two, here and there, but most of it was volunteer work. Although a check wasn’t always attached, a dream certainly was. 

When the opportunity to join the FlourishWriters Academy came about I hesitated a sec. First of all, there was money involved. I’m usually pretty slow to pull the trigger when it’ll cost me money. And let’s keep it real – given my recent track record, I wasn’t sure I’d actually do the work to provide me the best return on my monetary investment. But I decided to take a chance on me for 2021. I’m happy to say so far so good. 

I put my writing goals for this year into three categories. They are:

• Writing Character: The goal here is to build my writing character through discipline. Writing discipline for me is defined through four action items: Pray, Engage, Write and Study. In addition to regular prayer, I also specifically pray for my writing. I engage regularly in the online writing communities I’m a part of. I write – not just in my journal, but in other places where people may actually read a word or two (like here, for starters). And I study the craft of writing. This year, folks, in the P.E.W.S. is where I hope to become a better writer. 
• Writing Confidence: the Greek Philosopher Epictetus once said, “If you wish to be a writer, write.” Not rocket science, right? To build confidence in my writing personality and voice, I need to, well, WRITE. And write. And write some more.
• Writing Results: A book. A Bible Study. A devotional. A journal. These may not happen this year, but ultimately this item #3 is some of the fruit I hope to see from the seeds in #1 and #2. These, my friends, are the dreams. 

So, what do you wish to be? Any new or old goals or dreams you’re resurrecting this year? I’d love to hear about them in the comments.