I’m a late bloomer coming into the writing life. Although I’m no kid (far from it), I’m no old fart either. I live in the historic town of Derry, New Hampshire with my high school sweetheart wife and three children. My two daughters and son are all teenagers. Anyone who’s been there knows what that’s like and for those of you not there yet – just wait … heh-heh-heh.
Like almost every writer, I started keeping a journal and writing short stories and plays as a kid. As an adult, I continued to make entries in my journals sporadically, write essays and begin – but never finish – dozens of stories. I love the process, but never felt my work was good enough for anyone else to read (sound familiar) – even when I was told I had talent for it.
Taking a continuing Ed writing course, my teacher was the senior editor of a regional newspaper. She was a brutal editor. She humbled everyone in the class. I learned tons from her. She would hand me back a paper with more red ink on it than black and tell me that it was good. By the end of the class, she suggested I consider a career in writing.
Similar situations played out over the years but I never believed them. No matter what hobbies or interests I pursued I always, always came back to writing. Occasionally, I will go on a writing binge and do nothing but write or read about writing to the point I get sick of it – swearing I’ll never bother with it again. After a little while I feel the pull and begin writing once more.
I participated in my first NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month, in November of 2001. I have yet to make it to the 50K mark, but the sheer act of writing on a daily basis inspired me and gave me the courage to write for publication. In 2005, I contacted the editor of a motorcycle magazine. He liked the idea I presented, and decided to take a chance with me. I submitted the article and it was accepted for publication. I became a published and paid writer. I wrote another article and fillers for some local publications, all of which were published.
I enjoy researching and writing magazine articles. It provides me with great experiences and a welcomed paycheck. In addition to article writing, I want work toward writing personal essays and novel length stories for publication. My intention with the JAWS blog is to see these goals to fruition.
