I am here to confess that it has been quite a while since I wrote anything of value. I would like to blame it on writer’s block, but to qualify for writer’s block, I would actually have to be sitting at my computer trying to write. No, that doesn’t fit. Perhaps it is more of a writer’s hiatus. Cambridge dictionary defines hiatus as “a short pause in which nothing happens or is said, or a space where something is missing.” So, I can’t even claim a hiatus based on “a short pause,” since it has been months since I created something new. I might be able to apply the second description. What has been missing in the space in front of my computer is me. If there were such a group as WA (Writers Anonymous), I should have been attending for the last several months. (“Hi, my name is Ken, and I used to be a writer.”)
So, why am I sitting in front of my computer today? With pride and humility, I have gained some notoriety among friends as a “legitimate author,” so to speak, having self-published three children’s books of which I am very proud. Additionally, I have been asked for writing advice by customers and beginning authors during my travels while selling my books. I have even been asked to review other authors’ efforts and offer suggestions. For example, just this past week, I had the opportunity to review two books by aspiring young authors (ages 6 and 4). Both authors had created books with intriguing plots, imaginative characters, and engaging, active storylines. The authors also did the illustrations, which is much more than I can say for myself. To top it all off, the 4-year-old’s story narrative was written in a secret language only he could interpret. (Can you get any more creative and determined than that as a writer?) In one book, the main character is a very adventurous and courageous gnome who must navigate through various trials, while in the other, a plunderous pirate is seeking to gain a treasure chest of gold.
Like any author would do for another, I pointed out all the amazing details and imaginative story elements they created. Mind you, they accomplished all of this without attending a single writing conference, taking a college course on creative writing, or reading a how-to book on developing characters, plots, settings, etc. They are, at this age, natural writers. If encouraged by all the adults around them, they could develop into wonderful storytellers like all young, emerging authors. Thankfully, their parents are the kind of parents who provide such encouragement. I too hope to review their future works, witness their progress, and offer positive support.
So, here I am writing again—encouraged to fill the chair facing my computer. If those two brothers can fill the pages of their books with their growing imaginations, then this 75-year-old has no legitimate excuses.
It feels good to be writing again.
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