Art Form of Weaving Words

Besides being a mother, what fulfills me? That makes me feel alive as if I am created with a purpose beyond being a wife and mother? Writing is a way to tend to people in the forms of comforting them, easing their minds, taking them out of their stress zones, or merely stimulating their brain as a form of mental exercise, a passion that activates a bottle of energy within me.

I began writing my Sophomore year of high school—the tail end of the year 2000. A girl with strawberry blonde hair helped reveal my journey. She unlocked a part of me I didn't know existed; ever since, I've been writing on and off.

Throughout those last few years of high school, teachers complimented my writing. One teacher didn't understand why I hated writing assignments when I have a way with words. I wasn't one for science or biology classes, but I received good grades on lab reports. Two teachers liked the reports I wrote for their courses to the point of asking to hold onto them to show to future classes.

Many years later, I found out writing runs in my family. Mainly on my Dad's side. My grandmother has a big binder of various writings by family members over the years.

During those years between high school and now, I've sent out poems, stories, and nonfiction to lit journals and a couple of pieces to magazines for children. Before sending a story and nonfiction piece to magazines written for children, I took a by-mail writing course with The Institute of Children's Literature. I've sent more work out than I have had accepted. That is how it is for most writers. The hardest magazines to break into are the Children's Market. However, my poems, Being Her Shadow and A Branch Removed, were published by Feminine Collective—an online journal—in October 2019 and March 2020.

Throughout my writing journey, there have been rollercoaster moments. Many times I have questioned myself as a writer. I'm used to people I know or once knew questioning my passion and skills as a writer, but it leads down a dark path of depression when I question myself. When I say I'm done, I must not be meant to be a writer; I feel like I stepped in quicksand. At the same time, the thought of never putting pen to paper or fingers on the keyboard again increases my desire to write. Weaving words together into tales, poems, and nonfiction stir a fire in my soul.

Supportive of my writing venture is my husband, best friend, and a few family members. Their support lifts my spirits. The compliments and encouragement I have received from my high school teachers and some lit journals help motivate me.

During my years of writing, I've learned some lessons. A writer can always learn ways to improve their craft. It is essential to write, rewrite, and edit regularly. You need to be able to handle and consider constructive criticism; never underestimate its value. Changing locations can help when you feel stuck or require a change.

My writing space bounces between my bedroom, living room, and kitchen. I prefer to write in silence or with classical music coming from my headphones. A setting of solitude improves my productivity.

For nearly five years, I've been attempting to figure out how to utilize Twitter and Instagram. I also have a blog on Wordpress. Instagram and Wordpress are mostly poetry. To me, Social Media resembles a Rubik's Cube. I am not good at solving the puzzle block.

As of now, I aim to gain more reads and followers on Vocal and Medium. I hope to not only build up readership on those pages but to gain supporters who would be interested in buying any books, I plan to publish in the future—whether traditional or self-publish. In the meantime, I am working to turn my passion into a side hustle. When all my kids are in school full time, I intend to get a job outside the house if my writing doesn't show financial progress. The ability to work from home would be a dream come true. I wouldn't have to worry about finding a sitter or taking time off work for doctor appointments or if one of them were to get sick. As of now, I am fortunate that my husband makes enough I don't have work. However, another income to pay off doctor's bills sooner and take yearly vacations would be nice.