Frustrated Writer

I am a wannabe writer. This is one of the reasons why I blog. I know, I still need to improve my writing skills in many ways. I am really working hard on it. In recent time, I asked someone I knew to proofread my blog, after he went through it he told me sarcastically - “why not blog in your own native tongue.” Ouch, it hurts.  I know his comment was not meant to insult but simply wants to save me from a big disappointment in the end. As we oftentimes read or heard that to become a great writer, you should start reading and writing at a tender age. A middle age person like me, who barely started to embark on a journey of writing, maybe is wasting time on a futile endeavor. I really hope not!

Margaret Mead once said, “Learning to write takes time and effort, but it can be done”.

This quotation has been my inspiration. It gives me new optimism to pursue my goal. I can be a very persistent person, when I really want to achieve something, I strive harder. That’s my good quality, I guess. To achieve my goal, I realized that I need to start reading… I mean really reading a lot! Though I encountered a lot of bickering in the blogosphere about this issue, I still believe that reading is a key to a good writing.

It helps you find your own voice and besides it helps increase your general knowledge. When I became a wife and mother, I put the fun of reading on the back burner. My family became my priority, now that my son is grown-up and my husband now retired. I have plenty of free time, so I am doing a lot of catching up in terms of reading and building up my vocabulary anew.

               

Read, read, read… Just like a carpenter who works as an apprentice and studies the master. Read! - William Faulkner

If you do not have time to read, you do not have time to write. - Stephen King

Blogging opens a new door for us who are frustrated writers. It is a learning ground, where we can practice and grow as hopeful writers. Our blogs can be an inspiration especially if we see signs of progress in our writing efforts. I was stunned when I wrote the first post of my blog. I realized that I did not know how to write anymore. I was struggling to come up with few sentences.

 However, with persistence, I was able to scribble two short paragraphs and that became an introduction to my blog, "Homebody Mom". I consider it as a small step towards success.  

So what are you waiting for wannabe writers? Start blogging now!

Pangs of Envy

I've been noticing that I am slacking off in updating my blog again. So I got up early today with an intention of writing an article for my blog. But I got distracted along the way and  ended up doing my old routine, reading and admiring other people’s blogs.  

While surfing the web, I came across of some interesting and well-written blogs. I was amazed how people can come up with such fascinating topics every day. Some bloggers are undeniably talented writers. When I say this I mean individuals who started writing for fun or a hobby but then their talent shines through their writing. I am envious on their creativity in expressing emotions and ideas through words and their ability to make connections with the readers.  I admire their ability to create a compelling piece of writing that indulges a reader’s mind to ponder deeply into what they are reading and making them want to come back for more.


 I wish I could write even half as well. For the moment, I was suffering the pangs of envy. Questioning the higher power again, the why only them and not me? Why some people have been bestowed with talents and some are not.  I know I should not question God for He has reasons. But the human mind can’t help but wonder why, especially when the disparity is so obvious. I remember when I was young, there was a rich girl in our class that was the envy among the girls. She had a pretty face, danced so gracefully and sings like an angel.  At that time, I wish I was her.

In recent times, I came to terms that God had given me at least one talent and I was partly convinced that it could be in writing. So I started a blog, but I realized quickly I was not born a writer either.  I felt disheartened but then my inner voice was telling me, “Snap out of it, if you want to succeed work harder”. That means I have to read more and write more consistently to improve.  Envy is normal as long as we won’t allow it to eat us up but use it to motivate ourselves to be better. 


Mary Kay Ash once said “don't limit yourself. Many people limit themselves to what they think they can do. You can go as far as your mind lets you. What you believe, you can achieve”. Wow, such powerful words…  She gave me hope!

It’s good though that I have a strong determination. I know how to persevere and don’t give up easily when it comes to reaching my goals. That’s my God-given gift!