Deciding to become a published author, for me, came easy. After being reassured and encouraged by neighbors, friends, and loved ones who read my work all I needed was to become embolden enough to start the journey. My retirement was the catalyst that provided the financial ability and time that led to my decision to finally pull the plug and pursue my dream. Along my way I have found plenty of support and encouragement from family members. I remember telling my sister and mother of my intent, my mother having just suffered her third stroke and paralyzed on her right side at the age of 93, of my intent to become published. On subsequent visits both my sister and my mother
would always ask, ‘how’s your writing going’? ‘Slow I would say.’ At the time I didn’t have a computer so I was doing my writing at the public library. Due to the fear most cities have had of spreading the Covd19 virus I could find only one library that was open to its patrons, and that was in a small suburb of Dallas called Balch Springs. The irony that the only place I could find to write was in a city that sports my wife’s family name was not lost on me. That library was only open 4 and a half hours 5 days a week. After one of my Mothers’ inquiries into my writing progress I explained my dilemma, as well as my writing plans once I obtained a computer of my own. She offered to purchase me a computer. That was an offer I couldn’t refuse. Nothing like having your first investor, even if it is your own mother. But no matter what your financial situation is or level of encouragement, if any, you have received, it doesn’t cost anything to write. If you don’t have a computer to type on most people can find a way to acquire pencil and paper. All of my earlier writings were written the old fashion way. Not that I had much choice since personal computers were a thing of the future. Today our public libraries offer rich resources for research material, and offer computer labs were we can write, research, communicate, and learn. If it were not for public library computer labs I would not be as far along as I am today. After making my decision, the first thing I did was start looking for online writing courses. What I found was a plethora of resources for writers. The first online course I took was The Crafty Writer Creative Writing Course http://creative-writing course.thecraftywriter.com/releasing-your-creativity/. The course is free and is presented by Fiona Veitch Smith who in addition to being a published author is a free lance Journalist, editor and writing teacher. I found the course very easy to follow and it is a wealth of information for
new writers. It was through taking this course that I was inspired to write, “The Bright Blue Ball”.
Also along my journey I am privileged to find K.M. Weiland, a published author and writing teacher who has over 500 podcasts on the subject of writing. Ms. Weilands’ podcasts’ are extremely insightful and encouraging. They can be found on your favorite podcast app or at her website https:// www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com.
Another resource that has grabbed my attention is Joanna Penns’ website https://www.thecreativepenn.com. Joanna is another writing teacher who is an award-nominated New York Times and USA Today best selling author. Ms Penn is a podcaster and has written several books on the subject of writing and has online courses available.
I hope you are enjoying my journey to become a published author. Just know you’re always welcome here. Now, It’s time to write.