Did you ever ask yourself what you'd like to be when you grow up? Or, you just let that question slip out of your head? I have been asking myself that question the moment I started schooling when I was four - the time I started doodling and writing my diary. Who taught me to do so? My uber cool mum who encouraged me to write just about anything. Little did I know that it was my practice for the hard years to come. Hear my epistle and be enlightened even a bit.
I'd like to think that I have been writing ever since I was born but I am not. I started writing when I was in high school and got some of my articles published in local medias. It was fun at first because seeing my work read by others and enjoyed by some almost gave me some sort of high. By that, I define 'high' as some sort of a happy feeling associated with a bit of fulfillment. It started as a hobby and soon enough, it became my source of income.
It has been ten years and counting and I am still writing stuff. I was able to write for different companies and got assigned to different places and if I am lucky, assigned to other countries, too. Through my constant travels, I was able to meet different people sharing the same passion. I was able to see things through their perspective and my horizon has widened out because I learned a lot from them and gained some experiences that I would not trade for anything.
But to be honest, even if I love writing so much, I always question myself if there is any sense to it. What am I going to get after writing all these stuff? Where will my writing take me? What am I going to expect in the next few years? Will they buy my work and accept me again if I present myself to write for whatever they wanted me to write? More and more questions have been running inside my head and even if I am cracking my hypothalamus for some answers, I am just left with these questions.
I do not know if other writers also experience this kind of thing. I don't even consider myself a writer but that was what's been written in my work permit and credentials. Everyone can be a writer I supposed, but not everyone can live up to the demands. Others might say that writing is just for fun and is really easy. A lot of things are being considered when writing and it is not at all glamorous. Come to think of it, though. If writing is just so easy, why are there so many writing workshops and tutorials? See, it also requires a lot of effort to come up with a magnificent piece to be read by your readers. On my end, I just assumed that I have a responsibility to make my every piece sensible because I am not just sharing thoughts but sharing stories and realities. Along with it, I am also sharing myself and my convictions, hoping that I am enlightening other souls, too.
Contrary to what other people think, writers are not highly paid but you can earn a living for it. And, in the country where I came from, writers earn meager salaries which is the reason why I have some other moonlighting jobs to boot. It just dawned upon me that writing may not pay me much but it is my passion that fuels me to do more and be thankful that I have been writing through the years.
The truth is, it is not at all money and popularity. In behalf of other writers, I know that they do this for the love of their craft. So, if you want to become a writer, you should have the passion and desire to the craft. That would be the starting point of all. Just start to write and let your thoughts flow naturally without pressuring yourself. Writing is therapeutic, fun and can be addicting. I do encourage you to get started because writing is a fulfilling hobby. It is also a bit of hard work but I assure you that it is a rewarding experience.
For those who are newbies, you might want to try attending some workshops and have your close friends read your articles. Get started and enjoy the ride as you play with your words and thoughts.
Cheers to everyone!
