To Be A Writer

In an ideal world a person could choose what they wanted to do in the world and that would be that.  I don't know a single person in real life who is doing what they really want (and I mean really, really WANT) to be doing.  Reality sucks.  People settle all too frequently.  I'm certainly one of them.

I work in law enforcement.  Never, ever, ever did I plan or aim for working in law enforcement.  It was never on my radar.  When I started college, I wanted to write.  I didn't know what to write about, I just knew I wanted to write.  Being a writer sounded like the perfect career.  I could pursue things that interested me, write about them, and get paid.  And if I could do that and take great photographs to accompany my words, all the better.

Even though life has taken be down quite a few different paths since college, I still think being a writer would suit me just fine.  I like being inside my head during the writing process.  I like trying to arrange words in an order that makes them flow so smoothly you don't even know you're reading.  Not many people can write that well.  I have my moments but I'm far from great.  And there are days where I'm far from good.

The trouble with my wanting to be a writer is not a lack of ideas or inability to write.  I can safely say my biggest hurdle is following through and finishing.  I bet most wannabe writers would say the same thing about themselves.  I know a handful of people who love reading, research, and writing just as much as I do. They dream of a writing career but have real life to deal with too.  They certainly have the ability and desire.  And just like me, it's following through and finishing that is their literary downfall.

If I had all the time in the world, could I finish a writing project??  I think what makes someone a writer more than anything else is self-discipline to consciously approach a blank slate and keep going until satisfied with the final product.

One of the bloggers who I read frequently just quit her day job to become a full-time farmer and writer.  She took a huge leap of faith in order to do what she really wants.  I'm envious.  I'm a coward when it comes to putting myself out on a ledge when real life is involved.