A Hundred Quills
"Words.Words.I play with words, hoping that some combination, even a chance combination will say what I want" -Doris Lessing
#IWSG- January 2020 [My Writing Journey]
Welcome to the first monthly post of the IWSG for the year 2020 and a very Happy New Year!
The awesome co-hosts for the January 8 posting of the IWSG are
T.Powell Coltrin [ http://journalingwoman.blogspot.com/ ]
Victoria Marie Lees [http://victoriamarielees.blogspot.com/ ]
Stephen Tremp [ http://authorstephentremp.blogspot.com/ ]
Renee Scattergood [ https://reneescattergood.com/%E2%80%9Dtarget= ]
J.H. Moncrieff [ https://www.jhmoncrieff.com/ ]
Many thanks to Alex J. Cavanaugh for this wonderful blog hop for writers!
Here is the link to the website. Be sure to visit!
And now for my thoughts this month. I would like to chronicle, in short, my writing journey by opting for this month’s question.
The question for Jan 8 is:
What started you on your writing journey? Was it a particular book, movie, story, or series? Was it a teacher/coach/spouse/friend/parent? Did you just “know” suddenly you wanted to write?
When we set out on a journey, it no longer means just a day or a single moment or a lone pillar of strength. Yes, there are defining situations and people that stand out but for me there have been so many propelling instances. Just that I took a while to recognize them.
I was in class eight, when out of the blue I sent a piece of prose for a magazine for teenagers called “Target”. The piece was rejected but came back with the most encouraging letter by the editor Amena Jayal, who said that she saw great promise in that young teenager of the ‘90s. With academics taking over the reins of my student life, writing was confined majorly to fancy diaries or note pads.
The ‘once upon a time’ poems were pulled out of their reverie during days of literati in college and later in the University. It was a tempest of sorts, a whirlwind of writings. I do not remember another time in my four decades on earth when I wrote more. During this phase I was constantly cheered by family, teachers and friends alike. However, that writing should be my be-all-end-all didn’t really occur to me.
As they say, the lull after the storm happened much too soon. That is when life happened! A complete decade and a little more with no writing at all. I was managing well and yet was always looking for more. There was a part of life that was missing but I didn’t really know what.
It was a chance employment with a children’s newspaper four years ago that set the trajectory once again! I found myself completely amused by my work and evolving continually. I was either enjoying what I was doing or doing what I enjoyed best!
However, we all know that writing isn’t altogether a bed of roses. I faced several rejections in four years, often wondering if I had made the right choice. The biggest dejection came after my story ‘A Hundred Quills’ was not only rejected but was also ripped apart by a portal two years ago. I was unsure and, in a fix, once again. This time my better half took it upon himself to push me further to make writing my ikigai. I wasn’t giving up too soon. Incidentally, it also paved the way for my blog, which is called ‘A Hundred Quills’- a kind of an ode to the story!
And thus, ensued a different plan of action. Learn and unlearn and learn again. To say that I have done enough would be an exaggeration. For there is never enough in writing. To say that I am inching closer to my goal of being a writer, would probably sum up my present state.
There’s a place I am looking forward to be in, a place that will help me to understand myself better and make me feel complete. And that, maybe, is what I hope to achieve by writing.
At times I wonder if I am being read or whether I am good enough, but I don’t mind a bit of self-doubt. It keeps me grounded. Sometimes there are people who identify with my writing. I write for them, I write for myself. Because… we all have thoughts. But those who can express them in words, are certainly blessed.
Thank you for your patient reading! Do share your thoughts in the comments section so that we can connect better. Until next time…
31 Comments on “#IWSG- January 2020 [My Writing Journey]”
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Good point that the self doubt keeps us grounded. Sometimes I’m a bit jealous of people who seem extremely confident in their writing, but I’d rather have some doubt than have a swelled head.
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I think it also helps me to try harder. Thanks for your thoughts.💐💐
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It’s always such a pleasure to hear about a writer getting back to writing later on in life. Congratulations for doing so and for calling your blog A Hundred Quills after that story. Congratulations also on your WEP win. Your story was heartrending.
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That’s a wonderful journey, we never know what will prompt us, even when we think we are stopped, something will happen to show we are still moving.
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Thank you Richard. I agree. There’s always something around the corner.
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I enjoyed reading about your writing journey, Sonia. Thank you for sharing it with us. As you continue on your journey, “May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face.”
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That’s such a beautiful wish Liz. Can’t thank you enough. 💐💐
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My pleasure, Sonia!
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Glad you had a cheerleader in your husband. Keep learning, keep reading, and keep writing.
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Thanks a bunch Alex. For being here and for the great blog hop!
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Constantly learning is the only way not to get stagnant in life!
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Yes Damaynti. Thanks a lot for being here!💐💐
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Inching closer is still closer. Good for you.
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Thank you for being here!💐💐
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For a very long time I thought everyone could compose their thoughts and put them on a page. I was wrong. We are special because that is our super power. 🙂
Anna from elements of emaginette
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Yes Anna. In fact at times I find myself struggling to put my thoughts in words. You know the slip between the cup and the lip! Thanks for being here.
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Happy New Year!
I like the sentence, I don’t mind a little bit of self-doubt. I think if we are all honest with ourselves, we all have a bit of self-doubt. I don’t mind it either. That self-doubt is that bit of uncertainty that keeps the creativity in me growing and expanding, moving me to even taller mountain peaks.
Congratulations on your win in the WEP.
All the best and have a great 2020.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange
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Thank you Pat.
Well yes, I agree. When you are doubt you try harder. And that’s what matters.
Wish you a great year too!💐💐
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Lear and unlearn and learn again … yeah, it can be like that!
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Learn, I meant. We probably shouldn’t do too much leering …
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Hi Patsy. Thanks for being here. I guess that’s the only way we can move forward. Wish you a great 2020!
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Writing is like martial arts. One never perfects their technique, only continues to improve with practice. It really is a lifelong learning process.
Happy New Year! Wishing you all the best in 2020.
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I so agree with you. The more you write, the better you become. Have a great 2020!💐💐
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So true about constantly learning. We’re all evolving as writers every day. All the best to your for 2020 🙂
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Thanks for being here Ellen. Wish you a great writing year!💐💐
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Learning and unlearning – that’s it exactly!!! This journey of becoming a writer is a fascinating one – with so many twists and turns. Hope 2020 is kind to you and yours!
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Thanks Jemi. I agree. It is such an evolving process. Wish you a lovely year!💐💐
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That’s the wonderful thing about being a writer, learning never stops. We’re constantly improving and growing. I love being a writer. I’m glad you do too. Happy IWSG Day.
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Thank you for being here and sharing your thoughts. Wish you a great writing year!💐💐
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The writer’s journey never ends, does it? There’s always more to learn and more to do.
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Yes of course. And you are just co learners on a journey.
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