Why Did I Jump?
I started this blog, selfishly, as a motivational tool. I have been writing fiction on and off for years. I must have started the same novel dozens of times or written short stories then overanalyzed them. I have read countless writing books and blog posts. I guess you could say that I've never "jumped off the cliff." I've merely looked over the edge and calculated my chances of survival.
I think I am finally ready to jump and build my wings on the way down. It is my conviction that this blog will help me stay focused on the task at hand. To start my journey, I will be following the advice of, in my opinion and many others, one of the greatest writers I've ever had the privilege of reading, Ray Bradbury.
Ray Bradbury once addressed an audience at the Sixth Annual Writer's Symposium by the Sea, giving them simple but powerful advice for fostering their writing careers.
- Start by writing short stories.
- Write one short story per week.
- Fill your head with ideas and metaphors.
- Read one each nightly: Poem, Short Story, Essay.
That's it. I will be documenting my progress and what I find and feel along the way. My selfish goal is to finally become a published fiction writer. Perhaps I will also have the privilege of gaining a readership on this blog. If I do, I sincerely hope that my journey will help them as well.
While I prepare to take the jump and build my wings, if you have never seen "An Evening with Ray Bradbury," please do yourself the immense favor of watching it right now.
