The writer in the room………………

As you might remember, this blog started as a way to chronicle my family’s move to India. We have been there, done that, and now I am thinking, “what’s next.”

I have loved writing and don’t want to stop. So I am exploring options. I am taking a writing course in personal essays and another course in blogging essentials. Yikes. My work is being reviewed and critiqued by published, professional writers who actually get paid for their opinions. Yikes times two.

A few authors have sent me their books to review. That’s been fun! Free books and they want to know my opinion – sign me up! Yes, thank you. Those reviews will  be posted soon over at A Reason To Read. The first book I am reviewing is My Ruby Slippers (The Road Back to Kansas) by Tracy Seeley. It’s a memoir – right up my alley.

Occasionally, I remember that I have a writing gig tackling women’s issues in  the NoVa area over at the Examiner. I am sure to be fired soon if I don’t step that up. 😎

By far the most courageous thing I have done is joined a writing group. I have been to two meetings far – one with the fiction group and one with the non-fiction group. I just submitted my first piece of non-fiction and next week it will be reviewed – in person, by other writers, with me sitting right in front of them. Holy pencil, Batman, that sounds a little like being sent to the principal’s office, doesn’t it?

I am usually the only writer in the room – even if it is a self-proclaimed title. It is fascinating to sit with others who are not intimated by white space and welcome the challenge of putting words together in a new way. It is amazing to be surrounded by people who share a passion and are energized by creating stories. I have already learned a lot and am eager (and anxious) to hear their thoughts on my essays.

I don’t know where all of this will lead. But I figured I have to start somewhere. I will let you know what the professionals and professionals-yet-to-be have to say.