Why I love writing

Do you know how you ruin a child’s life? You look at something they wrote and say, “This is pretty good. You should become a writer.” Please don’t do that, rather let the poor thing stick to realistic goals like becoming an accountant or lawyer. Why do I say so? Because I can testify to it. There are many reasons why I love writing, but it can be a burden as well. (The photo at the top of this post shows what it looks like when I’m working on a story).

The influence of bad friends

I don’t think someone outright said that I should become a writer as a child. I really enjoyed it and tried to do some writing in school, it was there that friends told me that I could be a writer. Geez, that’s what my parents meant when they said that I should choose my friends wisely – just look at what happened.

Daddy issues

I love writing, I always have. I guess it’s because I love stories, and my love thereof I can completely blame on my old man. When we were little, he used to tell us all kinds of stories, especially adventure stories.

It was only when I was an adult that he told me that he had made all of it up on the spot. If I’m honest, most of my uncles on my dad’s side were great storytellers as well. It must have been because on the farm where they grew up, they didn’t have television and I don’t think they cared much for reading, so they made up stories to pass the time.

Writing my heart out

This love of writing started quite early for me. When I was probably four or five years old, I wanted to write a little story, but I had one problem – I couldn’t write yet. I then took an empty jotting book that was laying around the house and started to draw my story. Actually, I did this with two jotting books – it was a sequel. How ridiculously adorable is that?

The main character was in the shape of a heart, but this heart had a face, arms, and legs. There wasn’t really a story-line, it just followed this character’s daily life.

From time to time my mom bugs me and says that I should do something with that story. If I’m honest, I did try to turn it into a story and it is hidden away somewhere on my laptop. Maybe one day I can figure out all the kinks and produce something that people will actually want to read.

Stick to what you know – for now

For now, I think I’ll stick to this blog, I’ve taken to blogging these past couple of years. I like that I can share with the world whatever weird things pop into my mind – although I have tried to structure it somewhat.

Blogging is great because I like words and puns (I love puns – they’re puntastic!). In addition, I also get to be very sarcastic. That’s not to say that’s I’m not sarcastic in real life, but sometimes I have to have ‘tact’ because I like having a job and not being a social outcast. Plus, people get offended so easily – luckily those people are not my friends.

In addition, I get to share my opinion about various topics on this platform. They’re not always informed opinions (although I do try), but hey, the internet thrives on uninformed opinions.

How it all started

The reason why I started this blog in the first place was that my lecturer suggested it for our journalism class in my first year at university. It helps you to practice your craft, gives you a sense of a deadline and gives you an online presence. Plus, if you’re really good at it you can make a living off your blog. I don’t think I’ll make a living off it just yet, my I want to at least make enough so that I can pay the hosting fees to keep it up.

Also, I get to tell stories without making eye-contact, which for me is a great plus point. I hate that I can’t edit real conversations, but such is life, I guess.

Do you know about any cool blogs that I could check out? Let me know in the comments, or contact me directly – details below.

“Writing is show business for shy people” ~ Lee Child.

Meh.     

Michelle

P.S. If you’d like to contact me, feel free to comment below, send an email to thatmichelleperson@gmail.com, or follow me on Twitter @M_ClutterBox.