Writing has always been a source of comfort for me. I can remember when I was in high school back in the 1970s how much pleasure I got from my journalism class, writing and sharing words with other people. But for many years after high school, I stopped writing. It was not until after the untimely death of my mother and son that my husband suggested I start writing to share my feelings about what I was going through after our grief counselor had everyone write "goodbye letters" to our departed love ones.
I took him up on his suggestion and have been writing ever since continuously since 1994. I've written several short stories, as well as a non-fiction book on losing a love one through death and the grief process, numerous poems and essays.
With all of the joy and comfort writing has been to me, the most frustrating part thus far has been getting published. I've entered practically every short story/poem contest that I've known about, placing as a runner up in one, and I have had five personal letters accepted for publication in upcoming anthologies, all of which I am very proud. I've created my web site displaying some of my work, but it is hard to get people directed to my site without being previously published. I've even submitted essays and poems to on line sites that do not offer any type of compensation, just to get my work seen by others, to no avail.
The only part of the writing process that continue to frustrate me is getting my work seen, read by someone who needs to read them. I know in my heart that my written words can be of comfort to many people who have gone through and who are going through what I have gone through, especially with the loss of my mother and son.
In regards to my non-fiction book, I have so many, "thanks, but no thanks," form letters from companies that are suppose to specialize in the type of book I have written, that I have to try and not lose focus on my purpose of writing, and that is to help others.
But for as many that do come through, I tell myself that it's just one person's opinion and I forge ahead, on to the next company, especially when the form letters are of poor quality. "It's their loss," I summate, as it is evident to me that the person who sent this type of letter is not worthy of my written words.
I will not let these naysayers deter me. I will continue to write in spite of them. I'll also remember that if no one else ever gets to see my words, then so be it. I started out as a way of helping me to deal with my grief and it has definitely done that and more. With that, I feel I have already reached my number one fan, me.