What's your purpose?

Did you always know you wanted to be a writer? Ever think you had a bigger purpose?

Happy Insecure Writer Support Group!

Many of my writer friends started penning stories in grade school. When I was little, I loved playing pretend, but I couldn't sit still long enough to write down my stories. I was also a very organized, outspoken, and bossy child--anyone who knows me is not surprised by this, ha! Not a typical writer's attributes... In addition to those, I have always liked helping people. All those qualities along with life experiences led me to be a teacher, and deep down, I probably always knew that's what I wanted to be. 

Writing came later, and the passion for it took me by surprise. Now I'm blessed to be able to do two things I love.

But I'd like to do more. I often wonder, with so, so many people in the world, how can I make a difference? I want to contribute more, reach more, help more. I hoped writing would give me a way, and I started doing presentations at schools--then the pandemic hit. When we started coming back to life, I felt much smaller. Everything stopped. It was like starting over, but I don't have the gusto I did when I was first starting out. Social media has become tainted. I'm afraid of being judged and shunned. I just don't know what I should do...?

All I can do is keep trying, right? So this is what I've been up to:

• I mentioned last month that I finally started writing again, and submitted a short story and am a part of a Christmas Anthology. so yay!
• And I get encouragement from our weekly Tuesday night writer's chat - you should join us! (See link in the side bar.)
• They also inspire me to look for events--tis the season and all that jazz coming up... so I'm searching. I was recently rejected for the umpteenth time from a big local book event. Not surprised since I'm not traditionally published anymore. I need to get my latest book done! Book events like a new title and are usually free. Vendor events don't care what you're selling, but cost a bunch to get a table--risky if you may not make a profit or at least break even!
• Lastly, I signed up for a local Writer Happy Hour in November. It's hosted by Jane Friedman, someone I've been following for years. She lives nearby and worked for Writers Digest. I'm anxious and excited!

Tell me something good! What keeps you going? What are you up to?

Have a fun and spooky October!

via GIPHY