IWSG: If I could . . .

If I could sleep sitting up on the overnight train to Abu Simbel along the Nile River in Egypt, would I? Or climb beneath a pyramid, tons of stone above me? Or sail around the Horn, walk the same path with penguins skirting the sandy rocks, or stand in awe before Van Gogh's self portrait in Paris, tour groups passing at breakneck speed around me?

Yes, I have done these things and more. I have not been afraid. I felt privileged to see the world with my true love beside me. Would I choose such travel over that house in the suburbs? Yes. Journal in hand, I have written my way all through my life. 

You might ask what began your writing life. I can answer quite simply. In high school, so many decades ago, reading books and writing were an escape. I grew up in a family of alcoholics, frequent moves in and out of foster homes, and nightmarish incidents (the night one of my stepfathers took down the front door with an axe being one). I left at seventeen and never looked back. Worked my way through college. Became a writing teacher, and on retiring, Allen said, "It's time for you to write those stories, truly." For the last twenty years, I've written 11 books and hundreds of poems as an indie writer. The shoe fits.

Along the way, I've come to understand that every decade has its own challenge. Now 81, I realize this decade may well try to break me, but I refuse to bend. We learned this week my dear husband of 50 years has Parkinson's. I fear his loss more than anything else. My job now is to be strong, positive, and take care of him, as he has taken care of what matters most to me -- that inner life that sees and seeks beauty in all things. Even cooking.

So this post is my roundabout way of answering this month's question for the Insecure Writers' Study Group. Some common fears writers share are rejection, failure, success, and lack of talent or ability. What are your greatest fears as a writer? How do you manage them? 

My response and hope is that you follow YOUR dreams, honor your own creative spirit, and persevere! For each day is precious, as are you and your gifts.

Spring at Manito Park

Here's a little about the Insecure Writer's Support Group! The first Wednesday of each month is officially IWSG Day. Some 90 writers talk about their progress on their blogs, offer tips, or answer the question of the month. Everyone tries to visit about 10-20 other writers to show our support. And, each month, several writers volunteer to be co-hosts. This month, the generous co-hosts are:  Feather Stone, Janet Alcorn, Rebecca Douglass, Jemima Pett, and Pat Garcia!

Why not consider participating? For spring is truly on its way. May you celebrate each day and find many words for your stories.