“I’ve always been fascinated by books; always loved to read; always knew I wanted to be a writer.”
How many times have you heard that? How many times have you heard this from a writer:
“Most books bored me. I understood how to put language together, but I had nothing to say.”
The latter quote was true of my childhood and young adulthood. I’m only beginning to understand why: I took a long time to grow up. I wasn’t emotionally ready for the books considered suitable for my age. When children say they’re bored by books, it’s often because they’re not ready to read those books; not yet able to understand them.
If I’d been born two weeks later, I’d have been in the year below. Probably, I would have been better at English, at comprehension in other languages and at interacting socially with my peers.
Of course I had nothing to write about. I’ve had nothing to write about for most of my life. Because I didn’t understand myself. I think you have to understand yourself before you can write about anything. Do you agree?
It was only when I had something to write, when I knew that I wanted to tell the world about social anxiety, that I began to realise how enjoyable writing is. And so my desire to publicise a specific topic has grown into a need to express myself in the way I know best, and a wish to inform and give pleasure to others.
When did you know you wanted to write? Or haven’t you discovered that yet?
Miriam Drori, Author 
4 replies on “When did you know you wanted to write?”
i always wanted to tell stories…then about five years ago i had a need to begin writing…i didn’t know what i wanted to write…just that i HAD to…when that little voice talks to me i always listen…so here i am…writing the final re-write of EMMA SHELBY IS NO MORE…writing THE SEXY WARD…about my Mom and i…almost finished MORGAN…the first of a trilogy…and of course my first attempt MY HEART TOLD ME…my Mom’s stories from when i was young…writing is delicious…my invisible friends are wonderful companions…and that’s how i met YOU…lucky no???
Certainly is!
I like to write but I still don’t feel I have anything to say. Does that mean I haven’t grown up yet? Or that I don’t understand myself? I think I’m beginning to.
Jo: I’m sure you’ve grown up! Whether you understand yourself is a question only you can answer.
Here’s an idea for getting started: write about an episode in your life that meant a lot to you. But change it. Change the location, the setting, the characters, some of the plot. And don’t forget the disclaimer: “Any resemblance to real characters….”