Random Thoughts About the Evolution of a Writer

[jasonandrew]

I grew up in a blue collar household.

My grandfather was a plumber. My other grandparents were orange farmers. My uncles and aunts were all service men such as navy lifers or mechanics or construction.

I was always the weird one with my head in a book.

It never occurred to them that you could make a living writing. Or working with computers.

In fact, I have an uncle that once told me I'd lose my shirt trying to work with computers.

Writing was something shameful when I could have been out riding a tractor or fishing. I learned to hide it. I've always had one or two friends I'd share with, but in general, it was something I just didn't talk about.

Recently, I played a character in the Camarilla that was a writer and so I wrote reports on a regular basis and then suddenly a lot of my friends realized I wrote. I'm a shy guy by nature so I find it difficult to engage in chatting unless there is a common thing to talk about.

Last weekend at the Rickshaw, I really enjoyed talking with acquaintances and friends about a part of me that never would have discussed before.

Now, I just need to learn to focus as I seem to want to do everything all at once.

Comments

[pink-siamese.livejournal.com]

I didn't grow up in a blue-collar family, but both of my parents did; mom is a retiree with three degrees and dad is a well-known journalist. But both parents grew up in blue-collar families, both were the "weirdos with their faces in books," and the influences are still lingering.

[talithakalago.livejournal.com]

I think it's harder for men to write than women. Although people still have a sexism ideal that pairs being male with being /published/, the writing stage is still seen as 'something women do'. Particularly, in today's culture, something teenage girls do.

[highway-west.livejournal.com]

I think that is likely true. I'll have to think on it.

I think it is also harder for men to find writer groups. I'd kill for a decent one.

[talithakalago.livejournal.com]

I can't find any locally. Though I don't think gender has any effect on that, as all the writer groups I have been in have been 50/50!

(Except the women's writer association-- and that was run by psychopathic bitches.)

[highway-west.livejournal.com]

heh, that's weird to hear.

I think I have had a big case of the grass is always greener.

If you do hear of a group opening up, let me know.

I'm really good about feedback and ideas.

[talithakalago.livejournal.com]

Do you mean online?

[highway-west.livejournal.com]

Yes.

I think a small group could work on-line.

I'm still kind of new with networking. :)

[talithakalago.livejournal.com]

I think zeemverse has a writer's group. Check her out on LJ. She's pretty hardcore in terms of feedback and skillz.

Otherwise, I have nada.

[highway-west.livejournal.com]

Thanks!!!!