Writing

Everyone has written a short story for class, or a poem, at least once or twice. I always liked writing, but I never started doing it outside of class until I was in eighth grade. One of my goals for this summer is to rewrite/edit an old story, design a cover, and order a hard copy from a print-on-demand bookshop (because why not?).

For a few years, I wrote mostly fan fiction. I wrote all the time, and I still do, but now, it's my own stuff, which is much more rewarding.

Sometimes I get ideas when I'm sitting at home with nothing to do, on my laptop. But I've gotten ideas at other, less opportune times, too. I've gotten ideas, either for a currently in progress or possible future story in many places and times: during school (once even during a final exam;, at "family gatherings"; in a car, plane, train, and boat; in the waiting room; at work.

I've learned that it's important to always have a way of writing things down, and so this is why I bring a notebook and pen or pencil with me just about everywhere I go. If I can't bring my notebook with me or if I forget it, then I make use of the "Notes" feature on my cellphone. I can't believe how useful it is.

Why do I write? Well, I started writing because I thought it would be fun, but I've continued to write because I enjoy it. It's a release. Sometimes I get ideas- for plots, characters, or even settings- in my head that are begging to be written. Often a song inspires me, or occasionally an album. Once, a friend said something in conversation that I thought was really interesting, and it inspired me to start writing.

I don't know if I'm any good. I mean, looking at what I wrote five years ago, I can tell that I've definitely improved since then, but I still don't know if I'd ever get published. I'm not the type that wants to write Literature, or books that will be read and analyzed in English classes; if anything, I would love to be like the Blink-182 of books- books that are enjoyable and entertaining but have something resembling substance.

I sometimes doubt my fiction writing abilities, but then I remember Twilight and my confidence comes back: if Stephenie Meyer got published, why can't I?