(DUE TO NEW YEAR'S DAY FALLING ON A WEDNESDAY, IWSG WILL POST JANUARY 8 RATHER THAN JANUARY 1.)
January's Question: What started you on your writing journey? Was it a particular book, movie, story, or series? Was it a teacher/coach/spouse/friend/parent? Did you just "know" suddenly you wanted to write?
My Answer: I read a lot as a kid, everything from Judy Blume’s sweet books for kids to Raymond Chandler’s murder mysteries for adults. Chandler’s gritty stories were what spurred my creative energy. As a kid, I pulled out the dusty typewriter and plunked out my first novel (unfinished around twenty pages) . . . a suspenseful murder mystery, of course. Plus, I feel like I’m the most curious person in the world, always wanting to ask: Why? How? When? Where? Who? I crave to know more about everything. Reading provides avenues to learn more through someone else’s experience and retelling. Writing provides a different method to learn more, because I am the one researching topics, exploring and learning, and then retelling it for others to then experience through their reading of the story.
I love that your first novel was a murder mystery! I think my first novel was about a killer dog. I was probably 8.
ReplyDeleteI love the researching part. Some people struggle with research but how else can one put together a story? Have a great New Year!
ReplyDeleteI started as a voracious reader too. I always wanted to tell stories but didn't start writing fiction till just a few years ago. Better late than never!
ReplyDeleteHi, Margo! I enjoyed reading about your early reading and writing. I read adult mystery books too when I was a kid. Wishing you all the best with your writing in 2020!
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