The Path That Lies Ahead

I'm somewhat surprised by my decision to pursue writing as a career. I was tempted to say "become a writer", but I don't feel as though that's appropriate since, in my opinion, one does not become a writer on a whim, one is molded into a writer through years of experiences. It's amazing where life takes you when you let it.

Pure, honest writing allows the reader to catch a glimpse of the author in his most vulnerable, naked state. A gateway into a writer's mind and soul is directly through his written work — or at least that's my romantic view.

Which brings me back to my initial surprise. As someone who's used to keeping people at a safe distance — mostly at an emotional level, which I suppose inevitably creates a physical distance too — I am somewhat baffled at this path I've chosen to follow.

Although my fear of revealing myself intimately may seem counter-intuitive for a writer, I feel as though I possess a number of other qualities which may help me, or have led me to pursue writing. Now I'm not going to "toot my own horn", as they say, by listing these "qualities" since boasting has never been a talent of mine. But I feel as though it's important to be aware of one's flaws and talents. That way, choosing a path becomes less daunting.

So I've decided to give 'er the old college try. You know what they say: "the best way to overcome your fear is to face it head on." — or something like that. At the very least, succeed or fail, I know I'll be doing something that I love...while apparently using every cliché in the books while I'm at it.