Growing Pains: The Germination of a Writer
By Diane Krueger
(Diane Krueger's articles have been magazines in the United States and abroad.)
IN THE BEGINNING . . .
In the beginning, a whole two years ago, I swore I'd never self-publish.
Of course, I also swore to myself I'd never purchase an anthology unless
I was a contest winner, either!
Well folks, I was broke for the first year! I have a shelf mostly full of anthologies I loathe; although to be fair, there are a couple I do like. I also have three poetry books out. - - Naturally, self-published, then subsidized!
To be honest, I was having so much fun I didn't care if I was broke and naked. I'd been meeting wonderfully kind and supportive people and loving every minute of all I was doing. However, I now believe I've thrown all my original ideas out the window and am truly glad!
When I sat down and wrote my first commentary I was not aware that I was doing that either! I was so angry that I needed to vent my energies in a positive manner, so I found myself at my word processor. Even I was surprised by the finished product!. I had written my first article, The Name Has Been Changed to Protect Mr. Innocent. No one was more surprised than me at the outcome of that article. Not only did I find it in print, I was paid for it. The article even won a prize. But, the very best of all was that it led to the birth of my column. Once I realized I could write an article I truly began to have fun doing additional ones. I never once felt pressured, except writing the first few. It took a few days for me to come to terms with the fact the column would write itself, but with time. Once I accepted the fact that each article would come with experience, I laid back and wrote as each experience happened. I couldn't believe how much fun I was having. Then again, I've always risen to a challenge.
The feedback was amazing! People not only noticed it, they read it and had positive comments to write the publisher about. I was thrilled by those who wrote to say they related wonderfully to it, and flattered by those who showed "sour-grapes" and wanted my space. In all honestly, I believed I must be doing something right, or nobody would waste their time writing.
The same feelings of inadequacy faced me when Writer's World Magazine contacted me, asking me to be their poetry editor. I went into mass panic as I felt I was unable to sit in that position any more than I was able to do a book!
I have been extremely fortunate in finding supportive friends and when I phoned them in the midst of having my "nervous breakdown" over this latest potential adventure, they convinced me that I not only could do it, but that it had been exactly what I was working so hard toward. My response was, "I have?" Laughing at me they said that I also needed the job. Feebly I said "I do?" Then, believing those who had belief in me, I went for it. Soon I discovered not only could I do it, but that I loved doing all it involved.
Let's all fly partially by the seat of our pants, go with our gut feelings and have a wonderful time with tremendous people. In the beginning . . . can be just that -- uneducated beliefs that change with knowledge and loving support.
Click on the underlined links below to read the articles
Table of Contents
The Name Has Been
Changed To Protect Mr. Innocent
Discovering I'm A Writer!
Titling Poetry
Contest Acceptances
That Horrid Rejection Letter
Doing What Feels Good
First Exposure To A Poetry Reading Atmosphere
I Really Did It, Folks!
Attention Spouses of Writer's
Poem Most Loved
Is Being Published "Vanity Seeking?"
Good Days vs. Bad Days: The Life of A Poet
The Irritating Sound
You Want To Interview -- Whom?
Short Poetry Has Its Uses, Too!
My First Book!
Oh No, Not A Second One!
Those Scary Interviews
A Dream Come True
My Publisher Wants. - WHAT?
An Editorial Answer
Reasons To Continue Writing
On Writing Related Poetry
Watch Out - Here Come Number Three!
A Writer's "Mate"
Sour Grapes
First Rights vs. Simultaneous Submissions
Expanding Capabilities
PUBLISHER'S PLEASE! Writers' Deserve Consideration, Too
Devastation
Once It's Out of Your Hands
The Power of Ones Pen
Forever Changing - Goals
Hang On To That Copyright!
Are Writer's Lonely and Frustrated People?
Broken Ego's
Do You Have To Feel It?
Authorship: An Ageless Profession
Sometimes You Need A Push
Climb Every Mountain
A Fight To The Finish
You've Got To Live It
The Lost Weekend
The Ups and Downs of Co-Authorship
All the writing included is copyrighted 1995 by Diane Krueger and all rights remain with the author.
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