So you want to be a writer...

If one were to go to Google and type in the phrase, "So you want to be a writer," there are about 277,000,000 results that pop up.  At the top of that list is a poem by Charles Bukowski that addresses would-be authors.  He tells them to turn around and go do something else.  He advises his readers not to write "unless being still would drive you to madness or suicide or murder, don’t do it." Writers should be driven by passion and zeal. It should physically pain you to not write if you really feel called to be an author.

Well. That's an interesting perspective. I would not say that my soul is withering away when I am unable to write. Maybe there are some other points of view further down the reading list.

Not really. Other articles on this list are not nearly as passionate as Mr Bukowski's poem, but they all say very similar things:

• think long and hard before you decide to become a writer.
• You should live an interesting life before you devote yourself to writing
• There is a lot of competition out there...1,000 new books are published every day
• If you can, do something else

So why become a writer?  I don't think that madness or murder will result from me doing something else.  If I write I will have less time to work with non-profits which directly invest into the good of our community.  My internal critics consistently ask me whether anyone would want to read my works and laugh at the idea that I could make a living in this way.

Again I ask, So why become a writer?  I have come up with three substantial reasons.

• Reason number one:  It is an area that I am good at.  I have the skill mix that enables me to write clearly, connect with the reader on both an intellectual and emotional level, and put in the time and effort to knock out content in a disciplined manner.
• Reason number two:  I enjoy it.  There are a couple of pieces that I really enjoy about writing.  I love wordplay and the clever turn of a phrase.  I love problem solving and writing through solutions for characters to solve in a realistic way.  I also really enjoy writing truth that cuts through all the distraction and chaos of our daily lives in order to shine light on the reality of our lives.
• Reason number three:  I have things to say.  This is the part that I am most tentative to put down, but also what I feel strongest about.  I have received exceptional training in so many arenas:  leadership, the non-profit sector, ministry, Scripture Study, disabilities and developmental delays.  Things that I have a solid foundation in are glaring needs in our society and I am eager to share what I've learned.
• Reason number four:  10 years.  I've got 10 years until my two oldest kids are through college and off on the paths of their lives.  I would rather not spend this next decade too busy and away from home for too many hours to be able to invest in their lives.  This career path could allow me to invest into my kids' lives while we navigate these vital years.

Are these enough to get me through the tragedy and misery that was promised by the internet?  Here's hoping.