Welcome back to another Open Book Blog Hop!
Today’s topic is: Do you think the child you were would be impressed by the person you’ve become?
And remember to pay a visit to my fellow writers to see what they have come up with. You can find their works here!
As a child, I was a massive fan of reading. Books were something I loved and still do to this day. So when I went to school and discovered part of English lessons was to write an extended story, I was over the moon. Sadly my creative writing faded with time as exams and the pursuit of a “career” took over. I followed the line of thinking that writing wasn’t a job option, and I needed something “proper” to do as a career.
Fast forward to now. In April 2021 I self-published my debut novel. I also had a short story published in a collection of short stories. Later on that year my editor gave me an opportunity I could not turn down. I’ve been freelance proofreading for her which aided me in getting a new job using those same skills earlier this year!
As of now, I am working on my second novel, a sequel to Chasing Shadows. I’m also working on a trilogy of short stories that take place in the same world as Chasing Shadows. They’re stand-alone, but with a loose tie-in to the novels. I’m also working on a podcast about writing and creativity. I have a lot of plates spinning, but I love it. And I get to use my proofreading and editing skills daily at work, so I’d say things have turned out pretty well overall. I’d like to think the kid I was would be impressed by where I am now in the perspective of my job and my creative pursuits.
Steven Smith 
It often seems like writing is discouraged in the young, only to force its way to the surface in later life.
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It all depends upon the teachers. there are teachers out there who are in the profession to encourage kids and guide them, not just shove what passes for knowledge down their throats, but those teachers are too rare and stifled by the system.
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Unfortunately in the UK more weight is put on “proper careers” and traditional subjects. Creativity was not seen as a viable route.
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So true!
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This sounds like an excellent outcome for someone with an interest in writing. I’ve looked for work as a proofreader. Sadly, the only one who has ever hired me is myself, and I don’t pay very well.
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So enjoyed to learn of your latter success Steven.Lifes is a funny old thing. I did not begin to write until I retired from a career in nursing.
Now I have ten full length and short story novels.
All found on Amazon.
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It took me a while but I am now moving in the right direction.
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