How I Was Inspired to Be A Writer
"My dream for the future is to have a family, a beautiful wife, and to be a writer."
By the time I was just 12 years old, I knew exactly what I wanted to be when I grew up.
I was a typical young child involved in many extracurriculars: baseball, basketball, volleyball, Boy Scouts, German Dancing, and band. Reading and English weren't my favorite subjects in school. I was average at it at best.
That all changed in the fourth grade when I discovered the Goosebumps series, which led me down the path to being a book-a-holic. My English teacher had an entire bookshelf full of books that I would periodically check out and read. We also had the opportunity to check out books from the school library.
But what really put me over the edge was the following summer before I entered the fifth grade. We were on our way to Myrtle Beach, SC, in the family van, and my mom had the foresight to borrow our neighbor's copy of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. The movie was coming out in theaters later that year, and my mom offered to read it to us.
So, throughout the next week, that's exactly what she did. She read to us in the car, on the beach, by the pool. I was so invested in the story and the characters and captivated by the words on the page that I would beg my mom to read one more chapter.
After we got home from vacation, I convinced my mom to buy me the second, third, and fourth books in the series.
I devoured them.
This was the first time I had read chapter books as long as these for fun. It was challenging; but I read a chapter at a time every night before bed.
After that, I read nonstop. I convinced my mom to drive me to our local public library and discovered the Redwall series, A Series of Unfortunate Events, A Wrinkle in Time, The Lord of the Rings, and more. I got lost in the stories. I loved the way each author used language to make me feel like I had a connection to these imaginary places and characters I was reading about.
I wanted to do that, too.
In the sixth grade, one of our assignments was to write down what our dream for the future is, and I wrote the following words:
"My dream for the future is to have a family, a beautiful wife, and to be a writer."
And I did everything I could to make it happen.
I wrote short stories. Poetry.
By the 8th grade, I was writing my first novel. In my freshman year in high school, I wrote the sequel. I wrote for the school paper. I read about writing. I listened to podcasts. I took extra writing classes. All of my energy was directed at becoming a better writer. And now, professionally, I write corporate communications and marketing content.
And yet, even after all these years, it doesn't get any easier. Having a unique talent with language is a blessing, but it can also be a curse, especially if you write on a platform like Substack. I am my own worst critic. I am a perfectionist. These days, I edit as I write on the computer (the downside to technology). But once I bat away the negative thoughts and get my piece to a place where I am happy, hitting publish is the most incredible feeling in the world.
So, if you think my identity as a writer is silly, or my words don't resonate, that's okay.
But I hope you at least give me a shot.
Hi, my name is Joe. And I'm a writer. Just like I've always wanted to be and like I've always been.
What are some things that you struggle with as a writer? Let me know in the comments below 👇
About Dad Think
My name is Joe. I’m a dad, husband, writer, and podcaster. If you're new here, welcome! If you are a returning reader, it's great to have you back!
“Dad Think” is my corner of the internet. It's where I give my perspective on technology, society, and culture as a father. From artificial intelligence to social media and digital culture, I break down how the tech shaping our world affects parents, families, and future generations. And sometimes, I write about my funny experiences as a parent of two young kids.
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Thank you so much for reading!
Until next time,
Joe
Thoroughly enjoyable read! The goosebump series were a favorite of mine growing up!