The Art of Writing - Kinda

Yes readers, whoever you might be, I know kinda isn't proper English, but it still amazes me that "D'Oh" is now in the Dictionary.

I have always enjoyed writing and I love the beauty of the written word. Some writers just know how to spin a web of beauty with their words. Some examples include J.K. Rowling, Frank McCourt, Emily Bronte and Irwin Shaw.

Some writers overuse - the most blatant example is JRR Tolkien, who could write 4 pages about a bowl of porridge. ~heavy sigh~

I didn't expect to become a professional writer, I thought my life was almost set in stone until a few years ago - when I retired from a life of hellish existence, meaningless drudgery and had the time to sit at home, here at the computer and enjoy myself. I contacted a writer / artist whose work I liked, she put me in touch with a Website she liked and voila! - I was writing again. Not what I wanted to write (comic books, an artform I treasure) but something I enjoy.

Dear Reader, whoever you may be - I write erotica. Or, as some may call it, porn. Smut.

I'm good at it too, which led to my being discovered by many readers on the site, which led to my being discovered by a publisher here in Canada, which led to a rocky start, then increased work and finally, a contract last year.

It's been a bumpy year. I made my way through the creative process, not missing any deadlines so far and have written nearly 300 new stories. It's hard not to repeat myself or become dull, but I succeed, for the most part. Writing, no matter what kind, involves intelligence, creativity and no small amount of sweat. Some may not like what I do, but damn, I'm good at it.

I lost a bit this year - the young lady who was acting as my agent and I had a falling out, but perhaps the adage that all writers must suffer a little has some truth. I ached and will likely always feel the loss, but I soldiered on. My company and I are close to signing another contract. I'd still like to write comics, but seeing my name in print and knowing men and women (I get a lot of female fan mail from the website, which I still write for) enjoy what I do is very gratifying.

I wish I could draw, but I am happy with the fact that as I head towards 50, I am finally doing something that brings me joy.

BrettJ