A question or two about hopes dreams...

[CynanMachae]

So anyway...

I've been thinking. I really love to write, but I'm just not coming up with anything that gets me excited. I mean, I absolutely love historical fiction, and I have several ideas there, but if I've learned one thing from Mr. Lawhead, it's that histroical novels take a LONG time to write and I'm sure are very strenuous. I'm gonna start school hopefully this fall, so I don't wanna just throw myself at a project that will take years to write.

So here's my question. Should I just put off writing for a while and concentrate on other things that I like, or should I go for it and start researching and writing? I really wanna write; it's what I'm passionate about, but I'm just not real excited about any idea I've come up with.

(NOTE: for those of you who have read my Faerie Fire post, this has nothing to do with that.)

I'm still planning on majoring in history, and minoring in creative writing or journalism. Any thoughts?

[Dred]

This is a very difficult question to pose.

My own thoughts would be to pray about it and if you feel God telling you to pursue writing, then do so. From what I've heard, many writers take a long time to get started writing. Until you make that your primary focus, there will always be other things to distract you. This isn't to say that if you choose to do other things in life, you'll never be able to write.

I think that you could dig into doing research and writing and while it might take a longer time to get what you want, you'll be happier for the end result. Rushing things doesn't necessarily give you the best product.

Just my two cents worth.

[dinadan]

I'd say, don't stop writing, even if its just keeping a journal or something every day. If you stop, your distinctive voice atrophies. But, starting school, you're not going to have time to write the great american novel; college is a lot of work--if you're there to learn and not just to have 4 socially sanctioned years of irresponsibility. It sounds to me like you've got a good idea...history coupled with creative writing. I'd just go with that for now, pour my concentration and drive into succeeding in the academic side of it.

And, who knows, if you're doing a major in history, you might find a subject that gets ahold of you and won't let go...

But, like I said, write a little each day. Even if you're just being life reflective or writting bad poetry for no one but yourself (for ever 1 decent poem I come up with, there are at least a dozen in my journal that never see the light of day). Don't stop perfecting your craft, even if you aren't using your natural talent in a "professional" way at the moment.

Plus, I know you've heard this already, but becoming a published author (and, even then, a successful one) out of the blue and making a career of it doesn't happen to too many people. You need something else to pay the bills until you get established as a recognized author. And, while historical researchers aren't in great demand, history majors make great museum curators and librarians (plus, that gives you access to the stuff you want to research for your novel). Just something to consider.

And, anytime you need encouragement about writing, just give me an IM or email. One of the first thing any good writer needs is a support system; art doesn't spring out of a vacuum.

[Jenna]

You would have my support as well as I too am a writer. I agree with Din, focus on school for now, but don't give up writing. Like he said you may come across something in your studies that will catch your interests for writing.

[blixbrunner]

Yeap, THEY do say a couple of thinks about writing...
one is that...
"To be a writer you have to write. No short cuts or ways around it. Just start writing and keep writing."
...the other is...
"Writing isn't normally a young persons game."
Hmmm?
Looks like you have a case for both. Start writing but accept that for the first while you will be doing it to build experance, not to publish (right away). But who knows, these are only generalisations.
All the best to you!