Support

I love that I am surrounded by people who want to lift me up and help me reach my goals. I realize that not everyone will enjoy what I write because I may write in a genre that is not their favorite and, let's face it, I may write some stinkers :-) But Stephenie Meyers is laughing all the way to the bank as Stephen King criticizes her writing. I guess what I mean is, someone will always appreciate what you write. Even if it's only one person and that one person is you.
I have to write for me. It would be nice one day if I get published and have fans, but that may never happen, and I will still love to write.
I feel like I'm drawn toward literature that I want to create: trashy fiction :-) I almost feel like that's not good enough. I should aspire to Jane Austen and Maya Angelou, Emily Dickinson and Langston Hughes, but I just don't find that entertaining a lot of the time. Although I did thoroughly enjoy Pride and Prejudice, even though I had to keep putting it down to grab the dictionary. And I know that if I want to be a great writer I need to read, read, and then read some more. But there is an audience for every type of writing.
I love Charliane Harris right now, along with many other vampire writers. I am drawn to fantasy and I think vampires especially, because the idea of living forever appeals to me; at least at this stage of my life. Perhaps something I'll explore in another blog.
In that category I love Anne Rice, Christopher Pike, and Stephenie Meyer. Vastly different, but all focused on the same subject area.
I also started a book club with some friends this year to expose myself to different types of literature. I don't think I latched on to any of the authors, but I enjoyed reading books I wouldn't have picked otherwise. I especially enjoyed hearing different points of view.
I love JK Rowling and hope she will write more. I enjoy Philippa Gregory and Dan Brown because even though they are fiction writers, it feels very real. I think in my own writing I want to include elements of science and actual locations that will make it seem as if it could be possible, or it could have happened that way.
I also think that going back to school will open me up to more literature, that I wouldn't otherwise enjoy, because I enjoy breaking it down and discussing the meaning it holds for others.
I don't know if I feel comfortable labeling writing good or bad. When I grade my own children's writing I tell them the truth. It may have been boring, they could have added more detail, etc., but that doesn't make it bad. I would say, like anything else, there's always room for writing to improve :-)
And I hope, that with the support of many fabulous friends and family members, my writing will continue to grow.

*Thank you Ryan. Your opinion, for some reason :-), means a lot to me and I appreciate your support. And thank you Mike. I have a feeling you will be a big part of my journey; whether you want to be or not ;-)*