Summer goals

                                 ME? A WRITER?

     Hi! My name is Cheryl Gilmore, and I am a writer. Yes, I finally said it. I AM A WRITER. This one statement took me almost thirty three years to say out loud.

     It happened, today. I was watching a YouTube video on writing and the guy said, "If you write, then you are a writer. Simple as that."

     That got me. Yes, I write, and yes I want to be published someday, but am I, really, a writer?

     I don't understand all the grammar rules and exceptions in writing, even though I got A's in my English courses. (I would usually study my butt off for a test, then completely forgot everything when it was over.) But, I do know, I love to write. (Okay, I know I'm repeating that word over and over again, but bear with me!)

      So, I wrote a book about seventeen years ago. Yes, people, seventeen years! I have rewritten it one time, but have started to rewrite it several times. Today, I realized that it is about time to make my dream come true, and finally write the next draft.

      The book is called, "Hooked Forever." It is about a teenage girl who runs away from an abusive home, and gets caught up in the life of a prostitute. This is a topic that I believe needs to be addressed more. I am a born again Christian, so this novel is written in a tasteful way, with no swear words, and as little sexual content as I can put in a book about a prostitute.

      Another thing I wanted to do, was start a writer and reader blog. So, that's what I'm doing right now!

      I have watched a lot of YouTube videos and have read numerous blogs about writing, and I feel I have some things I would like to contribute. So, here I am, sitting in my recliner chair, with my laptop, and a bag of Barbeque chips, trying to decide how to start this all. I don't really know what I'm doing, but since when did that ever stop me?

      One thing I have noticed about what people often say about writing, is that you should "Write what you know." I find that kinda funny, because, I really don't know much! I definitely didn't know about prostitution when I first wrote "Hooked Forever."  I just decided that it was a story that had a message that had to be told, so I did the research. I think, you should write what you are passionate about. It doesn't matter if you don't know much about the topic; It's only important that you "need" to tell that story inside of you. You know, the story that eating you your heart up, and throwing it into the pit of your stomach. (Hey, that was pretty good, huh?) But, seriously, I'm telling you the truth when I say, "Write what you need to write about."

        It also doesn't matter whether you have a special degree in writing. Sure, it helps, but what is important is that you WRITE. My favorite quote is, "Do your best, and let God do the rest!"

       So, that's my first advice. If you want to write, then just do it. That's what I have found out today. I needed to hear it, so I thought there might be some other people who needed to hear it, as well.

        Good luck with your writing, and God bless you in all you do!

                                            Love in Christ,

                                             Cheryl Lynette Gilmore