Take a Step

1. Take That First Step
 
This essay is my first blog post. Step One - Introduce yourself to your audience.  For my readers to get to know me, I thought I would give them a glimpse into how the writing thread has woven through my life.
 
I am a recovering public school educator who lost her writing voice for many years.  I was afraid to write what I thought, for fear of retribution.  As an educator, your opinion had to reflect that of the district. I have old journals stacked throughout my office, filled with frustrations with policies.​​
 
Professionally, I also wrote newsletter and newspaper articles, press releases, curriculum, parent letters, and district reports.  I wrote scripts for my speech team because we did not have the money for royalties. I created original works along with adaptations and parodies.
 
 Secretly, I turned to fiction writing, where I could devise what I wanted and create characters in a whole new world. Writing historical romance stories made me happiest.
 
Four years later, I am in a great place.  I have finished five novels with several in outline form.  I have begun my website and blog, and I work every day to find my voice.
 
I spent a year recovering from neck and throat cancer and mentally was unable to write. I did not have the energy nor the desire.  After taking a year off, I returned in January 2019 with a passion for writing again.  I take steps every day to make my dream of being a published writer come true. 
 
So, today, I encourage you to take a step and start writing.  It can be anything from a journal entry, an essay, a story, a list of goals, or a page of dreams. The most crucial step is to start.  Happy writing.
 
Julie M. Granger
 
P.S.  Miraculously, you found this essay on-line and are reading it.  Then, you will know that I took the second step and clicked on the button, Publish.
One step at a time.