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Writing has always been like breathing. There is a drive inside me that pushes and pushes the words to flow through my mind. Yet up until recently I’ve kept them mainly to myself. A lot of it is the anxiety that inadvertently comes as a writer, and the rest is purely lack of confidence in my ability to entertain another’s mind.

As a teenager, I recall how excited I was to be published. It was just a poem, but for me it was as if I had walked on clouds. Sadly only I seemed to share the enthusiasm and I was quickly met with negativity. At times I do wonder how different my life would have unfolded if I had found the courage to tell the naysayers to (insert extreme profanity).

Now I’m 31 years old, and after years of dead-end jobs, I finally found my calling. While I strive to write novels that will entertain an audience, the real goal for me is just to write. Perhaps it will be a blog post, or an article under one of my many pen names. One thing I do know is that I will write every single day.

If I can reach just one person with a story or article, than I have accomplished something. I do not expect to be the next hot author, or anything like that. Sure, that would be awesome, but I am realistic in my goals.

I will be myself until I take my final breath. I will write for myself, and at the end of the day I will find peace within my decision to be a writer.

I have written this post today, so that other writers will know that you can find strength in yourself. It doesn’t matter if you are a blogger, a freelancer, or an author. Stay true to yourself and keep faith in your ability. If we gave into the masses, or all the people who told/tell us we will fail, then all we have done is proven them right.

To all my beloved authors, writers, and poets: Keep the dream alive, follow your heart, and just let the words flow.

XOXO

Rae Z. Ryans