Introductions: Who Am I?

First, and foremost, I am a human who loves reading, writing, and all things literary! I emphasize human here because just like everyone else, I am prone to making mistakes, irritating the daylights out of my husband, and sometimes letting my emotions run right over logic. This also means, though, that I learn every day, I work extra hard to be compassionate and loving to those around me, and I genuinely care about other people.

I grew up in Indiana, and have spent most of my life here. I have always loved reading and writing, and had an amazing support network growing up. I entered college as a Creative Writing major, and had lofty dreams of moving to New York City and working in a big publishing house someday – surely to be a successful author.

My first semester I took a Creative Writing class with upperclassmen (I was the only freshman), and was very confident about it – too confident it seems. The comment I got back from my professor on our biggest project was “Not Impressed.” I was crushed. This was my first interaction with a “real” and successful writer, and he didn’t like my work!

The next year I changed universities (due to other circumstances) and the first thing I did was change my major from Creative Writing to Literature. I remember the exact moment I decided I loved literature enough to study it throughout my degree, and in that same moment, I let go of my dream to be a successful creative writer. After all, that successful professor didn’t think my writing was that good, why should I?

I went on to get a Bachelor of Arts in English, with a Literature concentration, and Master of Arts in English, during which time I also focused largely on Literature. I met many amazing people who were doing Master’s degrees in Creative Writing, and they were very encouraging as I thought about dipping my toes back into the creative world. I did not get up the courage to take a creative writing class in graduate school, though I did begin work on a short story that I never let anyone read.

During graduate school, I also began teaching my own composition classes. Every instructor has their unique core values for what’s most important to them in their classroom. Mine are creating and maintaining student writing confidence, and honing student decision-making. These are two basic things any student needs to succeed at college and in the workplace. 

I am constantly promoting self-awareness and working to maximize the strengths my students bring to their writing. There are no “silly” questions, and no one is born the perfect writer.

Writing is hard work and takes practice!

My teaching values stem largely from the fact that I let someone discourage me from doing something I love and something that allows me to express myself. I don’t blame the professor for making that comment - although I did for years - because ultimately it was my choice to let those words control what I thought about my own writing.

On the other hand, as a writing instructor, I am not as shocked by the comment. I realize now that it was probably just a flippant off the cuff remark that wasn’t really meant to be personal. I would never dream of saying something like that to a student, but not all teaching values are the same. There are many of my colleagues who more highly value the brutally honest truth and lay it out there without sugarcoating.

18 year old me didn’t realize that writers spend a lot of time getting rejected and changing things they spent a lot of time and heart creating. 18 year old me also didn’t know that multiple drafts are beneficial, and most times necessary. But, as I’ve learned and grown, I’ve gained my writing confidence back. It’s been a slow journey, and one that I’m still working on. 

I recently began writing my first novel, although it’s definitely not my first manuscript. I have just over 50 pages, and so far, my reader who I’ve trusted to give me the brutally honest truth (and trust to do so) has loved it. I am excited to reignite my creative writing dreams. Even though I no longer dream of going to New York and working in a big publishing house, I still dream of seeing my name on a published book someday.

Seven years later, I am confident that I can make this dream come true. I let someone else’s words hold me back, but enough is enough! I am excited to share my progress, stumbles, and successes with you, and hope you enjoy diving in with me. 

I would love to hear and read about your ongoing projects, and give you some positive affirmation that you can do it!

Sometimes all it takes is one person to believe in you for your fire to be reignited, and I would love to be that person.