250 words –
The first time I had something published in college I knew I was a writer. Not the normal reaction of, “Oh, I knew I wanted to be a writer after that.”
The sense that I was a scribe in full bloom was mostly vanity coupled with an imagination that continues to lead me down dark paths and redemptive roads with a twist for my readers.
My confession. “Great Editor in the Sky: Forgive me for I have sinned. I’ve written numerous things with the barest of editing. Yes, it’s true. Even to this day I only edit for spelling and grammar.
I’ve heard of rewriting and more than one draft, but I admit I seldom if ever, do that.”
So there you have it my fellow scribes. How could I seriously write without all the stress expressed by my peers? How could I not spend endless hours refining and polishing my poetry or prose and expect it to be good?
In my defense, I believe in spontaneity. I see a blank screen, or page, as an opportunity to roll around in lush fields of exploration seeking the holy grail of being a popular writer while defying norms.
But I’m too lazy to be a popular writer. It would mean marketing and other things that leave me colder than an Egyptian Maus in a meat locker.
I’m just a lazy old man with an imagination and a love for words. My joy comes in sharing. The fact that a stranger would stop – even for a second – to look at something I’ve written, makes my day. My reward for not having to howl at the moon alone…knowing others are out there.