Tuesday, March 24, 2015

NEVER TO OLD TO FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS by Brenda Whiteside

Is it easier to follow your dreams earlier in life rather than later? I honestly have voiced such an opinion. I've often thought if I had started seriously pursuing a writing career back in my twenties, I'd find success so much easier. There's no denying the truth I'd have more years to hone my craft, to take chances, try different paths.

I'm in the middle of writing a series. I can't get the words down fast enough. Book three is nearly done but I've got two more books percolating in my head and I'm not getting any younger. I spend hours alone, pounding the keys, listening to the characters in my head. There are days I wonder why I'm driven to make up stories. They become real to me. Yet those thoughts of I should've started this years and years ago plague me some times. I wonder if what I'm doing is worth it. I consider quitting and joining friends and family in activities I deprive myself of during long writing hours.

Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined. ~ Henry David Thoreau

Then...a trip...a location that sparks an idea, a character whose story springs into my head. Another series idea forms and my drive to get it on paper and entertain is sharp and needy. What has time got to do with it? Nothing I decide. Dreams know no age.

I hope you follow your dreams all of your life!

Note: Roses and Readers, I'm away from my computer today having a test done (preventative medicine) that we should all have done every ten years beginning at around fifty or sooner if you have any problems. It's the dreaded colonoscopy. I know enough people that should've had it done and didn't with bad consequences, so I'm not going to wimp out over a day of discomfort. I'll check in eventually.



Visit Brenda at www.brendawhiteside.com.
She blogs on the 9th and 24th of every month at http://rosesofprose.blogspot.com
She blogs about prairie life and writing at http://brendawhiteside.blogspot.com/

4 comments:

Margo Hoornstra said...

Brenda. Go you with the necessary procedure. It is a life saver and not as bad as it sounds. Good luck. Ah, yes, dream following. I'm with you on the rest of your post. I have this saying - you will be the same age whether you follow your dreams or not, so why let age be a factor in your decision?

Alicia Dean said...

Great post. I agree. I think we have to set aside 'what ifs' and enjoy the journey we are on now. I set aside my writing for years, raising my kids. My pursuit was rejuvenated when I took a class with Mel Odom in 2001. I said I wished I'd focused on my writing when I was younger. He said 'What would you have written about?' Our life experiences make our writing richer.

Yes, good idea to have that procedure done. I need to do the same. I had one about a year and a half ago. I was told to have another in a year, which would have been October, but I've been putting it off. No longer though. I'll get one scheduled right away. It's miserable, but it's only one day of misery. The procedure itself isn't all that bad.

Jannine Gallant said...

I worry that I'll run out of time before I can write all the books I want to write! The important thing is to enjoy the writing while we're doing it, but to remember to take time out to also enjoy our family and friends. It's a balancing act no matter what our age!

Brenda Whiteside said...

I like that saying, Margo!

Alicia, if you were told to go back so soon, please do it! I'm good for another 10 years. Just do it!

Jannine, I have that same fear but we just have to keep on truckin'.