Theprose.com and what it means to me

I have always been a writer, story teller, poet. Even as a three-year old I would draw complicated scribbles and tell my mother long fairy stories with twist endings. At least that is what she says now. Perhaps she is the story teller. But nevermind that.

Most children get photos of themselves on Santa’s lap, but my parents were university profs, who hosted visiting writers and poets. So I have pictures on Margaret Atwood’s lap, for example. I like to pretend I got some of my love for writing through osmosis, as if Atwood’s hands could give me some sort of creative advantage. If only!

Alas, despite my love for writing and my talent, I am unfocused and distracted. At a primary school reunion, my friends asked why I was not yet a published author. My answer? “I have too many stories in my head. I cannot focus on one long enough to complete a project.” My sisters think I have ADHD, but again I digress.

I discovered Prose in my attempts to focus on writing, finding something that would encourage me to write a little bit every day. I found it through a simple google search, and was instantly excited about the challenges. The artificial deadlines, pushing me forward, helping me meet my daily goal of writing anything, however bad.

So thank you Prose, and that you fellow writers who have been so welcoming and encouraging. If I ever do manage to complete a novel or publish a poem or short story, it will be not because of my natural creative spirit, or the influence of famous authors, but rather because a simple website with very kind, supportive peers, helped me start writing again slowly and surely.