My writer bio and Inner Critic |
“So late again,” said my Inner critic. You know, that little voice in your head who is your mother, father, teacher or any authority figure who rode your a** continually. “Not my fault they started the class early.” I replied silently. “But you did extend your vacation.” “I did check my e-mail and I did check with the teacher.” Feeling smug, I finally had the upper hand on the Critic. So he took another tract. “What do you have to offer to this class? It’s discussion about story writing.” My heart sank a little. He was right. What did I have to offer? This is stupid. I don’t have to defend myself. I am a 47 year old South Carolina woman. There is nothing I can't do and I can do this. This class is about learning to write well. I have been writing stories since I could pick up a pencil and draw storyboards (or comics as I called it then) to illustrate them. I have published three poems and one short story, so technically I am an author. Stories with a twist interest me, no matter the genre. My strengths, I’m told, are realistic characters and emotions. My weaknesses are plot length and grammar. I have several novel ideas floating in my head, but I’m not sure how to start them. And I would like to do some inspirational writing. *Snicker* “Now what?” I asked. I wanted to roll my eyes, but that would be useless. “It takes more than three poems, a short story and a pen name to be an author.” “I suppose so, but Lani is a very nice name and I like being called that. I do have something else that every successful author has.” “What’s that?” “A relentless need to write and to find an audience for those words. I haven’t always had it, but somehow the unread word seems sad to me. And for that Mr. Critic I thank you.” “Me?” “Yes. Without you, I wouldn’t be here in this class or at WDC or sending out my work or writing this piece. So, thank you.” And, finally, the Inner Critic was quiet for the night |