Unchartered Waters....again! Thoughts on starting a blog.

Writing has been an elusive skill for me. In composition class in highscool, I resented being forced to write about topics that held no interest for me. At university, I became a veritable machine, churning out essays every week - and none of them what I would call thrilling in subject matter!

Over past few years I have felt a deeply hidden compulsion to write, but was always unsure about where to begin (me and most other fledgling writers!) One may reply - simply put pen to paper. However, it is not so simple as that. I tried emulating my mother, who has kept a diary for at least three decades, by starting a journal. Each afternoon, she jots down the weather and her activites. But that seemed so mundane and domestic. Would I really care what the weather was like on October 23, 2007? Nevertheless, I made an attempt. It was mundane and domestic!

My cousin (who is a published writer) suggested that the purpose of a journal is not to catalogue the days events, rather is is an opportunity to voice your opinions, thoughts, emotions etc. I have no problem voicing my opinions...but my feelings and emotions...that's another story.

Thus, I have tried and failed many times to maintain a journal. I start with great intentions that get bogged down in excuses.

Then, I had a lightbulb moment (don't you love those?) Last year, I took a course on reading Tarot cards, and my instructor asked me if I was a writer. My immediate response was "I'd love to, but I never know where to start." As we discussed this further, I realised that my reason for stalling is that I have always felt that I had nothing to say, that no one would be interested in my thoughts. This stemmed from my childhood - which is for another post.

Armed with this revelation, I bought books on how to write, and elegant journal, snazzy pens and delved into my writing journey. Which, as usual, hit numerous snags, roadblocks etc. I was too tired to write at night before bed. I couldn't remember anything that happened that day that was worthy of writing about, blah, blah, blah.

So maybe there is more to my reluctance to write than not being interesting? I still don't know what the asnwer is, but here I am, starting again, in a whole new forum. Join me on my new adventures in bloggerland and maybe I find my inner writing muse!