The Write Time is Now
By P. J. Davis

“I’m going to take a creative writing course,” I told my husband.

“When does it start?” he inquired.  “I know how much you’d like that.”   

At last at age fifty-five I was getting serious about this.  Most of my life I’d dreamed of becoming a published author.  The time never seemed right to pursue my goal.  So I satisfied my yearning by being an avid reader.

However, getting a late start has been my experience.  I got married at forty, adopted a baby at forty-six and gave birth at age forty-eight. Motherhood is very fulfilling for me.   Yet I still had my dream of getting published.

So again I found myself back in school at midlife.  An experience I found exhilarating.  I wanted desperately to learn the craft of writing because I had a true story to tell.  This motivated me to attend my first class that autumn day three years ago.

During the course I was introduced to the basic steps in the writing process, and I learned how to use them.  With the help of a class critique, I worked on my story, readying it for submission.

If I thought writing would be easier than being a stay-at-home mom and homeschooling, I soon found out otherwise.  Anyone who writes knows it’s hard work.    Each requires a commitment of time, perseverance, organization and learning by doing.  I also discovered that writing for publication was different than writing for oneself or one’s family.  I wanted to be a professional writer nonetheless.  So after many rewrites of my story I submitted my manuscript to a magazine and waited eagerly.  I felt I had accomplished something.  I had actually sent my work off.
        
"Thank you for sending your submission.  After careful consideration, we have decided that your material is not suited to our current needs....Thank you for telling us about   your sons.  We wish you and your family all the best," read my first rejection letter.
   
I resubmitted to another publication and the wait this time was even longer.
       
"Thank you for allowing us to read your submission.      Unfortunately, because of space limitations, the interests of our readers, and the large volume of articles offered, we often must return good work."

Sometimes an editor returned my manuscript with a helpful comment.  This was always an encouragement and provided an incentive to persevere.

I joined a writing/critique group for mothers who combine parenting with writing. Here I found new friends with a common goal of becoming more professional.  We read one another’s work and offered helpful criticism and suggestions for improvement. 

Through attending conferences, reading market directories and use of the Internet,  I’m better informed about publishing and marketing my work.    

I learned to carefully study each publication to see what they wanted, and I realized the necessity of carefully following their writer’s guidelines.  I discovered how to submit a brief but detailed query letter to interest an editor in my article.  Today I’m able to get writer’s guidelines from a publication’s web site rather than sending for them by regular mail.

I’ve tried not to take personally each rejection,  but see it as part of the process.  I’m learning through rewriting.   I keep a list of possible markets so when a piece is returned I can submit to another publication.  

Anticipation is always a driving force.  Did I place anywhere in that contest?  I have discovered that not only moms, but writers live in the future.

Eventually, after numerous submissions and receiving many rejections, I found an editor who was thrilled with my story and wanted to publish it. 

"I love your story.  It is perfect for the next volume that I'm working on...  You are a wonderful writer and there will be little editorial revision necessary, if any, on your terrific piece. Congratulations on a great piece of work!"

This was such a boost for me-- not only did she love my story, but she praised my writing.  Since then I've gained more confidence with each acceptance.

Today I realize that more of life’s experiences and the inspiration that my family provides-- they are the source for my parenting articles and essays-- has enabled me to become a better writer. Gaining a family and learning to write at midlife has made this time a very exciting and interesting one. 

I’ve learned that with God help and guidance, it’s never too late to realize a heart’s desire and never too late to learn and grow.

I know my boys and husband enjoy seeing me at the computer.

“My mom writes,” I heard Joshua say to his friend. 

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