xxxThe following writer has been kind enough
to share her story with us.
xxxIf you would like
to contribute your story and photo to me, email them to:
xxxrob@easywaytowrite.com
xxxThank you.
xxxTina Hunter
I
was a lonely child, often left to hide among the bushes
in front of my elementary school so the bullies wouldn't
find me. I had so many adventures without having to leave
that cramped hiding place. Giant space spiders came and
destroyed the school; I grew wings and learnt how to fly;
I became a spy and never had to come back to school.
My imaginings soon came to me as easy as breathing. I
could day dream on command, much to my teachers'
disappointment. School project after project encouraged
us to use our imaginations constructively – some
encouraged us to write stories. These projects were
the best since by this point I wanted to keep some
sort of record of my mental adventures.
My great-grandmother, Grandma Hunt, was my first fan. I
would sit on the floor in front of her rocking chair and
tell her my stories. She was nearly blind but the
Alzheimer's hadn't taken her mind yet. She could always
ask me the right questions to add a new layer to my
stories. Grandma Hunt encouraged me to write them down so
that one day everyone could hear my stories.
I wrote my first short story in grade six and it was
published by the school. My first novella was written in
grade nine after a supportive kick in the pants by an
English teacher, but it wasn't published.
Then something unfortunate happened. I grew up and
reality kicked in. Like most childhood things, my day
dreams were pushed aside so I could learn real life
skills that would pay the bills, help me get
a career and have a family.
Four years ago I felt lost and confused. I couldn't
figure out what I was supposed to do with my life. While
I searched for a career I wanted to try to write, just as
a hobby though since everyone knew writing wasn't a real
job.
Two years ago the urge to write became an obsession. Six
months ago, it became a career goal. Whatever it was that
sparked the change - buying a house, adopting two dogs
or having the love of my life ask me why I wasn't
writing more if it made me happy – I made other
changes to ensure that my writing will now come first.
I've starting writing 3 novels in the past four years but
I'm only now reaching the point where I will finish one.
Today, I still have a day job - a nine to five office job
where I push paper all day -but I spend as much time as I
can outside the office writing. I have a supportive
family who actually wants me to succeed, and above all
I've come to realize that my calling in life is to tell
people my stories, just like Grandma Hunt said it would
be.
I
was a lonely child, often left to hide among the bushes
in front of my elementary school so the bullies wouldn't
find me. I had so many adventures without having to leave
that cramped hiding place. Giant space spiders came and
destroyed the school; I grew wings and learnt how to fly;
I became a spy and never had to come back to school.