I've been writing for six years. I haven't finished a story yet. Still, I know there are people who believe in me.
You really have no reason to, but you do anyway. I'll never forget the people who have supported me. When I finally do finish a story, when I get published, when writing is my career and not just a hobby, I'll never be able to thank you enough.
And I will be a published author someday. Sure, I have a plan B, but I'll never be satisfied with it. I'll never be content with working at Market Basket. I'll do it, but I'll always hate myself a little.
There's nothing wrong with any jobs. There's nothing wrong with supporting your family with those jobs. You do what makes you happy.
But I'm a writer, dammit!
Writers write.
As I mentioned before, I haven't finished a story. That's okay. There was a time when I would be ashamed to admit that, but I've needed time to grow.
The closest I've come to finishing a project was a story called The Impostors. That was from NaNoWriMo 2007, I think. That was nearly five years ago. I might still write that story someday. I love the concept. If I do write it, I'll start from scratch.
And that's precisely the reason that I'm no longer ashamed that I've never finished a story. The writer I am is miles ahead of the writer I used to be. The gimmicks are gone. The literary devices that I leaned on like crutches are gone. The arrogance is gone. All that's left is a storyteller. A still-young writer who wants to convey his characters' lives with as much emotion and honesty as possible.
The first character who will have his full story told is a man named Zachary Reynolds. It's actually a collaborative project with a brilliant young woman, but telling Zack's story is 100% my responsibility.
I can't remember the last time I was this invigorated with writing. The story is still in its infancy, but I believe in it. I've been writing longhand and it's definitely slowed the process, but there's something to be said for burying yourself in a notebook. It's a gritty story and I just can't get in the right frame of mind while staring at a computer screen.
Thank you again for keeping your faith in me. Thank you for your past and future support. It's been a long time coming, but I think it'll be worth the wait. Don't give up on me yet.
-Shawn
