I've truly been blessed to meet, get to know, and even become friends with hundreds
—possibly thousands— of writers over the
last three decades.
Many of those contacts
have come through the Oklahoma Writers' Federation Inc., SoonerCon, Yard Dog Press, and a score of other
writing groups, writing conferences, and Sci-Fi conventions I've attended.
Once upon a time, I was
envious of how much more talent some of those writers possessed. I felt
insignificant. I was a tiny drop of water in a giant sea. I was always
struggling to keep my head above water, and always sinking farther and farther
below more talented and more successful authors.
When I retired from the
theatre, nearly 35 years ago, I retired at a time when I was completely
confident in my talent and abilities as an actor. I retired at a time when I was
at my peak and knew I could have been a professional actor if I had pursued
that career.
Because of that
confidence, I had the ability to walk away from the theatre to have
babies—babies and theatre don't go together very well—without any regrets or
resentments.
I might have been a little
cocky at the time. But, I felt I had fully proven myself. I was confident and
content enough in my own abilities, I didn't feel like I was being denied anything.
Now that the kids are
grown, I've dabbled in acting a bit. I've performed in a few plays, written a
few plays, been a background extra in a few movies, written a few short films, and
been a consultant on a few full length movie scripts.
I have not pursued a full
time, professional acting career, because it's harder work than most people
realize.
The hours are long and
exhausting—even for a background extra.
These days, I'm too old,
fat, and lazy to work that hard.
I'm content with being an
extra in a movie a couple of times a year, and being involved with the NamronPlayers Theatre occasionally.
For now, I'm more focused
on writing.
I think I've improved over
the years. I'm not as envious of other writers who are more talented and
successful. After all, I am not in competition with anyone except myself; even
when I am in a writing competition with other writers.
I no longer feel the need
to be as good, or better than other writers. I am content to be a better writer
today than yesterday. My goal is to be even better tomorrow.
Improvement comes with
practice. Practice may not really make perfect, but it most definitely makes
better.
So, I practice.
I practice. I study. I
watch my peers and learn from them.
I may not be as productive
or poetic as some writers. I may not be able to wield imagery and symbolism
like a Knight of the writing realm. But, I'm getting better at all those
things.
I no longer feel like I am
sinking or drowning.
I am not floating around
out there on a vast sea all alone.
I am surrounded by
talented authors, supportive friends, and amazing mentors. We lift one another
up above the waves, and hold one another's heads out of the water.
We are not in competition
with one another. We are all in the same boat. We are all doing the best we can
and striving to get better at what we are doing.
There is strength in
numbers.
There truly is enough room
for all of us in the same pond.
If you are looking for a place to swim with other writers, join OKLAHOMA WRITERS' FEDERATION INC.
You do not need to live in Oklahoma.
Jump in with both feet. The water is fine.
OWFI affiliates meeting Sat. Oct 1, 2022
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