Stories Plus

Any question about my future pisses me off. More specifically, questions that undermine my choices.

• Do you plan on going back to school?
• Shouldn’t you get a real job?
• Don’t you think you should focus on getting a better job first?

I understand the concern and thought process. I know sometimes people close to me are just trying to make sure I have a good future, but I hate the idea of someone trying to steer me in a specific direction when it deters from the path I’m on.

I’m following my own heart and working on my dreams. I have a plan and I’m sticking to it. If you’ve pay close enough attention or ask how the writing is going, I’ll tell you. I’m currently focusing on gaining a following so when I start to post more creative works, I’ll have an audience. For example, I have about 60 subscribers on this blog, I also have my podcast linked here. I hope that when I finally have enough episodes back logged, I can start posting and a few people here will be interested in listening! I published a children’s book, I’m writing at least two short stories a week on top of maintaining a 40 day streak on this site, and I’m working on setting up my podcast. I may not be earning money yet, but it takes time to get there and I’m happy with my progress so far.

I currently work respite care for a family, meaning I am paid through their insurance to help take care of their special needs kid so they can work and give equal attention to their other child. A few of my close relatives ask if I plan to go back to school to get a degree in child care and make this my full time job. While I’m sure I would be more than qualified to help take care of children full time, I see it as more of a means to an end than a career. It’s great work and I love the family I work with, but my heart and soul have been set on becoming a writer since I was 11. That was almost 13 years ago. If I can maintain and put forth effort on the same dream for over a decade then let me prove myself and get somewhere. I didn’t follow the exact timeline they wanted to see when I flunked out of college, but I was depressed and trying to figure out my life now that the plan had changed. It took time for me to get back on my feet again, but now I’m doing better than ever! I even started doing a bit more self studying to help me improve my craft by going through writing exercises and reading up on self editing. I have considered paying money for writing classes just to help put a little more pressure on myself to improve, but I haven’t had the time yet. I have the discipline to self study, practice, and edit. I have the makings for a good writer, I just need time.