Things always begin this way between me and my twin, Nicole Austin. Not that we are really “twins”, mind you; however, we tend to be so similar in many way, we decided we must be twins who were separated at birth. Doesn’t matter that I’m several years older… VBG
Where was I? Oh yes, things. In this case, the “thing” is blogging. One night Nic emails me and says I need to set a date to blog over at Samhain. I tell her I don’t have anything to blog about. She tells me she’ll help me think of something. And she did. Of course, each topic she came up with, I said “but I don’t know anything about that, how am I suppose to blog on it?” Have I mentioned all of the topics were about writing?
Now I’m down to the wire and I need to get this blog created and loaded and do whatever it is that needs to be done, which I have no idea about. It occurs to me that this is exactly how our co-authored book came to be published here at Samhain. Nicole said, “You should write a book.” I said, “I can’t write.”
She and I went back and forth and back and forth for weeks. Yes, you can. No, I can’t. Can. Can’t. Then one night we were having a grand time creating scenes for the playgrounders (our Yahoo group) when she threw down a gauntlet. In public no less. She says, “I dare you to write a book with me.” The playgrounders, of course, picked up the chorus and egged us on until I finally relented. Of course, I thought to myself (smugly I might add), they will all see I cannot write a book and nothing will come of it. It took about six months, but Mimosa Night was contracted by Samhain. I’ve always thought Universe has a sense of humor…
I’ve been many things in my life, and since I’ll be a collectible in a couple of months, I can say that with utmost honesty. I have a BA in astrological counseling, an MA in theology. My first job after high school was in a psychiatric facility where I learned to love people with all their myriad personalities.
I’ve been an artisan-crafter and a website designer. I can ride a horse, hike a mountain trail, and I’ve even built a house. I’ve been married and divorced, and raised a beautiful and talented child—the part of my life I am most proud of, by the by. I was raised in Southern California among the rattlesnakes and lived 14 years in Alaska with the grizzly bears and moose, and now reside in a city larger than I ever imagined.
It took me 35 years to come up with an answer to the question of what I wanted to be when I grew up: I want to be what I am when I’m being it. Am I a writer? My friend, Charli Teglia says if you’ve had a book published, then you are a writer. So, today I am a writer. Who knows what I’ll be tomorrow?
Do children still do that little rhyme when jumping rope about what will they be when they grow up? Doctor, lawyer, Indian chief? Hmmm, do children still jump rope? lol I wanted to be Hercules. To my dismay I learned that wasn’t possible and I’m still disappointed. How about you? What did you dream of when you were growing up? Are you still working on getting there? Did you get there and change your mind, or perhaps discover the dream was better than the reality? I’m looking forward to all of you readers coming out!
I’m going to be out of town when you are reading this blog. When I come back I plan to read each reply and because I feel so badly about being gone during my very first blog experience, I’m holding a contest. For each person who tells me a bit about themselves here, I’ll enter their name in a drawing for a $10 Samhain gift certificate. The drawing will be held on March 29, 2007, so reply, reply, reply!
Ooh, I’m first. How do you like that?
This was a wonderful blog and I can relate to it completely. I also work with a fabulous co-writer and our first book debuts in the Fall. I thought we were doing a writing exercise, but my partner Sasha had a chance to pitch the story we were “practicing” with and the next thing I knew we were a team trying to come up with a pen name.
And I relate to you on the blogging. I read blogs where people’s voices come through so brilliantly and think why can’t I do that? When it comes to the stories I write, I get into voice, but when it comes to doing this diary thing called blogging, I’m stumped. What do I write about and why would anyone want to read it?
As for my dream growing up, I wanted to be everything: a doctor, a lawyer, even Quincy for a while until I read what medical examiners really did, but I think I always had a secret desire to be a writer. I loved to read and writers seemed to be these magical people who could dream up these wonderful characters and plots that took me away from it all. How cool a job was that? It took me a long time to make it here, but I feel like I’m on top of the world.
writing as Gabriella Hewitt
I wanted to be a cowboy. A difficult task for a small girl living in the UK. But it would explain why I cannot resist a book with a cute cowboy in a stetson on the front cover.
I always made up stories and wrote right from when I was little and my english teacher when I was in high school kept one of my exercise books as he said he knew I’d be published one day.
So, Mr Cox, if you ever read this you were right.
I wanted to be a vetrenarian. Right up until I found out they have to do nasty things like operate on the animals. I’d thought it was all about the check-ups, a time when I got to play with them all. LOL!
Great blog, sis! I knew you could do it.
I wanted to be a nurse but thought I was too weak in science. I majored in education instead. I think it’d be great to write a book with someone. In college my roommate Claudia and I decided to write one together about our adventures, but we didn’t get very far. I wrote a few chapters and Claudia didn’t write any. What a shame – I just know it would have been a great book. LOL
Interesting post!
My GF who has been a published writer for over 2 yrs has asked me to sit and write a book with her. I have a awesome memory when it comes to remembering every book I read. I also do reviews but I told her writing is scary. To watch what she as gone through to finally get her books published.
TK and Nic You two are what we call soul sisters not of blood but of soul and spirit.
PS. Awesome Blog;) Cheers!
Hey Teri, love the blog subect and LOL on being a collectible soon.What did I want to be? Hmm, first I wanted to be Tarzan,while I never made it to the jungle I did manage to climb and try to swing in the trees,I won’t mention the broken bones it caused <G> I wanted to be a Vet,until like Nic, I realized I couldn’t just play with the animals. Next up was a cowboy, which I managed to do to a point,grew up in Colorado mtns. had a horse went on round ups,watched(notice I said “watched”) brandings etc. Then it was an artist, I’m currently still trying that one. Although you know, being Tarzan’s Jane so pretty dang good…….
I think you did great for your first blog. I too worry that I’m not interesting enough. Why would anybody be interested in what I have to day? But then that’s all part of this business.
Can’t say about the children’s game, but I do know my daughter (she’s 3) does do a chant about stealing cookies out of a cookie jar. It’s cute so we play along.
Love the thoughts on what you want to be. I think your idea fits perfectly. What did I want to be when I grew up? I wanted to be a jockey, but I’m too tall and too heavy for that. So now what do I want to be? Some days I’m a writer, other’s I feel like a maid. Some days I’m a lazy bum and others I’m supermom. As popeye once said, I am what I am.
Hi Teri,You did great for a first blog i thought. When i went to college i wanted to be a english major,maybe a writer. I did write for high school paper for 2 yrs.In yearbooks to a close friend i think i took up 4 pages. lol So did she.We would make up short storied on all the guys we had crushes on. well now maybe finally i am getting there will have my first book Playing House published soon.
Jodi
I wanted to be a movie director, but then I realised you had to actually do something other than sit around in one of those canvas chairs and oggle the cute actors! Then I wanted to be a marine biologist, but couldn’t get past the shark thing. But being a writer, now that has to be the best job in the world!
Great blog!
As always, TK, your words are thought provoking.
What did I want to be when I was growing up? I thought about being a teacher mostly because it was an “acceptable” career for a girl. I excelled at school, but I didn’t really enjoy it.
I never did become a teacher, but bounced around at various jobs from switchboard operator, receptionist, and retail management. But I finally figured out what it was I wanted. Like Beth March from Little Women (by Louisa May Alcott) all I ever really wanted to do was stay home.
What I really wanted was a career that would allow me to work from home and I finally found it. Took me a while, but now I get up in the morning, have breakfast and go to work in my jammies. LOL Life is good.
I think you said it best when you said, “I want to be what I am when I am being it.”
I wanted to be a teacher. I went to a couple of years of college for it and changed my major a couple of times, but always went back to wanting to be a teacher. I didn’t ever finish college. Someday, I plan on going back and seeing if I can get my teaching degree. Right now, I babysit for my nephew.
What a wonderful post! I remember when I was a girl wanting to be a ballerina when I was grown up. By the time I was a teenager I realized I lacked the talent and the drive necessary to become one. I had many years of trying different jobs, the one most prominent being a social worker. The most important one I believe is the one I am doing now, being a stay at home mom for a 3 1/2 year old boy and a 5 month old baby girl. They are my precious children and so I am thankful that my husband can afford to have me stay at home and care for them and teach them. The rewards are great!
It’s a great blog.
I wanted to win a Nobel Prize for Chemistry. These days I write, and plan to get a degree in economics at university.
I have never blogged before but recently began daily sojourns to Samhain, Dear Author, Mrs Giggles. It seems the bloggers are known in each community… so, may I introduce myself? I go by MC, my sister calls me Meems, my brother calls me Omo…I like being called Honey or Sweetie, but haven’t got around to teaching my dogs to talk.
For years I have been an aspiring writer, intrinsically hermitic and appallingly shy. Likely the reasons I choose to live in a village, nestled in a mountain valley, on an island. I admit to being quite nervous making this first post and feel empathy oozing from my pores toward TK Winters. Excellent post, BTW.
I am only happy planning my next ms, writing or revising. It took me many years to allow myself to do what I wanted most, because I didn’t think I’d be any good. Eventually, I had to try or I felt I would die, literally. And after six years of writing 8 hours a day, I remain passionate. And I am living my heart’s desire.
Congratulations TK on your contract with Samahian! Yeehaw!
Hi TK…what an interesting topic. I wanted to be a police officer when I grew up but my family was against me becoming one in my home town, my second hoice was to work with children so I became a preschool and then kindergarden teacher
Great subject matter Teri, very thought provoking. Of course, you’re good at that. LOL
We’ve had many in-depth conversations, haven’t we. You always get me to really reaching into my mind and think deeply.
I was always interested in the entertainment industry while growing up. However, I never took that road but hey who says I’m grown-up yet. I’m not dead so maybe I’ll still fulfill that dream some day.
Candy
I wanted to be a nurse when I grew up but I never enjoyed science courses. I majored in education but sometimes I do wish I had tried nursing.
That’s great you and Nic wrote a book together. I tried to write a book with my college roommate, Claudia. We were going to write about our college adventures. I started writing chapters but she changed her mind!
Very interesting post about your life and where you’ve been.
Sorry about two posts from me. I knew I had left comments this morning, but when I came back to read replies, mine didn’t show and only showed the first 3. So I left it again, then saw more comments appearing including my 1st one. I have to remember to hit refresh on my computer. Sorry about that – I wasn’t trying to get entered in your drawing twice – really! LOL
Sheesh. That’s it, Teri. Scare the people into replying! As for dreams…I wanted to be an elementary school teacher. Kindergarten. OMG. I am so glad I didn’t go that route! Horrible little creatures. I wouldn’t have lasted a day, LOL. The only jobs I’ve ever had have been in daycares, but I considered that would be enough to get me through school with a little money. I never dreamed in a million years I’d be a…you know, one of those people who…Writes, OK? There I said it. I know, Charli jumped my you know what too. I AM A WRITER. How’s that Charli?
Nice blog, Teri. You did a good job. Now where’s my Gift Certificate?
Architect. All my houses had hexagon rooms. I’d draw the floor plans for each floor, cut them out and layer them together. I’d even put in the furniture and color them. At some point…high school probably…I came to believe I wasn’t good at math and science. I still got A’s & B’s, but it wasn’t perfect so I thought “I can’t do that.” My teachers didn’t argue with me
Plus I had a nerdy, computer boy in my class of 41 and since he was tops in the math/sciences, I concentrated in the social science.
What a cool post. I’ve called myself a writer (at least to myself) for the last few years. I’ve been testing out saying, “I’m a writer” since my book is days away from being publsihed. It still sounds funny
I wanted to be a nurse, even got started with the candy striping thing while in high school. Unfortunately, I soon discovered that I was a wuss when it came to the blood and smells. In the end, it was my sister who became a nurse, and then my son, so the nurse gene had the right family, just the wrong pupil.
I honestly always wanted to be a writer. I was passing around “fan fic” to my classmates back in 6th grade. Life got in the way for a while, but I’m thrilled to finally reach my goal of being a published author.
Never give up on your dreams!
Great post, TK.
Ah, I love looking back! I really wanted to be an art teacher. I used to do alot of watercolor and acrylic paintings as well as pencil drawings and took four years of HS to prepare to go to college for being an art teacher but family told me that i’d not get a job in it. I went for social work and counseling so I did end up using the art to work with the kids since they can express themselves better through drawing. So in a way it came true!
A trapeze artist—yes, that’s what I wanted to be, but then I discovered I was afraid of heights. That was about the age of nine. Since then I’ve wanted to be a scientist—loved science, so I became a nurse. Yes, lots of science courses in that career path. I also furthered my education at times with the dream of being a clinical psychologist—wasn’t crazy about being around crazies. Then I wanted to be a romance writer in my early 30s and wrote 100 pages of a historical romance on a Smith-Corona portable typewriter. Try doing revisions on one of those puppies. After that I went to interior design school part time at night for five years and discovered my talent at rederings and was reminded of my innate shyness with people—hated doing presentations in front of “clients”. Graduated, but never worked in the field. All this time, I supported myself while working as a nurse—>utilization review nurse—->certified case manager—>utilization review nurse. My first romance novel was published in 2002 and I continued at the day job until my last nightmare of a boss forced us to work 12hrs a day, five days a week while being paid for 40hrs. SO, I wised up and threw in the towel.
Now I’m grown up and I’m a romance writer after all.
Wow! How wonderful to come back to so many great stories and comments. I saw new faces, which was super, and heard from old friends! I wanted to reply to each and every comment and realized it would take a whole other blog! Besides, I know you all are waiting on pins and needles to see who gets the $10 gift certificate. I have my trusty box, complete with lid and I have spent the last hour going by every 10 minutes or so and shaking it up. I can hear all the little voices in there yelling, “Pick me, pick me!” With eyes squeezed shut, I slip the lid off, ruffle my fingers through all the slips of paper and pull out the name. And the winner is … <drum roll>… MARGO LUKAS!
Email me, Margo, at tkwinters @ cox.net (no spaces) and I’ll send a GC your way! And big congrats on your new book, Half Moon Rising. It sounds great!
TK
http://www.tkwnters.com
Mimosa Night
Coming soon: Margarita Day
Okay … life is sad when you can’t even type your own website address correctly. <sigh> That would be:
http://www.tkwinters.com
Come and visit—some day I may even get a bio up there!
TK