I have to state that one of the most disappointing things to me is realizing that I have no interest in something that was once my ambition. At some point in life, we all decide that there is one thing or another that we wish to accomplish before we die. Or perhaps a career we hope to work towards and obtain. Having known this from whatever age that we recognized it at, its a rather shocking, if not devastating moment when you find that a passion for that path has been lost.
Having said this, I would admit that this has just recently happened to me. Ever since I was in about sixth grade, I simply dreamed of becoming an author. I spend hours upon hours reading into the most engaging books. I enjoyed mystery- any book that was not in any way predictable. I admired writers that could take you completely by surprise, with a 'plot twist' at every corner. I wanted to BE that kind of author. In all honesty, who could blame me? Writing, especially poetry, is often introduced as a spectacular field of art. Some people would argue that a well written book was one of the larger forms of art pieces that an individual may create. I knew, of course, that a well composed novel may take even a few years to weave together. I had marvelous ideas and conflicts.. entire universes in my mind that I wanted to reveal to an editor, and eventually, a publisher.
The first couple attempts, of course, I would work for months, endlessly determined in my feat for greatness and fame. I wanted recognition. I read stories of famous young writers, and I aspired to be the next. It wasn't until a few years ago though, that I finally succeeded in having an entire draft completed. It still required a good rewrite, but I was convinced that it would be absolutely loved by all sorts of readers across the country, if not the world.
I was later suggested by a friend that most authors let a finished manuscript sit for about a year before trying to rewrite and publish it. I am about 3 months into that year, and now... I have lost interest.
And here, dearest readers, is where I have begun to hope and beg that someday, when that year is up, I will again open that book, and my determination will be rekindled. Will I ever be as engaged in my own work again? Will it sit forever, unread, and unpublished?
Here is when I say, "I sure as heck hope not." Even though we may let go or turn our heads from a project, we had still dedicated hours, days, maybe even months or years to this purpose. I have seen my friends give up on things that I could only pray to have to talent to do. So I beg you, if there is something that you have given up on, or lost interest in that you have created... your talent, and who you are as a person LIVES within the art you create. Even if you think it is not worth finishing, your effort alone has the potential to inspire anyone who sees its humble beginnings.
Live Creatively,
MereLynx
