I’ll admit it, I caught the writing bug when I was young–about oh, say, seven years old. I always loved books. Loved hearing my mom read stories to me right before bedtime. But, for me, the stories didn’t stop when my mom closed the book and turned out the light. I’d stay up, imagining new twists and turns for Rose Red and creating a new ending for Hansel and Gretel (um, here’s a hint on that one…I rather liked the witch).
For me, it was only a matter of time until I started writing my own stories. When I was in elementary school and middle school, I kept a writing notebook, so that I could jot down my stories and ideas. Okay, time for another admission: Some days, when I was supposed to be paying attention in Earth Science, I’d be writing stories instead of taking notes–sue me. 
It seemed to me that my whole life, I always knew that I wanted to write…and I know I’m not alone in this lovely writing desire. According to a survey I found a while back (I think it was from the Jenkins Group) over 80% of the population admits to wanting to write a novel.
Yep, lots of people have been bitten by the bug.
And why not? I happen think writing is pretty dang great.
But I am curious…how many others on this blog were bitten by the bug when you were very young? And how many have only recently felt the sting of the writing bite? (And for those of you who have no desire to write–that precious 20%–what passion haunts you?)
(By the way, only a little over a month until HOTTER AFTER MIDNIGHT releases–yay!!! Sorry–had to get that bit of excitement out.)
Well, I admit I have felt he urge to write, since I was young, but never pursued it. Okay that’s not entirely true. I wrote tons of horrid poetry and really dramatic teen angsty love stories (and maybe even some really embarrassing erotic romance – cringe) but nothing that will ever see the light of day. Maybe one day I’ll take that step.
Now, my passion is working with people. I never thought I’d enjoy it, but it energizes me, and I love what I do. I couldn’t do it if I wasn’t happy – just the way I am.
Oh and Cynthia, congrats on your new release – it looks hot
Congratulations on the new release! I love the cover. As to the writing bug… in elementary school we had to write stories all the time. Most other students would take a few pages – mine numbered into 10s-20s – and we had to read them aloud too. *laughs* I haven’t written in a while, but grad school seems to take all of my time :-\
Congrats on the almost here release date!
I’ve loved stories for as long as I can remember. In middle/high school I was very into writing essays and articles, even had a couple published. I was in my early twenties before I ever read a romance novel and it was another decade before I realized the running stories in my head might leave me alone if I wrote them .
I wrote stories and poetry when I was younger and I still write poetry now. But, I know my limitations and I don’t have a strong enough “gift” to write books. Not to mention I discovered music was a true calling then. Which is okay, because that leaves me open to enjoy reading! And may I say HOTTER AFTER MIDNIGHT was FANTASTIC!
Oh, Stacy, I’ve got tons of horrid poetry around, too–I try to never, every let light hit those pages!
Poetry has never been my strong suit! (And thank you for the congrats!)
Thank you, limecello! I can definitely see where grad school might slow down writing a bit. Busy lady!
Hi, Rhonda! Sounds like you’ve had a long relationship with writing–and an enduring relationship is the best kind!
Brandy, thank you!! I am so glad you enjoyed my book. And, oh, you’re a music lady? I’ll confess to being envious–I always wanted to have musical talent (or to be able to play one instrument without making the folks around me wince). But, alas, for me, that was not meant to be so.
Congrats on the new release and a month isn’t too far off. I admit that I’ve always wanted to try to write a book, but just haven’t given it a try yet. My uncle is a poet, and he had only been published in the last 10 years. I figure I still have some time.
Cindy, I loved your post! I smile thinking how similiar our childhood was. I, too, daydreamed and made new endings to books and movies. And it wasn’t surprising that writing captured my heart too.
I can’t wait till your newest release comes my way. I’ve had it pre-ordered for a while now.
Hi, Liza! Thanks!! Oh, there’s always time–and good luck!
Thank you, LaDonna! You are so nice!
Writing is something wonderful to capture a heart, isn’t it?
Congrats on your new release.
I haven never felt the urge to be a writer.
Hi Cynthia,
I am one of those that spent her childhood always telling stories – making what happened in my real life just so much more exciting by “embellishing”. Of course, my family said I was a “fibber fanatic,” but I believe I was just exhibiting my underlying writing talent! But when I was in high school and took some creative writing classes, that’s when my desire to be a writer really took off. Since then, I’ve been pursuing my passion in one form or another. And congrats on the new book!