It seems so obvious, and frankly, it is a piece of advice that everyone loves to share with writers:  “Write what you know.”  It just isn’t quite that simple.  There are things you know – and then there are things you know – the gut-wrenching realities that no one wants to truly admit.  I’m beginning to see the difference.  For me, that is passion.  There has to be a lot of enthusiasm behind whatever it is that I’m sharing if it is going to be any good.  I have to love what I am about to write.

Early last week, I found myself writing an article outlining different tips for writers regarding their reading lives.  In short order, I had nearly 2,000 words.  It is something I know and perfected over the years.  I take reading seriously.  It simply amazes me how I tend to have almost too much content when I write about certain subjects.  If it involves reading, books, music, or education, I could keep going for hours.

Why, then, haven’t I been focusing on just those topics all these long years?  The simple answer is I don’t know.  The full answer is a bit more complex.  WIth music, copyright laws surrounding song lyrics are tricky.  I needed to come up with a unique way of sharing the music I love.  I think I may have finally accomplished that.  When it comes to books and reading, I spend so much time reading and discussing books in person that it seems silly to write about it much, book reviews aside.  In essence, I need to get over myself.

Then there is education.  As at least a 5th generation teacher (yes, I’ve traced the teaching tradition in my family back at least that far), I have definite opinions and insight – far more than my actual experience in the classroom would suggest.  I have to be extremely careful.  Sometimes when a writer is a little too close to the subject, it is easy to get burned.  In private conversations, I’m content to know that I am not alone.  One day, once I’ve made some definitive decisions regarding my teaching career, it is going to get interesting.

It may have taken me quite some time to find my voice, niche, and style, but I am just getting started.  In spite of the fact that I am 42 and a certain TV “personality” – I refuse to use his name here or mention the network – stated that women reach their peak in their 20s-40s, declining once they hit 50, I have so much more to accomplish that it isn’t even funny.  It will take me well beyond 50.  Stay tuned!