Chasing Joy... One Word At A Time

In my search for a new job, one that brings joy and a sense of accomplishment, I came to the realization that I enjoy writing. I’ve been trying to get into a regular habit of writing and posting again here on my blog. While it is highly unlikely that I’ll ever make much out of it, I genuinely enjoy looking back and seeing how I’ve changed and grown. It’s been especially fun to notice how my writing style has evolved over the years.
Since making this self-discovery, I’ve been searching for jobs that involve writing in some capacity. While I haven’t had much luck yet, I realized I could still do something that allows me to write, even if there’s no money in it. So, I started drafting a story. I doubt it’ll turn into anything, it has given me a purpose and something I look forward to expanding on.
I did the dumbest thing ever, though. I told my niece I was writing “a book.” I had her proofread what I’d written, poke holes where she saw them, and she even decided to draw character concept art. What I failed to account for, due to a severe lack of hindsight, is the fact that she attends public school. And that she has a relatively industrial-sized mouth (said with all the love and affection in the world).
Come Monday, I showed up to work only to be greeted by multiple students shouting, “Miss K! I hear you’re writing a book!” To say I was a little taken aback by the very loud declaration would be an understatement. Did that stop her? Absolutely not. She proceeded to tell everyone she bumped into that I was “writing a book.” Her classmates, underclassmen, teachers, staff, her boyfriend... everyone.
While it’s a little mortifying, I’ll say two things. First, everyone, and I mean everyone, has been incredibly supportive. They keep telling me I have to finish it so they can buy the first copy. While it makes me giggle, I truly appreciate the enthusiasm. Second, with everyone now holding me accountable to this new expectation, I feel a healthy kind of pressure to actually follow through. Neither of those were things I anticipated.
With that said, wish me luck! Even if it ends up being just for me and those close to me, this is something I didn’t realize I wanted until my niece so lovingly made it public and everyone so kindly rallied behind me.