Writing To Be Heard

For as long as I can remember I’ve been a writer. I’ve always had an affinity for pens and notebooks or typewriters. Perhaps it was a subconscious way to be heard in a house filled with people.

I was the oldest of six children born to my parents. As each new sibling came along, my chance to be heard grew slimmer. Babies always needed more attention. Instead of being one of the children, I soon became a second mother.

With the extra responsibility I had, I also gained the respect of my parents and other adults. Many would say I was old for my years. It wasn’t by choice. It was my lot in life.

I Didn’t Fit In

I didn’t fit in anywhere. Unfortunately, I was too young to be a part of the adult world. My maturity level was too high for the world of children. I was a misplaced soul. There was nobody to hear me when I talked.

So, I began to write. It all started with an assignment in grade school to write a poem. I enjoyed playing with the words. They turned into reliable friends when I had nobody else. I could count on them to be there.

From that, a writer was born. I had been an avid reader from the time I learned how to read at age 4. Writing was a step up from that. Instead of listening to others’ thoughts, I found an outlet to share my own. It didn’t matter if I was the only one reading them. It was a way to express everything locked up inside of me.

No Audience Needed

As I grew up, I realized I didn’t want an audience for what I was writing. I began to document my secret thoughts and feelings into notebooks. Irritation at my narcissistic mother’s latest shenanigans was explained in detail on the blue lines of the pages. Budding love at the earliest stages found its way into my secret notebook. It was the only place I would be heard.

It should be no surprise that my best and favorite classes in high school had to do with literature and grammar. I was never intimidated when teachers assigned term papers. Instead, I was enthusiastic to begin.

As so it has been all through the years. As an adult, it can be harder and harder to be heard. Going out into the world is much like being a minnow in a lake. While there are more people to hear, there are more who need to be heard.

I began this blog two years ago as my voice. Perhaps it was for the same reasons I first began writing so many years ago. I need to be heard. And maybe, it’s also the reason I want to try to break into freelance writing. I think the world needs to hear what I have to say.

If you are also a writer, why do you write?  What started your love for putting words down?  Do you have a preference for what you write or does it make a difference?  Drop a comment and tell us about your favorite writing memory!