Writing is nurtured by what we live
By Phyllis Ring
At 17, I wanted to write, but knew intuitively that a writer needs life experience.
When friends pursued journalism or English degrees, I studied forestry -- something I know nothing about, though I’d always wanted to.
Getting good grades was easy –forestry jobs proved more elusive. So, since I'd earned tuition money working as a nurse’s aide, liked people, and was interested in health, I went to nursing school.
This career shift coincided with my marriage and near-instant family -- two children in three years. My husband attended graduate school and I worked evenings as charge nurse of a 30-bed floor. I learned more about people and health, and our ships-in-the-afternoon life insured that our children always had at least one parent around.
In my infrequent moments of solitude, I craved putting words on paper. A friend's parenting newsletter provided a forum, and when she pulled my first story from the printer, she uttered a life-changing statement: "You know, you're a real WRITER."
Determined to prove her right, I launched at least a half-dozen novels and as many stillborn short stories.
Then an artist’s story captured me, a local woman’s triumph in adversity prompted an essay; and when both sold to regional magazines, the editors quickly offered more assignments. My husband had gained enough job security since graduating for me to leave nursing to write full time -- for about six months.
The shifting sands of the '80s saw most of my markets fold, then a friend introduced the more stable option of a local newspaper group. She shared an assignment she couldn't take herself, and though I knew nothing about the soft-drink-bottling business, I was curious, and fortunately, the interview source was delightful.
The editor called the day after I filed the story to offer three more. Soon, it looked like I'd need to return to the workplace and that’s when that editor called to tell me the paper had an opening for a assistant editor—especially one who could also write features.
My writer’s education began in earnest. Writer's block? I was too busy cranking out stories, meeting tight deadlines, and trying to engage readers and tell a story well in under 800 words. (And mediating by phone the occasional spat between my two pre-teenagers.)
Eventually, I became features editor – my "graduate study" in what editors need (and don’t), how to time queries and submissions, and what makes editors appreciate writers. I gained a storehouse of ideas and access to interviews with those both nationally and locally known. Among the many resales I made were a couple of national markets.
A newsroom can be a gloomy place, though, so, when my favorite non-profit, a local Bahá’í school, needed a program coordinator, I was ready for change. It kept my writing muscles warm, brought contact with thousands of people from around the world, increased my knowledge about many social issues, and helped me get to know the Internet.
After five-years, I had that mid-life longing for "the life unlived" and made the leap to full-time freelancing last fall. I decided I’d assess my progress after six months and get another job as necessary.
At the six-month mark, I closed in on what I’d made each month in that job. Three years later, I’ve doubled it and publish regularly in such national markets as American Profile, Delicious Living, and Women’s Health & Fitness, plus I’ve secured three regular contributor’s gigs. I’m also getting more nods in response to my sometimes-manic (though I hope focused) queries.
My “career” trail taught me I can learn anything I decide to. Writing’s less about what you know than what you’re excited to find out on the reader’s behalf and share as readably and accurately as you can. Of course, this includes learning more about good writing.
Yes, life experience is a writer’s necessity, and my publication credits now flow directly from it – parenting, health, environment, spirituality, and the variety of social issues that increasingly interest me.
What I didn’t know at 17 is that the way we use our God-given abilities to follow where that experience leads is the way that we find our truest writing voice – and our success.
Phyllis Ring has published more than 800 articles and essays in magazines that include Christian Science Monitor, Ms., and Writers Weekly. A parenting columnist for several publications, she previously coordinated programs for all ages at a Bahá'í conference center and serves as instructor for the Long Ridge Writers Group of the Institute of Children's Literature. For more information about her current projects, visit www.phyllisring.com.
