As a young girl, writing truth was my outlet. I had over two hundred pen pals, and stacks of personal diaries under my bed. I wonder what ever happened to those. I always thought that one day I’d write a novel. Silly me.

My revelation came from constantly being asked by friends and family to help write this or that, and suddenly realizing that’s what I needed to do; help other people express what they can’t find the words to say. This started me on short-bio writing, which led to biography writing. And yes I still rewrite business documents, only now I’m paid to.

I have always loved writing and have had op-eds, essays, and poems published, received accolades and affirmations from relatives and friends + one author of 8 books. The latter simply said, “You have a book to write.” However, most of my writing has been in the form of journaling about special moments with family, vacations, and everyday events. These are usually written through the prism of faith and spirituality. Certification in Pastoral Ministry followed through discernment and ongoing deep involvement in church service and citizen advocacy. Since I am a calligrapher, letters are an important avenue of expression as well.

Non-fiction is a genuine channel of expression for me. My life spans seven decades so I have had a myriad of life experiences and interests. Working as a realtor for three decades, mothering two daughters, and grandmothering five grandsons, besides being married for fifty two years to the love of my life has rendered many blessings and stories. We are still dynamically in tune with the seasons of living and friends can hardly believe we have weathered so much and yet remain so vital in our home and our individual works.

But, alas, I feel called to begin another chapter of my particular journey…both as a calligrapher, since the early 1970’s, and a writer. Where to begin is the dilemma. What stories do I tell?

Thank you for listening.

I love writing nonfiction, and yes, I love reading nonfiction. Thank you for this post. Sometimes I feel like a lone writer in a sea of fiction authors, but your article helped me realize I’m not alone!