It Just Feels So Write

I've always wanted to write, I just never really knew it. I think I spent most of my younger years plagued by the focus on getting good grades, which as you know, is passed down genetically through Korean families. I've also always been incredibly wordy. Ask all my college professors, who would issue good grades on my papers but always managed to pen a comment in red, along the lines of, "Your writing is rather vigorous," as if I'd just written a full-length paper on naked wrestling. In my adult life, I've been the kind of oddball who really looks forward to writing holiday cards for friends, typically throwing down a few paragraphs in very small handwriting, so as to fit in all my thoughts on a $2.99 Hallmark card (blank, with no cheery phrase printed inside. "I'm the writer, dammit!").

Well, I never really took any of my writing very seriously. Then, during my single adult years, I actually penned off a few paragraphs on some dating websites, describing my rather boring self in the profile section. Needless to say, I was excited to receive a number of responses from eligible females who had zero interest me as a prospective mate but who wanted to encourage me to be a writer. Kind comments like, "I have absolutely no romantic interest in you, but I wanted to let you know that you are a very good writer. You should think about pursuing it as a career." I was brought down and lifted up in one fell swoop. After about 20 of these responses (and maybe 1 or 2 women who might have actually been mildly interested), I gave writing more serious thought. But then I got really distracted by the release of the XBOX gaming system. Clearly, I was not the most focused individual. I dabbled in a few endeavors, like starting a novel and researching careers in writing, but nothing ever stuck.

As a newly married man, my wise wife encouraged me to take up writing again. In 2010, I was fortunate enough to come across a website called "Gear Patrol." http://www.gearpatrol.com. It was happenstance, as I came across the link searching for a gift for a friend. Since I'm not nearly as web savvy as Gen-Y'ers, this type of website was new to me. Who would've thought that in this oh-so materialistic culture, there'd be a website that would review the gamut of men's products? In any case, I found that they accepted reader submissions. I thought I'd try my hand and it and submitted a quick piece on some small batch shaving cream made in the U.S. Well, they accepted it, and I kept submitting as a guest writer. A few months later, they announced a Contributor Trial, interviewing for unpaid writers (I found out the "unpaid" part later). After a two month trial period, where candidates were asked to submit two articles per week, I made the cut. Out of almost 300 candidates, 10 were selected, so I was obviously thrilled. Plus, it was my wonderful wife who continually pushed my lazy butt to do what I love most.

Now, after several months with Gear Patrol, I've written nearly 30 pieces, with more on the way. I've been able to connect with the founders of the site and make plans for more variety and greater depth in the writing. Through GP, I've been able to test drive a car, acquire products to review for my two-week trip to Vietnam, and make connections I never would have before. It's a very good start and I'm able to beef up my creds. My next foray into writing will be to see if I can actually generate a meager income. Isn't this par for the course for those pursuing their passions? Meaning, don't you often find that those with a goal to do what they truly want to do actually get excited like a toddler on Christmas morning, hoping to make a pittance in their field of pursuit, as opposed to not caring about getting a substantial raise in a career they hate. "Gee, I can make $.03 per word! I'm so excited!"

Resolution #2:  I will finish writing a first draft of my novel by December 31, 2011 and I will increase my exposure through various other writing projects by searching for a new writing job every month.