A Humorist on Becoming A Writer

Come on in and have a seat. We’re all friends here. Let me introduce you to the woman in the spotlight.

Please meet Humorist – Bliss Follower – Writer, Becky Povich.

The photos is one Becky will use for the cover of her book.

Becoming a Writer

In the summer of 2001, I decided to write my memoir. Although I’d only written one chapter, and never submitted any of my writing, anywhere, I felt as if I was being pulled in that direction. Somehow, I sensed I would be able to accomplish the improbable task.

In May of that year, my brother called to tell me our estranged dad was gravely ill and not expected to live. I was shocked with an overwhelming feeling of sadness since I’d always told myself I wouldn’t shed one tear when he died. And I was gripped with panic because I was so afraid I wouldn’t get there in time to say, “I love you.”

I made the trip to Des Moines, Iowa to see Dad, and his health improved. After returning home, I wrote about my emotions and the words just flowed. (Ah, if only it was always that easy!) My essay landed me a spot in a local newspaper, the St. Charles County (Missouri) Journal. When I received the phone call from the editor telling me I was one of the few selected for the occasional column, I knew then that I could write.

Around 2004 I read that Chicken Soup for the Soul was looking for stories for a Father/Daughter anthology. I excitedly submitted the one I’d already written, but it wasn’t chosen. I also submitted one for their sisters anthology which did well, but didn’t make the final cut. Although I was discouraged, I kept plugging along.

In 2007, a story I submitted for Chicken Soup for the New Mom’s Soul was finally accepted and that’s when I felt like I’d really accomplished something. Right after that, I was contacted by a local writer who also had a story in the same anthology. She suggested we meet and talk about…..what else? Writing! Her name is Linda (no, not Linda Joyce!) and I am so grateful for her encouragement from the moment we met. It was through Linda that I heard about the various writing groups in the St. Louis area, joined a couple of them, read at Open Mic Nights, attended workshops and conferences, and gradually learned there is so much about writing that I didn’t know. Especially about good writing, great writing, and the importance of finding the perfect critique group….for me.

During those years I was fortunate to have other essays and stories accepted for anthologies, a couple of magazines, and I was a frequent contributor to a small Iowan newspaper.

So, even though I talked about writing my memoir in 2001, and worked on it off and on for such a long time, I finally completed it in November 2012. During those eleven years, I also gave presentations at schools and library events about Going for Your Dreams and never giving up no matter how long it takes. I think I’m a great example because I celebrated a big birthday last month, my 60th and my memoir is coming out later this year: From Pigtails to Chin Hairs: A Memoir & More.

Thank you so much, Linda Joyce, for inviting me to be a guest blogger! I truly enjoyed it and I hope your readers will also enjoy learning a bit about me and my journey to become a writer. Becky Povich
http://www.beckypovich.blogspot.com
Please feel free to e-mail me Writergal53@gmail.com and/or visit my blog http://www.beckypovich.blogspot.com

You can learn more about me and find other very interesting people on my blog list.