My Writing Life...

My Story Behind the Pen

The Unexpected Spark

Every writer's journey begins with a moment—a book, a quiet afternoon, a life event—that ignites the desire to create. For me, that spark wasn't a grand epiphany; it was a slow, persistent whisper that eventually grew into a shout.

Since I was very young, I knew that I wanted to be a writer.  I used to make "books" out of construction paper, filled with stories about princes who slayed dragons and rescued damsels in distress.  I would  write my stories on some lined paper and then proceeded to bind my makeshift masterpieces with staples and construction paper.  I guess writing and publishing began in the very core of my DNA.

The realization that I needed to write, not just wanted to, was the turning

 point. It became clear that writing wasn't just a hobby; it was the essential 

lens through which I make sense of the world.

In my teens and later years, my circles of influence grew.  My stories evolved and branched out into writing poetry and prose, and then into writing and self-publishing a young adult novel and a children's book.  

As a side note, in junior high school (which would later be called middle school), 8th grade in fact, I didn't care for English as a subject as much as I didn't care for my repressed and total door knob of an English teacher Mr. B. 

I loved my language teachers who managed to resurrect my interests in literature where our class read about self-appointed heroes such as Don Quijote, Hombre de La Mancha (Man of La Mancha).  Thank you, Mr. T and Miss T. of 9th grade Spanish I and 10th grade Spanish II respectively.  

Also in 10th grade, there was Ms. C.  A kind and intelligent woman who introduced me to the works of Chaucer, Shakespeare, Homer, Dante, Sophocles and others.  I will kindly skip over my 9th grade Brit Lit teacher whose name escapes me.  She was a tedious woman with an awful smoker's cough. She also reeked of cigarettes and breath mints.  

Not a graduate of journalism school (I was blocked by the discouragement of others, and yes I know, I do own my contributions of self-sabotage), I learned throughout the years how to "draw" my own star.  I wrote poetry and participated in open mic.  In between contract computer jobs, I worked as an amateur string reporter for my local newspaper.  I gained more hands on experience that I'll never forget and will be forever grateful.

The Journey: From Dreaming to Doing

Deciding to become a writer is one thing; actually committing to the craft is another. My path hasn't been a straight line, but it has been a continuous education in perseverance and humility.

The Early Days & Challenges: I spent years balancing writing with a full-time job. This stage taught me that writing is less about genius and more about discipline.

The Breakthrough: A key turning point came when I became a press correspondent for Jersey City Fashion Week. That experience showed me that paradox and irony are a writer's greatest strengths. It was here that I discovered I could write about fashion as a valuable commodity in an uncertain economy.

My Core Philosophy: I believe that great writing should always challenge assumptions, and illuminate the unseen corners of everyday life.

The Commitment: Why I Write Now

Today, I am proud to call myself a writer, and this platform is an enduring commitment.

What You Will Find Here: My work focuses on writing my memoirs, blog posts, free-lance, poetry and various types of fiction as my Web site continues to grow.

My Promise to You, the Reader: My goal is to deliver content that is always insightful and engaging.

Thank you for being here and sharing in this journey. I look forward to sharing my stories—and hearing yours.

Humbly yours, 

Laurie

-This Jersey Girl Interrupted

A Christian Girl with a tilted halo!

xoxo