I’ve been writing professionally for over 10 years, but my job title has never been Writer. From highly-detailed investigative reports to lighthearted advertisements for brands, my writing ability was always considered a technical skill, not a passion.
It was only recently that I discovered the joy that could come from sharing my story when I began blogging about my ongoing recovery from domestic abuse. I hoped to find the voice that was smothered for so long while using my experiences to help others cope with their trauma.
Love at first write
I’m sure many of you understand the wave of inspiration and ideas I’ve felt since I began blogging. I liken the excitement to the rush of feelings brought by a new relationship when you’re really clicking and communicating well. You start daydreaming of the future and becoming giddy with possibility.
I have you all to thank for the butterflies fluttering around in my stomach.
Your support as I’ve begun this writing journey has meant the absolute world to me. I’ve celebrated every clap and felt your kindness and sound advice in every response. It is indescribably meaningful to finally have a space where I can share my experiences that are difficult to speak about aloud.
Hair ties that bind
Today, I learned that my poem, Hair Ties That Bind, won Runner-Up in the blogging platform Vocal+’s “Ode to Ordinary” challenge:
This poetry challenge prompts you to pause and appreciate the unsung heroes that add value to your daily life - to find beauty in the most mundane. From the reliable old toaster that browns your bread each morning, to the humble pen that captures your thoughts, or the warped key that opens your home - we invite you to bring these everyday items to life in verse.
I’d entered the challenge on a whim using a short poem I’d written after a recent breakup.
I won’t lie to you, friends. When I noticed the Runner-Up badge on my Vocal+ profile, I had no idea what I was looking at. I’d only recently begun entering challenges and wasn’t super familiar with the process.
When realization set in, I stood out of my chair and covered my mouth with both hands. My blog has been growing pretty steadily and receiving great feedback, but this was the first time I’d ever won something for my writing. I was ecstatic!
The prize was $50, enough to cover the platform’s full-year subscription I’d confidently (and impulsively) purchased after a glass of wine a few weeks ago.
Looking through some of the other 600+ entrants, I’m blown away by the creativity and quality of the writing. I feel a warm mix of gratitude and validation at being included in such a talented and insightful community.
Like many of you, I’m energized by my love of writing and reading, but it can be a struggle to not to know if we’re making an impact, especially when we’re first learning to share such intimate parts of ourselves. I’m grateful that blogging has given us a supportive space where creators can provide honest feedback and hone their skills.
Thank you for allowing me to finally use my love of writing to fight against something terrible that continues to happen to so many others every day.