… I was 15 years old. That might be a dumb way to start this entry (which I’m writing because of this), but yes I was 15 ten years ago, insecure, and in need of validation of my existence just like any ungrateful and ‘emo’ teenager. I dabbled on dating, moaned about my thighs, suspected conspiracy from school and parents, and blew my pocket-money on books. Lots of books. I hated my life but unwilling to admit it because at the back of my mind I knew that was a stupid thing to think of. I had a loving mom, siblings, and enough to buy what I wanted from time to time.
I never thought that books would lead me to my profession now. I am a writer by profession, but always felt like a fake although I have published enough works to qualify as one. I have always told aspiring writers to read, read, read. Books took me to far off places, it enabled me to have imaginary conversations with the long-dead. It gave me different viewpoints, helped me learn to embrace a villain, disdain the distressed damsel, and use an idiosyncratic word in a sentence. Books are basically the product of writers’ brains, so who better to teach writing other than Shakespeare, Austen, Lovecraft, etc.
Music was my first love that refused me, and books were there to welcome me with open arms, employ me even. I never joined writing contests, or joined the student paper until I hit college. I was too much of a scaredy-cat to plunge into music, and I was not much of a crowd person to take up mass communications. I knew my mom loved me when she told me to take up journalism. Haha. Journalism is not the first thing that comes to mind when you want your daughter to ensure you of a mansion and die beside a sparkling swimming pool, sipping pina coladas served by buff butlers wearing nothing but a thong and a bow tie. But she knew that I loved to read, and I might have a future in anything related to writing.
I love books, and I like writing. See the difference? Until I come to terms that me and my craft are meant to be, I’ll continue finding solace in books. Particularly Neil Gaiman books. So gimme that prize!
Click on the link above if you love Neil Gaiman as much as I do, or not because that would mean more competition for me. If you join you get a chance to win this from Avalon.ph:
Adventures in the Dream Trade by Neil Gaiman
A signed copy of Adventures in the Dream Trade
A signed copy of Adventures in the Dream Trade! Not only is this book hard to find, it’s signed by Neil Gaiman! Yes I know I already said that it’s signed by Neil Gaiman! The perfect addition to my Neil Gaiman collection! A signed copy of Adventures in the Dream Trade by Neil Gaiman!
