Comment from AnnaLinda

Excellent

Judy,

You surely are an excellent writer and your goal to "begin the life of a professional writer" is top! You've spent so much learning and now
your gift is just waiting to inspire others.

I like your reflective thoughts in this piece and you surely did a great
job in conveying them. I'm looking forward to reading more from you
with this gift God has given you.

Linda

 Comment Written 28-Jan-2016

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reply by the author on 05-Feb-2016

Thank you SweetLinda. I always appreciate your kind words. I may be a bit sporadic on this site for awhile, as I am still working full time and, like many, just trying to eek out some special writing time. Thanks for the encouragement. Judy

Comment from Muffins

Excellent

Your short essay hit the theme hard. I can relate to the doubts expect I'm afraid of the opposite. What if I succeed? Will the pressure to create something even better crash me? Make me hate what I know I was put here to do? Than, like you, I saw how foolish it was. It's time for me too quit being a professional student. My library is filled with how to writing books from decades ago and plunge into the uncharted waters of a PROFESSIONAL WRITER. Even writing those two words took courage.
Good luck on your journey. I wish you the greatest success. I wish I had a six to give this essay to.

 Comment Written 08-Jan-2016

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reply by the author on 08-Jan-2016

Thank you very much for this great and encouraging review. --

Comment from alvina224224

Excellent

Good entry for this contest, author, although a little hesitant to begin with. I remember when I started, (hundreds of years ago before creative writing was heard of in school curriculums) I looked around my local library, and asked, 'what's the use? Everybody's already written it!' When I said this to the librarian, she answered, 'Ah yes! but none of it has been written by you!' Keep going - it is worth it

 Comment Written 03-Jan-2016

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reply by the author on 03-Jan-2016

Thank you Alvina, for your lovely comments and great review.

Comment from Mystic Angel 7777

Excellent

This meets the contest requirements nicely. I think you raise and excellent point that once you begin to rely on writing for income, it becomes less fun and more stressful. In the end, a very small percentage of writers make any real money so once you face that you can release that fear and simply enjoy it. If something gets published it then becomes a wonderful blessing. I wish you all the best in the voting and thank you very much for sharing it.

 Comment Written 03-Jan-2016

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reply by the author on 03-Jan-2016

Thank you for the wonderful comments and encouragement.

Comment from Jim Lorson Sr

Excellent

I can understand your reluctance to move ahead. It is a frightening thing to do. I didn't start writing seriously until 7 years ago. Now, time has passed me by and I write for the pleasure of writing. I have been told on this site that my poems and prayers gives hope and inspiration to many others.

Please do not waste time worrying, set out on a new adventure that will give others pleasure. Good luck with this prompt contest and good luck with your future,,,,,Jim

 Comment Written 02-Jan-2016

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reply by the author on 02-Jan-2016

Thank you so much for your words of encouragement and for all the stars.

Comment from dejohnsrld (Debbie)

Excellent

Exactly, once writing becomes work, I fear the same thing. I do submit some of my work, but that is not why I write it and I entertain no thoughts of financial gain from it. Best wishes for a wonderful year of writing, my friend~Debbie

 Comment Written 02-Jan-2016

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reply by the author on 02-Jan-2016

Thanks Debbie. Your words mean a lot to me.

Comment from Katiesherrill

Excellent

Good contest entry on writing. I bet you are not alone. I have a feeling that a lot of writers fear losing the love of writing if it becomes a "job".

This was straight to the point and had a great flow.

Well done,
Katie

 Comment Written 02-Jan-2016

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reply by the author on 02-Jan-2016

Thank you for the 5 stars and kind review.

Comment from sibhus

Good

Some good thoughts on what is preventing you from writing, which we all may have realized at one point. It is a little daunting to read about best-selling authors, who spend 8 hours a day writing, and then spend time promoting their work. But who knows, if you are any of us reach that point, who's to say it won't be fun. Good thoughts that make for a great entry for the contest.

This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.

 Comment Written 02-Jan-2016

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reply by the author on 02-Jan-2016

Thank you for review.

Comment from chcbeck

Excellent

I enjoyed this very much I can totally relate to this . I too have studied and it took me a lot to put my first poem on here and to my surprise everyone's been grate. Thanks for sharing.

 Comment Written 02-Jan-2016

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reply by the author on 02-Jan-2016

Thanks for stopping by and providing me with 5 stars.

Comment from LiveLoveDie

Excellent

I agree with everything in this story, so you are not alone. It can sometimes change your mood, including not enjoying it anymore. I have to even take a break from writing occasionally to ground myself and find my muse again.

I loved this excerpt, thank you for sharing your thoughts. Good luck in the contest!

 Comment Written 02-Jan-2016

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reply by the author on 02-Jan-2016

I appreciate your words. Thanks for reviewing.