(by Shel Silverstien, Where the Sidewalk Ends, 1974)

I've heard writers who were very discouraging toward those who wanted to become writers, and I've never understood that. I think everyone who feels the desire ought to give it a try.

Not every writer is going to, or even wants to, go to the lengths to be published, and that's okay. But writing shows you something about yourself that you may never have known before.

My first novel ever completed gave me an amazing sense of accomplishment - it may never see the light of day for anyone else, but I love it. My second novel was a saving grace in a time when I was alone and unsure where my life was going. My third completed is my autobiography - and it opened parts of my soul that I'd shoved back in the shadowy corner and forgotten about. Writing down the reality of my life opened old wounds, forgotten and festered, and allowed those old hurts to heal.

Ever wonder why writing conferences are so popular? It's not just what we can learn there - it's also our chance to get out from behind our keyboards and rub elbows with other people who understand our need to pour our soul onto paper. The encouragment a writer finds from other writers is priceless. I for one, want to pass on that encouragment and extend that invitation to anyone who's thought to try their hand at writing:

For we have some flax golden tales to spin! Come in! Come in!