When did you decide to become a writer?
It's a question I am asked at every book signing and speaking engagement.
Becoming a writer was never a conscious choice. While an artist sketches, a composer hears music; a writer hears stories. Or as my children said, "Mom has imaginary friends."
Friends that torment you with bits of dialogue, or a song that triggers an emotional response, a dream, or simply an internal need to sit down and write.
Is creativity genetic, a gift, or an acquired skill?
The answer?
I believe it is an inborn gift and a skill that is honed. Genetic? In my case, probably.
My favorite childhood books:
Charlotte's Web by E.B. White (1952) — A touching, timeless story of friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a clever spider named Charlotte.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis (1950) — The magical portal-fantasy that invites children into the snowy, wondrous land of Narnia.
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien (1937) — The quintessential high-fantasy quest that introduced generations of readers to Middle-earth.
Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell. Newbery Medal-winning classic is a gripping tale of survival, strength, and courage. (Based on the true story of a Nicoleño Indian girl living alone on an island off the coast of California, Island of the Blue Dolphins.)
Nancy Drew (girl detective) mysteries by Caroline Keene (my mother was a reader, too). I read the entire collection, twice.
And, of course, stories featuring horses 🐎 and dogs that "did not" die 🐶.
The Makings of a Novelist:
Psychological studies specifically comparing creative writers to non-creative peers show that creative writers report significantly higher rates of unstable home environments, childhood unhappiness, and emotional neglect. Prominent historical examples include:
Charles Dickens and Virginia Wolfe.
Meaning:
Hyper-Vigilance and Observation: Traumatized children must become expert observers of human behavior to anticipate danger or emotional shifts in adults. This hyper-vigilance translates into a sharp, adult ability to analyze character motivations and human psychology.
With age, I've come to the conclusion: one person's trauma is another person's adventure.
I did not like my "personal adventure"; therefore, I became hyper-vigilant.
My personal adventure, you ask?👶🍼
It all began before I'd even taken my first childhood breath...
My soon-to-be mother was on a flight from Chicago to Florida. During a short layover in New Orleans, her labor began. By the time the plane touched down in Florida, she was in full labor.
We were a Naval family. 🚢
I was born on an Air Force Base, 2 1/2 months early. This was before the NICU. I weighed 2 lbs 12 oz before dropping to 2 lbs 3 oz.
I was strapped in an incubator. My eyes were covered, and oxygen was pumped into the incubator. A feeding tube was inserted through my throat for feeding... and I had an IV.
When I was released (months later), I was dressed in "doll" clothes.
My mother was an only child; she had no experience with babies. She relied on Dr. Spock's book for new mothers.
Fortunately, my father was a Texan and familiar with livestock. He knew how to mix formula and tend to newborns. (His mother was the eldest of ten children.)
Several months after my birth, my father received deployment orders. My mother and I were placed in the care of my paternal grandparents and my great-grandmother in Texas.
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| My parents wedding photo |
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| Here I am, little Connie, an early walker. (I never learned to crawl) |
Case in point: I wanted a puppy but got a little brother instead. (Spoiler: we are still best buds).
This month's featured book:
Blurb and Reviews:
Beaten and left for dead, Amberlynn Maddox has no memory of her past. Accepting Brede’s offer as temporary ranch cook, the woman, now called Kate, discovers that the sexy rancher, with his protective nature and sizzling kisses, has claimed her heart. When a madman discovers Amberlynn’s hiding place, no one is safe from harm: not Brede, his young daughter—or Amberlynn herself!
“Ms Vines has written a suspenseful romantic tale. Brede and Amberlynn are very strong and likable characters. Brede’s daughter, Gretchen, adds a lot to the story. The ranch hands are very colorful and fun, especially Caldwell, the ornery cook. His elopement had me laughing out loud! This is a very entertaining story.
Rating: 4 cups for “Brede” Rodeo Romance, Book 2
Maura, CoffeeTimeRomance and Find Out About New Books
“Brede’ is an emotionally involving, thrilling suspense filled with passion and romance. The characters are fully developed and will make the reader care about the outcome...A wonderful heartfelt story that will thrill the readers.
5 Hearts
Anita, The Romance Studio
4 Quills!
A must-read, Novelspot.com
Link to Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B004C7W6PE?ccs_id
My books are available via Barnes & Noble. Or via your favorite online vendor.
Amazon has an excerpt for your reading pleasure!
Feel free to share a childhood adventure or two with me (via the comments).
Happy reading!
Connie
