Health & Fitness

Yes, I Do Think I Can Write

Can a news editor write romance novels?

 

I was a bit of a “thief” in elementary school. You know those blue composition books? I had a stash of them under my bed. And secretly, at night, I wrote stories on that wide-lined paper. I’m sure Mr. Russell knew about my stash of Hood Elementary School supplies, but he kept my little secret all these years.

Although I wrote those stories in secret, no one was surprised when I started writing vignettes for The Popsicle (oh, please, North Reading High kids, tell me that literary magazine is still around!); editorials for The Deliberator (which will hopefully one day return to NRHS) and hockey game recaps for The Transcript.

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My college days were spent writing news pieces for my classes at Boston University and men’s soccer recaps for the Daily Free Press. Quite a feat was that second one. I still barely know a rule to men’s soccer. What is a corner kick anyway?

I graduated BU and went on to the Stoneham Sun where I was reporter and editor for five years. I even taught a bit in elementary schools before returning to my first love – writing.

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And now, with my Mrs. M days in the classroom long gone and my Woburn Patch days in full swing, I’ve thrown myself full throttle into writing.

It started with National Novel Writing Month in November last year. I told everyone I was going to write a novel in a month and, again, no one was surprised. My mom nodded and said, “You’ll do it.” My dad gave me that bemused smile (the same one that accompanied many of my other statements. Remember when I was going to make a living crocheting toys? Where is that crochet hook again?). My friends all supported me. My husband took care of things around the house, all while I wrote 50,000 words in 30 days. Actually, 28. But who’s counting?

So, yes, Harlequin, I do think I can write. And it’s a good thing, because I’m entering the international publishing company’s So You Think You Can Write contest this month.

You might think I’m entering that manuscript from last November. But, no, I’ve started a whole new one that is about 11,000 words deep and ready for whatever plot twists I can come up with over the next month. Yes, I just might be a glutton for punishment. Let’s definitely put the pressure on to write 50,000 words before Oct. 18 (the second round submission date). And let’s definitely assume I’ll get to that second round. Because…

Yeah, you guessed it.

I think I can write.

Originally published on my personal blog. Follow me on Facebook, if you like what you're reading.


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