The Literary Type Minus the Pretension
I began writing at an early age, although, my first “works” often had no one but myself as the intended audience.
Most of these efforts were lost to the sands of time and the multiple moves that happened along the way. I feel like I finally grew my legs as a writer after the passing of my mother in the fall of 1990. Clearly an event like this has life-changing implications for years to come. With the help of a counselor when I was 15 years old, I was able to successfully gather, process and then articulate the thoughts, emotions and ideas that were flooding my brain at the time. Without an event like the passing of a parent and without the experience and assistance of a caring counselor, I likely wouldn’t have been able to endure this time in my life, let alone turn all of that negative energy into something positive.
The life, style and essence of any writer are unmistakably shaped by his or her experiences. I am no different than any other writer in this regard. I have writers block like any other writer and I also have moments of inspiration and clarity like any other writer. I’d compare writing to mathematics in many ways. Writing is a simple equation, really…
Actually, I hate math but I wanted to make the point that anyone can write but those that are truly gifted have an immeasurable head start over those that rely on more mechanical means. I make no claims that I am one of the gifted ones. It’s my hope that my experience, inspiration and perspective is unique enough to make for compelling works. I hope that my effort is determined enough to see me through to the end of my tasks. I pray that my talent is enough that others may see my ideas on the printed page the way that I see them in my mind.
D. Brent Ruyter