When I first became truly introspective (probably about the age of 13), I decided that I was primarily a writer. Now I have let that Aspect ruminate in the shadows for an Eon. But with the discovery of Steemit and a confluences of different of trends, activities and interests, I have decided once again to pick up the Quill.

While I have not yet been published, or at least not professionally published, my writing experience has gone through and ebb and flow. I first started writing in earnest in high school, mostly essays and poems. Typical, right? I then decided to extend this interest to college as a journalist. I figured this would allow me to continue to write while learning about the world about me and having (hopefully) a regular paycheck. One professor who wrote for the Village Voice dissuaded me of this career; she said it was a very lonely profession. Screw that! I was already a lonely individual. Last thing I needed was a career that reinforced my tendency to roll on my own.

Now, while in high school, I discovered that I had a gift for tongues. I chose to study French, because I decided it was a more challenging language then Spanish or Italian. I guess you could say I was a linguistic snob in Queens, NY. So, in college when I abandoned journalism I ultimately ended up with language. I did a double major in French and Spanish through the CUNY Baccalaureate Program. Then at the CUNY Graduate Center I got a Master's degree in translation from French to English and Spanish to English. A classmate helped me to land a job as a translator with Chase Manhattan Bank (now JPMorganChase). So I was able to continue my interest as a writer after a fashion.

As a professional translator, I returned to writing on the side. And this time I focused on short stories. I took a class at the Writers Studio. It was a good experience. I liked my product and learned a lot. My instructor/coach recognized my talent. However, when I decided to continue on to the next level, I was told that each student had to take each class twice! My BS meter hit the red zone. I gave them a big mental middle finger and hit the road.

A few years later I discovered the Write Group in Montclair, NJ. I allowed the organizer of the novel group to convince me that one short story I was working on had potential to become a novel. Unfortunately proto-SJW's found the world my novel took place in offensive. And I hit writer's block. So I ended up leaving the Write Group and the novel, discouraged.

I then wrote a short story that I ultimately submitted to the Fantasy and Science Fiction Magazine. I am proud to say that I got my first rejection: just one more "No" that's closer to "Yes", neh? I think I will I start my writing trade here on Steemit with that short story.

To be continued . . .