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Blog Entry 41 of 68 The Write Words
I hope to write about anything and everything that comes into my mind, as long as it is in good taste. I hope to communicate effectively and stimulate thought and conversation. I can't wait to get started!

Blog Url: http://denver.yourhub.com/~ErinsBlog

When writing blesses others

Contributed by: Erin Di Paolo   on 5/1/2007

I have always loved to write. When I say always, I mean it. I started keeping journals when I was young, probably 7 or 8. I wrote a "novel" when I was 11 or 12. It was a sappy love story, but it was over 200 pages, handwritten. Not bad, even if it was dreadful.

I majored in journalism and was a sportswriter for many years, before getting married and being a stay-at-home mom. Even though I wrote in my journal sporadically, I quit all other types of writing for years.

About a year ago I knew it was time to start writing again. A few close friends urged me to do so, having the ability to look past what I couldn't see. They were able to overlook what I could not - my fear, which was crippling me from doing what I loved the most. They did what good friends do - encourage. I will never forget the truth they spoke into my life, truth I so desperately needed to hear, truth that ultimately got me off my butt to pursue my dream.

The ultimate goal of my writing is to make an impact. When I read a good story or book, my litmus test, so to speak, is if I cry or not. If I cry, it is a winner. If I don't, well...It doesn't mean it was not necessarily a good piece of writing, but it means it left me with nothing. And if I put the time in to read anything, I want to feel something or be moved in some way. When I write a story, if the reader is touched, on some level, I have succeeded.

About a year ago I wrote a story entitled "Eat Your Chocolate Cake." It is about a co-worker of mine, Kim Larkin-Davis, who was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was one of the first stories I wrote after resuming my writing career. My goal was to touch her and encourage others, but in the back of my mind, I wanted to see the story published. Writers always have that goal, whether they admit it or not. As much as I am zealous about writing just for the sake of it, I never tire of seeing my name in print.

A few months ago I received word that the story will be published in an upcoming book entitled "Voices of Breast Cancer." When I found out, I became giddy. I am so darn excited, but not just for me. I am thrilled for Kim who has fought the good fight and kept her faith.

When I told Kim my news - our news -- she hugged me, would not let go, and just cried and cried. She said that only He (God) could bring something good out of something bad. And she told me I deserved it.

I don't think I deserve it, especially since it's her story. But that is the beauty of writing. The writer gets to tell someone else's wonderful, amazing story and ultimately ends up getting the accolades for it. You certainly can't beat that. Even though I think the writing life is one of constant ups and downs and one of the hardest ways to make a living, I also believe it is the best.

And I wouldn't trade it for the world.


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CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION

Erin Di Paolo

Denver , CO

Erin Di Paolo has posted 68 blog entries and 1 comment since joining on 3/18/2006. Erin Di Paolo 's average blog rating is 4.45.
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