I'm reading short stories by Roald Dahl and I just finished a true story about how he became a writer. It was a complete fluke! Mr. Dahl had always been told by his headmasters that he was awful in writing.
During WWII he flew planes. When the U.S. entered the war, England sent him to the U.S. to "assist" them since he was a seasoned warpilot. One day, a famous writer came to see him to get some war stories to publish for the newspaper. Roald typed up a true story about his war experience for him, expecting that the author would re-work it to make it good. The author turned the story in as Dahl had written it and his career began (though, after that, he choose to write fiction).
So, what is your story? How did you become a writer?
Me: I joined a writer's group at church. I loved the writing prompts during class (write about a sound, remember a time, etc.). I began writing stories from my childhood. Then, I tried my hand at writing devotions and got two published. I then spent 1.5 years writing a fiction fantasy, which I am now revising. I have two more books planned. I'm no famous author, but it is interesting to know what "sparks" people to write. How about you?
I can only be grateful for that assignment given to Roald Dahl that got him started writing. The world of children's lit. would be so much less without his wonderful books.
ReplyDeleteI agree! How amazing is that!
DeleteI always assumed that Roald Dahl would have been naturally good at writing, even at a young age.
ReplyDeleteI can't remember when I started writing but the other day I visited a site which renewed my interest in it - www.cowbird.com. A couple of days ago I wrote a short story and posted it on there and my own blog.
Very interesting, Dawn. I love to hear stories of what got people started writing. I'll be checking back to see what inspired others.
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