Operation: Let's get Blogging!

I'm not quite sure I understand the point behind blogging, except that it's essentially a public journal or diary for all the world to see--if the world even wants to see it.  Unless you're knee-slappingly funny, or one of those good samaritans that makes some of us think "my faith in humanity has been restored," the world could care less about your public diary.  And now you're thinking, what does that have to do with the title of this post?  I'm afraid that particular piece of information will come at the end--unless you manage to pick up some of the hints of why I'm starting this blog.

Moving on to the actual post.

So, now that I am a second semester junior in college, I figured I should start thinking about life....like ACTUAL life.  Like...reality.  As in REAL life.  As in job-searching--(insert sarcasm) "Oh, you're a creative/English writing major?  What do you plan to do with that?"  

What do I plan to do with my CREATIVE writing degree?  What a silly question!  I plan to be a creator!  That is to say, a creator of stories and books.  But not just any books.  Books that give people a new perspective on things and cause them to think critically.  Now you may be thinking one of two things--a) Yeah, you and the other hundreds of upcoming authors in the world, and b) Think?  I don't like to think.

Well, what I didn't tell you earlier is that I plan to write children and young adult books.  I know, I know.  So what?  So--my desire is to create literature for children and young adults that inspires and motivates them to strive for their best.  I want to take them to another world--but not in a sense that they escape from reality, but that they find the comfort, hope, and strength needed to confront whatever situation is present or thrown at them.  Deep down, I think that's what most authors want to achieve.  It's nice to be taken away by a book, but once that book is over, cold harsh reality is still waiting for you...with a Cheshire grin on its face.  The same thing can be said with music. 

Many people I've talked to responded to my future career as an author with, "Good.  We need more children's literature books these days."  My reaction?  Well first, I agree.  Second, complete and utter surprise.  I'm used to the condescending, elitist response that involves the hints that I'm going to fail (along with the rest of us writers) and that I should be studying something "useful".  Well, let me just say that there were many subjects in high school that I didn't find very useful...and granted, the people I talked to were older (having lived most of their life), and they ranged from people still working (like doctors) to people volunteering at non-profit organizations.  Each and every one of them admired me for my goals and passions, and wished me the best of luck on my journey.

The thing with children is, they are the future.  I know that's a cheesy and obvious statement and has been said many a time, but honestly, how can we expect to have a future when the future has nothing to look forward to?  Additionally, how do we expect that future to help improve our world and life without the right tools?  That being said, I'm going to quote my mom (and every other good parent) and say that I want to give those children a better life they deserve by leaving behind a world that gives them hope.  Believe it or not, that can be accomplished with books.  And it can be accomplished without the false security that is found in those "take me away" fantasy or dream worlds.

Anyway...

If you happen to still read this, I tip my hat to you.  I think all I've accomplished is what every other blogger does, which is to type every single thought that comes to mind.  However, that wasn't my intention.  The goal of this blog is to help kick-start my career as an author.  Whether or not I've accomplished said goal, I don't really know.  I guess the future knows the answer to that. 

By the way, Happy Chinese New Year!  For all of you born in the year of the Horse, it's all about you. :-)