It Always Feels Like The First Time
All writers have experienced it. It’s that warm fuzzy feeling of joy when we’ve written something that we know is good. It’s that feeling of giving birth to a creative or thought-provoking piece.
For some, it’s a piece they wrote as a child, their first moment of self expression that they will never forget writing. For others it’s a first poem or completion of the first chapter of what will ultimately become their debut book. And yet still for a different sect of people it’s the sale of their first book, a moment which solidifies in the writer’s mind, more than anything else, that they are truly a writer because someone is willing to shell out hard-earned cash to read the words they have connected together.
No matter what stage the feeling comes, it is still felt by ALL writers and there is nothing like the experience of your first time.
…Or is there?
Since the debut of my novel, Mistress Memoirs, I thought nothing else could compare to “that” feeling. Nothing else could bring me the same joy.
But each experience as an Author proves me wrong. Each night I write, as I compose my next novel, and as I stare out my bedroom window into the night, allowing the stars to be my inspiration as they guide my fingertips across the keyboard, I get “that” feeling as if the new book is my very first.
Each time I have a book signing and a reader has the look in their eyes as if they have just purchased a precious keepsake, I think to myself, “This is what makes it worthwhile” and my heart is filled with “that” feeling once again.
And in the midst of these experiences, I ask myself why do I write. And each and every time, the answer is two-fold: I write because my souls say I have to and I write because there is extreme satisfaction in entertaining others. It’s a win/win situation for me.
It’s at that point that I realize that when releasing my muse, I get the same gratification I received when initially stringing my first thoughts together in written format, and that makes me smile. The long nights of writing, knowing I will pay for it in the morning through fatigue are worth it, because it’s fulfilling, and ultimately, for me…it always feels like the first time.
Lorraine Elzia is the Author of Mistress Memoirs. She is a 2009 African American Literary Award nominee for “Break-Out” Author of the year and has been featured in several anthologies including two Chicken Soup for the Soul Anthologies and The Triumph of My Soul Anthology. Lorraine is Co-Owner of Eve’s Literary Services,contributing Editor of the “Gumbo for the Soul” series; and Co-Moderator of Essentially Women, a writing group for African American women. She is from Austin, Texas, by way of Motown (Detroit, Michigan) and it is her desire that through the written word delivered in different genres, she will be able to inspire and motivate others to see the beauty that resides within all people. www.lorraineelzia.com;www.peaceinthestormpublishing.com.
4 responses to "Meet Lorraine Elzia"
The joys of being a writer. Thanks for sharing this. I love writing.
Enjoyed reading the piece. Thanks for sharing. Continued blessings on all of your endeavors.
Congrats on the nomination! You definately have my vote!
Selena Winston
Author Butterfly Kisses
It's very nice to see someone truly enjoys their work. Very positive and motivating story. I thank you for sharing and wish you the best in your future endeavors.