Are you a Reader, or are you a Writer? by Rusty Rushfeldt

Are you a reader, or are you a writer, or one of the fortunate ones who enjoys reading and writing?  If you are of the latter, then color me jealous.

From an early age reading was torture for me, unless there were pictures/illustrations attached.

Comics books, Popular Science, and National Geographic magazines were my go-to resources for improving my reading skills.

Then came high school (Canada).  I needed good grades in my English class to move ahead into future education.  Knowing my limitations, how would I manage?

One thought came to mind.  I could make a placard and parade around the school, advertising for a girlfriend who would read my English assignments and guide me through the English curriculum.  Yah, I didn’t have the guts to do that.

As luck would have it, maybe through mystical thought projection and my magnetic personality, I met a friendly girl who was an avid reader. She knew of my reading challenges and was willing to help me.  With her help, I passed all my English assignments.  I could write, just not read well.

So, here I am, submitting a short horror story to Twisted50.  Something I never dreamed of, or knew existed. 

I was somewhat reluctant knowing that one of the submission requirements was to read at least two stories and give feedback.  This scared the hell out of me.  I do not have the skillset and education to critique others, but it had to be done.  Hopefully, my comments were of some value.

The main challenge was how to select which stories to read.  There were so many great taglines and awesome cover graphics.  There may exist a predisposition to read stories of previous winners, or of familiar authors.  Actually, it’s the new and unknown authors that need the support of your editorial comments.

So, am I a reader? Not really, but I’m working on it. I now realize the importance it brings forward to developing my writing skills.

So, am I a writer? Absolutely.  But not a skilled and proficient writer, just a writer who enjoys telling a story.

What am I?  I’m a creator, with no intention of mastering any one discipline. I’m a firm believer in the power of unrestricted imagination.

I no longer have the attitude of not being worthy enough, or educated enough, to enter a writing contest.  I now do it for the creative thrill and enjoyment of sharing a story. 

It doesn’t matter which group you fall into, know that you can develop the skills you feel need extra help.  Just ask.

So, pat yourself on the back, look into a mirror, and give yourself a high-five, and an enthusiastic “Well Done”.

Happy daydreaming.