When You're Right, You Write

I first got the inkling to become a professional writer in the seventh grade, although I didn't really decide upon it until my senior year, when I took journalism and became the editor of the school paper.  In previous posts, I mentioned my troubles getting into a college with a journalism program or school paper, as well as the difficulties I had trying to get a job as a reporter.  I wanted a steady job before turning to writing, just in case I had problems.  I later would learn that many professional writers actually got their start in journalism. Anyway, that part of my dream has passed and I have decided on a slightly different path to writing.  I need to go back to school to get my Master's/Master's in Fine Arts degree; or, if not accepted, then to get a second Bachelor's degree (probably in art as that would be the only one I could complete in a relatively short time as I was only two courses short of an art minor).  I have a few reasons for this.  First, I need to get back into the feel fro writing.  In case you haven't noticed, I have made a few grammatical mistakes and not just mistypes in these posts.  I need a refresher to get me back to speed.  Just writing this blog, and my store's, every week isn't enough.  I have had many ideas, but I have yet put any down for fear they will become "locked", in a way, and I wouldn't change them.  Second, I have been too isolated from the "real " world.  I need to reconnect with the greater world just so I get to know it again.  Let's face it, I feel that I am unhirable in my current condition.  I have no real work history and few skills.  I can barely use basic computer programs; this comes from someone who used to goof off on the school's Mac with a friend instead of working back in 1989.  While college might be insular, it is more than open enough for me to slowly enter the work force.  As of right now, I think few would hire me, unless they already knew me and what I had once been capable of.  Finally, I have come to accept that while I might have the heart of an artist, I have the brain of an academic.  A university might just be the best place for me to work.  While teaching might not be the ultimate goal,  a college campus could just be the best place for me to work.  I forwent education as a career because I didn't think I could handle being around children, but maybe older students wouldn't be so bad.  There are other jobs on campus as well, if I could get them, perhaps.  Once I have a job, or at least a renewed sense of my capabilities, then I will be ready to start writing professionally.  I think I might need help to reach my goals, though.  I have never been that much of a self-starter, so I need as much encouragement as possible.  Any help would be accepted, even if it is just a random comment.  Really.  Just saying I could do it would be a big help.  Every little bit helps.   Remember that.