No matter what occupation I list on my tax return
and whether I like it or not
I’m a writer.
I may not be best writer in my hometown
or state
or even in my own family.
But writing is what I’m best at and what feels meaningful to me.
Let me tell you a quick story.
Back in January 2020, before the plague, I was disillusioned on a New Orleans cruise ship, complaining about a jazz band I arbitrarily dubbed “too white.”
Hungover, I wanted to launch all of their instruments one by one into the Mississippi River.
And I openly wished for a “pittance” from the universe.
I didn’t realize it at the time.
But the universe had already issued my pittance to me.
And it’s right here at my fingertips.
Or, maybe my writing ability is a cosmic bounty.
I’m thankful for it.
In the future I’m going to be more appreciative of the gifts I receive from the universe and from others.
I’m a writer.
And I’m proud.
If you’re a writer
And you’ve ever put your words out into the world and faced:
– Scorn
– Ridicule
– Criticism
– Financial struggle
– Depression or anxiety from the job
– Or perhaps worst of all, had your work outright ignored
Then you have my sympathy and profound respect.
Because you’re a writer.
And you should be proud too.
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Photo – Me hungover aboard the Steamboat Natchez in January, 2020. My book, Love Songs and Suicide, was born during this trip.
R. Ross Horton is a writer, editor, and musician based in Palm Coast, FL. Last year he published his first book, Love Songs and Suicide: A Travel Memoir, Romance, and Tragic Musical Comedy. At Lovesong.blog, Ross strives to help people find harmony in a chaotic world. Visit this website’s about page to learn more.