To Be Prolific

My life has been fairly stable. Rarely does an event “change my life” in any significant way. Marriage, children, one’s job. Of course, these alter one’s life course, but when I think of a life-changing moment uniquely mine ,only one comes readily to my mind, and it has greatly affected these past 13 years of my life. 

Since my early school days, I’d enjoyed the magic of words, devouring books and feeling pride in some stories written for my creative writing class. After marriage, I occasionally wrote Christmas song parodies, but it was not until the new millennium that my life took a dramatic turn.  I came out of the writing “closet” and showed my few poems online!

If I had to name the one most pivotal moment in this new era for me, it would be the day I commented to a fellow poetess how I wished I were as prolific as she. I’d see her every day posting poems while I had barely a handful to show for myself. To paraphrase, this is what she told me: My friend, you must make yourself write. If you run out of ideas, just find a contest or some kind of inspiration in a phrase, topic, or  picture. Sit yourself down and start writing! You can do it!

Well, I did just that! I joined clubs and workshops, subscribed to magazines and acquainted myself with people who motivated me to create. Thirteen years later, here I am, writing at least two to three times a week. My life has been enriched by friendships formed through poetry and by a feeling of satisfaction that I am growing as a writer so that today I can confidently proclaim:  Like those poets once my mentors, I too can be prolific!


299 words/ For Heather Ober's Moment of Truth (PROSE or NARRATIVE)Contest
Copyright © | Year Posted 2013


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Date: 7/5/2013 7:02:00 PM
That is so true we should always write of just jut on a piece of paper. I can honestly say I have been in one heck of a writing slump lately. Nothing seems to sound right or look good. I need my mojo back soon. Love this write. phyl
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Date: 6/28/2013 4:03:00 PM
Andrea I need to copy and paste congratulations for all your wins. My fingers are tiring. Congratulations! Warm Smiles, Connie
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Date: 6/26/2013 2:52:00 PM
grr had to type this twice LOL .. SO true just write!! Congrad's on your win. Light & Love
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Date: 6/25/2013 6:15:00 PM
Hello again Petal, One could spend all there time in the soup congratulating you lol. Who got the big parcel yet again lol. Take care, Richard
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Date: 6/25/2013 11:48:00 AM
yes yo are prolific, andie... congrats on your win!...:) huggs
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Date: 6/25/2013 11:25:00 AM
Andrea, an inspiring and interesting story. Congratulations on your well deserving fine win. I enjoyed the read~ Caryl
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Date: 6/25/2013 11:09:00 AM
an amazing story Andrea .......you now inspire many poets ...congrats on a great win
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Date: 6/25/2013 10:27:00 AM
Andrea, you have become that poetess who inspires us all with your talent and kindness. I loved hearing about this pivotol moment in your life - and I also really loved seeing some prose from you. Congrats on your win in my contest :)
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Date: 6/25/2013 9:08:00 AM
BEAUTIFUL, Andrea. Not only are you prolific, you also mentor many here. Congratulations! :) Hugs
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Date: 6/25/2013 5:12:00 AM
Andrea a lovely description of your growth writing gl with it Shadow x smiles
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Date: 6/24/2013 7:02:00 AM
That is a true friend and you are to. I will also learn from this and continue to learn and write. I enjoy the kind words from my friends here and overlook the not so nice words as a learning experience. I am happy for you my friend.
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Date: 6/23/2013 8:40:00 AM
Being prolific and writing well is what you have achieved Petal, For some it's a gift. I think you received the big parcel lol. Take care, Richard
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Date: 6/22/2013 10:51:00 AM
My friend, you are very lucky that you got nice help from your poetess friend and you are too nice that you are remembering her with this poem. Very happy to know about you here in the P.S. Beautifully explained. Loved always, bl
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Date: 6/21/2013 1:49:00 PM
so glad your friend gave you the confidence to write, my friend
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Date: 6/21/2013 1:06:00 AM
Stephen King said the same thing, "Sometimes you have to go on when you don't feel like it, and sometimes you're doing good work when it feels like all you're managing is to shovel sh*t from a sitting position.”. To keep the creative process flowing, even if it feels you're not going anywhere is important... awesome prose and a definite turning point in life. Honestly, before writing I couldn't tell you what I was truly passionate about...
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Date: 6/20/2013 4:41:00 PM
Well there's a bit of information for the reader ;} ,,,, have a great day Andrea ;}
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Date: 6/19/2013 3:28:00 PM
Enjoyed reading contest entry that speaks of your life's experience when it comes to writing..Thanks for the visit to my work..I appreciate your timely comment..We are back to our old abnormal selves..Ha! Ha!!Sara
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Date: 6/18/2013 9:44:00 PM
andrea you have disclosed a great secret. People never easily reveal neatly sketched path for success.you are so benevolent
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Date: 6/18/2013 6:09:00 PM
Andrea, I love this revelation you made about yourself. I'm so happy that you are now prolific for we get to enjoys the many wonderful and inspiring fruits of your labour. you are a treasure! Hugs
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Date: 6/18/2013 2:06:00 PM
You are not only prolific, you write with great talent, emotion, beauty. I love everything of yours I have read.
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Date: 6/18/2013 5:37:00 AM
I, like you, Andrea, didn't come out of the closet....lol until I was in my fifties. Also, I am of the opinion that it is not the quantity of your writing but the quality that separates the good writers from the great writers, and you dear girl are a great writer. Lainie
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Date: 6/17/2013 11:08:00 PM
An inspiring tale! There is an ongoing debate about how much one should revise. I am thinking about volunteering at Poets House in NYC. It is a 50.000 volume library - all poetry! Peace & Love Matthew Anish
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Date: 6/17/2013 3:33:00 PM
and now you pass on your skills to many others, i for one, you've inspired me many times,, thanks Andrea..
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Date: 6/17/2013 2:19:00 PM
a great poem in this form Andrea.I love your moment of truth!
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Date: 6/17/2013 1:29:00 PM
oh yes, you are, andie... keep the pen dripping, yes!.. thanks for the honors of being part of your couplet contest...:) huggs
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