March 29, 2015

My metamorphosis into a writer - Ruth L. Snyder

My journey to becoming a writer is more of a metamorphosis (by definition, "A profound change in form from one stage to the next") than a "Eureka" moment.


I clearly remember the day I read my first book. (It was actually more like rehearsing the memorized text of my favourite book, but to me it was reading.) I made everyone I encountered sit down and listen to me "read". A few weeks later I realized those squiggles on the page had meaning and began the process of learning how to actually read. Reading opened a colourful imaginative world I still enjoy today.


The next step in the metamorphosis came a year or so later. We lived in South Africa at the time and had just returned from a year of furlough in the United States and Canada. Writing letters formed a link across the ocean and helped me stay in touch with relatives. I remember listening intently as my mother read each letter, using my imagination to visualize the actions and people described. Soon I joined my mother writing letters back.

We enjoyed a visit from a special family friend, "Auntie Ngairie," a couple years after we moved to Botswana. Decades later, I remember her insistence that my writing would be stronger if I used a greater variety of words. "Try not to repeat any words. Replace repetitions with something that will add to the meaning." (Something I still work at today!)


A year or so later, my sister and I joined our two older brothers at a mission hostel in Zimbabwe. We travelled five hundred miles by train to attend school in the capital city of Salisbury (now called Harare). Writing became even more important to me because I was away from my parents for three months at a time. I eagerly anticipated the weekly letters my parents wrote, and in return, I searched for words to describe my activities and opportunities.



We moved to Canada in 1977 and other than school activities or the very occasional letter, my writing consisted of daily journaling. This continued through middle school and high school. In grade ten, I joined the school newsletter and yearbook committees. Here I discovered the joy of sharing my writing with a larger audience. I also enjoyed experimenting with layout and design.


After I finished Bible College, my mother showed me an advertisement for a writing "aptitude test". "You should do this and send it in." More to get her to leave me alone than anything else, I complied. A few weeks later I received an invitation to take a course on writing for children from the Institute of Children's Literature in Connecticut. I received encouraging comments from my instructor and learned the basics of writing for children. After two courses from the institute, the metamorphosis continued with two more courses from their sister organization, Long Ridge Writers' Group.


One of my instructors encouraged me to join groups where I would have the opportunity to interact with other writers. Through the internet I found and connected with The Word Guild, InScribe Christian Writers' Fellowship and The Christian PEN. These groups provided more nurturing and encouragement. Winning the Fresh Ink contest with The Word Guild finally convinced me I am a writer. Conferences provide opportunities to learn from and network with other writers. Through a course with The Christian PEN I met Kathi Macias, who invited me to write my first novella, Cecile's Christmas Miracle.


The metamorphosis continues. This week I learned how to format my own manuscript for Kindle and uploaded my Learn Twitter: 10 Beginning Steps to Amazon. Launch date is set for April 27th. I'm excited to see where God and my writing lead next!



Follow Ruth's adventures in writing and life at http://ruthlsnyder.com

9 comments:

  1. I was struck by Auntie Ngairie's instruction to a little girl on how to improve her writing. At a child level, we often take such critique to heart. But how often, as adults, do we take the time to give a child one solid piece of advice to help them when we see some promise? I need to remember that!

    I'm blown away by how many of those who've become writers started with the Institute of Children's Literature course. I remember those ads being in many magazines and newspapers. They really did launch a lot of writers!

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  2. Anonymous5:48 am GMT-7

    A common theme throughout your story is encouragement. More and more I see encouragement being a necessary element and thankful God brought those encouraging words through others to help direct your steps to becoming a writer!

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  3. Bobbi,
    You're right. We need to make time to give children a solid piece of advice :)

    I highly recommend The Institute of Children's Literature to anyone who wants help and ENCOURAGEMENT (as you mention, Lynn). When you sign up for a course, you are matched with a mentor who is a published author.

    I'm grateful for many who have encouraged and mentored me. One of my goals is to mentor and encourage others.

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    1. Ruth, I agree wholeheartedly with your opinion of The Institute of Children's Literature. I started taking their course in 1997, but quit when my circumstances got too much -- I was 45 and pregnant with our 7th. :) Later I took another course with Winghill, where I also had a personal mentor. There's nothing like having a published author review your work and give you one-on-one advice on how to make it better.

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  4. Wow, you have had quite the writing journey Ruth.
    I love the title of this post. Our writing path really is more about slowly transforming than an instant moment of transformation ins't it!?
    It is great to see that you have a launch date set for your Twitter book! As I got a sneak peak of your book, I can attest to its helpfulness! This will be a great resource for modern day authors!
    Blessings on all your writing journeys Ruth!

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  5. Thanks for your encouragement and support, Melanie :) I'm so grateful for all you InScribers!

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  6. This truly is an encouraging blog, Ruth. All the encouragement you received, you are passing on to us. Thanks.

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  7. I've taken courage from watching your metamorphosis as a writer, Ruth.
    Pam

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