Georgia Writers Association

Oh Pooh!

I have figured it all out! I know where this writing thing all began. It was in third grade, Mrs. Palmer's class. I wrote a story called Pooh Sticks. It's amazing what you can get away with in third grade. My main character was named Winnie-the-Pooh and the antagonist was named Eeyore. Of course, this was well before Disney bought the rights from the A. A. Milne estate. I'm relieved to know that I am now past the statues of limitations and no lawsuit is pending. I can come out of hiding! But, this is indeed where it started. A teacher sparked my enthusiasm for writing, the spark became a thought, the thought encouraged research, research brought about desire, desire led to time with pen and pad, and . . . an author was born. Long before I ever attempted to publish a work I was an author. I am an author. I have always been an author. I will always be an author. I am thoroughly convinced an author is what I was created to be. It took me more than forty years to figure that out, but I'm not dead yet!

When I finally recognized the gift, I also recognized that this gift was not going to see fruition while sitting on my tush. I knew I had to get my tush in shape. It's time to get your tush in shape too, which requires exercise! Get up and exercise your writing and marketing skills. It's Time to get your book finished, edited, published and marketed.  It is time!

Guest Author Blog is a new feature of Georgia Writers Online. We hope you enjoy these authentic columns about the writer's life. Pamela Jackson was the 2006 Georgia Author of the Year - First Novel for her book, On This Side of Heaven.