Wednesday 23 June 2010

One Writer's Journey to Inspirational Writing by Regina Andrews



When I look back at the moments that have formed me – as an individual, as a woman and as a writer – I would have to say the summer when I lost my father was a complete turning point in my life.

That might sound like a grim beginning to a posting, but really, it’s completely the opposite. It is a joy-filled journey, filled with happiness and the gratitude of having a family life that gave me the perspective I needed to succeed.

Getting back to my journey, my father used to take me to his office occasionally when I was little, and boy, was that a big thrill. I loved to meet his co-workers and see the place where he did all his Big Important Things. But what did I love most of all? Sitting at his typewriter, writing.

So I began writing, early on and it continued through high school, where I was Editor of the Literary Magazine, through Graduate School where I discovered Barbara Cartland.

Living in a world of royalty, civility and romance, where happily-ever-after was assured, seemed like a really nice destination, to me. So I set out to write romances, and to be legit, applied to Law School. The week before I started law school, we lost him.

When I lost him, so unexpectedly, that day in late summer, I turned again to writing. Only this time, it was diaries. It was letters to physicians and insurance companies. It was thank-you letters to nurse and staff and priests and organists and funeral home guys and relatives and friends who had helped us through it all. It wasn’t romantic. It was as real-life as I ever could have imagined.

Then one night, I just started writing to God. That was the beginning of a new phase in my writer’s consciousness. As the phrase goes, when God closes one door, He opens another.


To be continued tomorrow.

12 comments:

  1. Regina,
    What an inspriational story. It's wonderful that you thanked those people for their care. Just that little bit means a lot. I'm looking forward to part two.

    Smiles
    Steph

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  2. Thank you for your comment, Steph. Writing takes so many different forms, but underneath it all it's all about connecting with each other, heart-to-heart. Thank you for having me today!
    Hugs,
    Regina

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  3. Gina,
    You are such an inspirational person! I'm so glad you've chosen to share your story with us - I hope it inspires everyone else as much as it has me. I can't wait to read part 2.
    Big hugs,
    Nicole

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  4. Dear Nicole, thank you so much. I was thinking of you and hoping it would touch you :-) Hugs, Gina

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  5. That's an inspiring blog, Regina. Thanks for sharing your journey and thoughts about your dad.

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  6. Hi Gail, thank you so much for your comment. You're very welcome.
    In friendship,
    Regina

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  7. How emotional and heart tugging. Yes, I think those "big" moments in our lives can be our turning points and direct us toward the road we later travel.

    I'm sure your Dad would be proud of you. :)

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  8. Hi Miss Mae,
    Thank you for your comment, astute and so very kind. I appreciate your sensitivity. And wouldn't my Dad be so happy that I'm fortunate enough to know so many wonderful colleagues-friends!
    :-) Regina

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  9. What a beautiful and inspirational post. Thank you for sharing. May the Lord continue to guide and bless you in your writing.

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  10. Dear Anne,
    Thank you for your kind words and understanding. I wondered if this would be all right to post, and comments like yours are making me so glad I did.
    Blessings,
    Regina

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  11. Great post - I enjoyed it very much!

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  12. Hi Diane, that means so very much to me!
    Thank you.
    Hugs,
    Regina

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