My writing - I don't care if they don't care

While I'm doing some online admin, a cyber friend logs on.

Him: Darling...
Me: Sweetheart! It's been forever.
Him: I know, how are you?
Me: I'm good, can't complain - and you?
Him: Busy as usual. I'm going to Geneva next month... meet me there!
Me: I wish! I'm working right through December & even January.
Him: So what are you up to these days?
Me: Work - gym - home. Writing a lot these days.
Him: Cool. What are you writing?
Me: Blogging and also... working on a memoir of some sorts.
Him: HA HA HA! A memoir?
(I don't reply)
Him: What are you writing a memoir for? You're too young for that.
(Now I'm irritated. At myself for telling him. At him for laughing at me)
Me: Am I?
Him: Just kidding! Hey babe...I gotta run.
Me: Later


So is there an age specification or limit for writing anything in particular?

After the chat, I posted a question on Twitter asking if writers should tell their family & friends about their writing projects. My family & friends never know what I'm writing about and only get to read it after its been published. There's risk of being laughed at - as I was (and I don't know if he was kidding or not) but it got me thinking.


But I must emphasize that my parents are my #1 readers!

While it's fine to write about anything I want to, what makes me think that anyone else gives a damn about what's going on in my life? Who cares about how I got lost in a deserted market place in the dead of night when I just arrived in Korea? Does anyone care about the people I've met and how they've touched me with their kindness and hospitality? And who's bothered to read about my drama that unfolded when my external hard drive fell to the ground and I felt like my world came crashing down on me?

I can't give you stats on who will read all that I write, but I do know that since I'm able to express myself the way I do, I won't let anyone get me down or have me question myself about why I write.

My love for words grew from primary (middle) school to high school. I knew that whatever profession I choose to follow, writing will always be my first love.

Elizabeth Gilbert of Eat, Pray, Love fame says that all writers think they suck. At the best of times, I think my writing sucks and there are days I can't believe I've published something on my blog for the whole world to read and rip to pieces if they wish to. Judging is part of human nature and I feel like every time I hit "Publish Post" I'm literally putting myself out there. I'm out there in cyberspace for all to see me naked.

I'm always happy (and humbled) when I receive comments and emails from people who read my writing. I can only say to them: 'Thank You'

Back to my earlier question:

So is there an age specification or limit for writing anything in particular?

I may be 2... Hmmmm! ....I'm in my mid-twenties. Does that mean I've not lived long enough to write about worthwhile experiences? Hell to the N-O! I know that I have seen and done more than some people I know who are twice my age. And some people who are my age are straddled with responsibilities of being a wife and mother. Not to say that I don't have responsibilities. Mine are just different.

People from different walks of life have told me that I speak to them indirectly through what I write. I love people and I love connecting with like-minded people. So when I hear comments like that, I know that what I'm doing is worthwhile.