Confessions on Being a Writer

I started out my professional life as something else other than a Writer. I was actually a Chemical Engineer for more than enough years to qualify for a pension, and I may probably rightfully boast of having been a good one, having risen from humble baseline positions to managerial posts, especially in Quality Control and in Research and Development.

I was acutely cognizant, though, of an innate appreciation for the power of spoken and written communication, a trait that effortlessly raised my grades through the non-technical subjects both in high school and in college. A point in fact was that, the general perception of others about me was one of the "bright boys in class", which doubtless also influenced to a good deal my other grades in the technical curriculum.

It is the power of words manifested for my benefit and on my behalf, although I am quite unaware and ignorant of it at the time.

To be very honest, I have not written any particular literary piece on my own, except for the required themes, term papers, experimental reports, essays, assignments, theses, dissertations, and the occasional poems, stamped with meter and rhyme, on those rare occasions when I am particularly inspired.

So I went through my professional life generally appreciated for my academic records and potential for further growth. I must have made a good account of myself in fulfilling the duties and responsibilities of whatever job was assigned to me, that promotion or other forms of appreciation, like bonuses, were never far behind. It was particularly fruitful when recognition of my abilities played key factors in turning in my favor, dissenting opinions or arguments even from superiors and ranking seniors.

I would have to admit to being a wide reader, and I prefer self-improvement to politics, practical know-how to esoteric, non-fiction to fiction. As long as the subject matter appeals to me, I would never put it down or start another until I am through with it, be it a book or a magazine. My favorite personal regular issues include Discover, National Geographic, and, of course, Reader's Digest, which I "gobble up" from cover to cover in 2 to 3 hours.

The interplay of words and the power of sentences are most intriguing to me. I love to observe how people are influenced by their perception and understanding of the way a concept is presented, and how an idea is communicated. I am forever fascinated by the variety, flow, rhythm and cadence of language. Where others swear to the correlation between music and mathematics, I would take an oath to the inter-dependency between words and life.

Today, I have admittedly more time to devote to the craft to which I owe a lot to and am most thankful for. The sense of obligation is upon me to really show that I do deserve the trust bestowed on me. I have got to prove my worth in this art of expression; otherwise I amount to nothing, really.

I am going to be a writer; watch out for me!