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Kathryn

When I was young I thought I had to sound like a great writer to be one. It was all so overwhelming; now I know I only need to sound like myself. My ideas come from two primary sources. My work might spark from the enlightening words of a friend, teacher or writing prompt. At other times, I am sitting in a very still space and the words I should write come to me like a powerful and glowing wind.

My favorite tool is the pen. Though computer keys get the words down quicker and easier, I like to put pen to paper, smell the ink, see the words as they are developed and renewed by new phrases or thoughts.

I enjoy traveling to wherever the character takes me. This means, often, even I am surprised and warmed at the outcome. In the end, when my writing is done, I like to watch the eyes of the reader whenever I can. Their reflective expression gives me the greatest glimpse into what my writing has become.

Before I was one, I loved to read books-or at least, pretend to. I couldn't walk yet but I would crawl to the bottom shelf for what I wanted. My Grandma says my books were placed near the floor for that very reason, and my mother speaks of me pulling my favorite book from the shelf and crawling back to the couch with the book safely in tow.

I would sit on the couch and pretend to read, speaking the language of some foreign diplomat-or perhaps, the tongue of angels, my mother wasn't quite sure which, and when I was done, I would crawl back to the shelf for another story.

When I am not writing I'm reading. A member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, I am an avid reader of the scriptures and books of spiritual merit. I have been married 25 years and enjoy teaching and working with youth and children-including my own three girls, two grand-daughters and grandson.

A published writer since 1987, I have published various newspaper and magazine articles for teens and adults.

 

Epiphany of a gray haired college student

I'm old.

Okay, I'm 48-years-old, and attending college for the first time. And while some in this universe might say, "Hey lady, you've missed the boat, take a load off, " I tend to favor those around me who think attending school, gray hair and all, is a pretty great thing.

When I complain about not being able to retain information, they say, "But look how much wiser you are!"

When I wish for more time with my grandchildren they say, "Look. You need to spend time with them, so balance it. Are you trying for that ridiculous "A" again?"

They would be right, of course. That "A" keeps the scholarships coming; keeps school free, at least in the finance department.
So, what's wrong with a "B"?

Nothing. Everything. Okay, when I was in high school I didn't get good grades. I felt stupid and thought that college was for smart, nerdy folks who didn't have a life. I wanted a life so I didn't go.

Now I'm richer than some and poorer than most. A college education in my younger days would have been a great thing.

Of course, I try not to think about that. I try to remember the positive nudges from family and friends who know how tough this is for me; who know I will get a job after all of this that will actually pay me closer to what I'm worth. Yes, that would be beyond minimum wage.
I tell them I see the light at the end of the tunnel.

They smile. After all the late nights, saying "no" to various engagements and pretty much not having a heck of a lot of room in my head to think about much else but homework, tests, and lack of sleep, they probably see the light too.

I graduated May 2009 with a BS in Mass Communication with an emphasis in Journalism and Public Relations and a minor in Creative Writing.
Kathryn Elizabeth Jones author writer journalist public relations specialist

 

 

 

 

 

 
Copyright © 2009 Kathryn Elizabeth Jones. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.