I write short stories. At least, I try. And I'd say it only to strangers. Few friends know of my hobby. I'm afraid of being cornered into letting a friend read a sample. Either my fragile ego crumbles on hearing my story ripped apart or this friend is a liar, kind, no doubt, for judging the story good. Better everyone finds out when I achieve fame and the awards roll in. Undoubtedly, they'll never know.

Do I enjoy my hobby? You wouldn't think it to see me hammering, not words, on my laptop. Sometimes, I scribble on paper feeling it is more authentic, hence productive for the process. There sure is a lot of scrunched up balls of waste-paper. To say it puts me into a meditative and peaceful state of mind is a stretch.

I meet with a few other aspiring writers over Skype once a while. The rule is for someone else to read your story. It's painful to listen to my own story when it sounds like drivel. I can only cringe. But the feedback is honest and helpful. Once I got past myself, I enjoyed the camaraderie and was grateful for the supportive environment. 

I've attended a workshop in short story-writing once, bought a few books on how to write better, all worthwhile investments of time and money. I've been instructed to scrub out cliches and scolded for writing with affectations. When I thought I could simplify no more, I was told to simplify and then some more.

Even if writing short stories is torture sometimes and frustrating all the time, it's rewarding when things fall into place. So I keep at it, trusting that I will find my voice.  

Photo source: http://insertmedia.office.microsoft.com

Postscript added on 10 Oct 2023: Note: Thank you to those who have written to let me know you enjoy reading my column but daren't take a lesson because there are parts you don't really understand. I assure you we'll always speak at a level which suits you so that we can enjoy a casual conversation. Also, we can go through words and sentences that are difficult so that we learn together. Perhaps, they will be easy then and we'll always have something to talk about. No stress!