What I have learnt from quitting my sensible job & writing made-up stories all year

1) Change is terrifying 2) Change is good 3) To become better as a writer it's important to read plenty of good writing and to write a lot. 4) It's not hard to read but writing is hard. Suck it up, do it anyway. 5) Some jobs (like my previous job) give you status, ego stroking and a daily sense of making a difference. Writing isn't like that. 6) Learning something new (writing and surgical assisting in my case) when you're not a young thing is bruising. You feel five years old again. People treat you like the imbecile that you seem to be. Suck it up, do it anyway. (My nurse friend told me "Now you know how I get treated every day". Gulp.) 7) Supportive family and friends are an absolute blessing. 8) I'm braver than I thought. 9) Persistence really does pay. I'm getting a story published (in The Suburban Review) this month, and I'm so happy, and grateful for the opportunity. I honestly didn't believe I'd be published by now. So I guess sending stuff off, even when you feel terrified at the thought of others reading your imperfect work, is the only way to get your work read. 10) I love making up stories.