Inga M. Beck

When faced with the challenge of becoming a writer (or being one for those who think one either is or isn’t and that there’s nothing in between) there are two things that I find fighting over my spirit. Those things are hope and reality. I hope and very much wish that some day I can reach the minds of thousands of people through my writing. But sometimes that hope gets punched in the face by reality. ‘how so?’ you may ask. Well, often when you tell a stranger or even a friend that what you want to do with your life is to be a writer you often get a response in the vicinity of ‘oh…but what are you REALLY going to do? Like, how do you plan on making a living?’

That’s where we need our hero: faith. I admit I don’t really have a plan. I am interested in many things and there are many jobs I could see myself doing for some time, but there is nothing that lures me as much as writing. Often my hero doesn’t show up, my hopes and dreams go into hiding and reality laughs mockingly in my face reminding me that all I have in my kitchen is some fish in the freezer, some canned goods in the cupboard and sour milk in the fridge and the sad echo of my empty bank account can be heard all the way to the south pole (as a writer I am in fact quite dramatic). But then I stomp my feet stubbornly and bring back my hero. I remember that I have faith. I have faith in myself and it is my weapon against the dull, depressing reality. Of course I will have to work somewhere for a living. In Stardust (the movie based on Neil Gaimans book) Yvaine says to Tristan “there are shop boys, and there are boys who just happen to work in a shop for the time being.” For some time I may be a teacher or a postal worker or a shop girl or a bar-maid… but that doesn’t change the fact that I AM a writer. To make others believe me, to make my dream, my hope a reality I must have faith in it myself. I must wield my sword of faith to make hope conquer reality.

And on that note, I bid you good night. May you have grand dreams of happy futures.