From D.L.'s blog (since that's where I signed up): On Monday, February 13th, you should post your own origin story. Tell us all where your writing dreams began. It could be anything from how you started making up stories as a child, or writing for the school newspaper, or even what prompted you to start a blog. How about stories about the first time somebody took an interest in your writing, or the teacher/mentor that helped nudge you along and mold your passion, or maybe the singular moment when you first started calling yourself a writer. It all started somewhere and we want you to tell us your own, unique, beginnings.
My writing dream began in middle school. Two things—or should I say people—happened. In 7th grade I had a teacher who gave us the opportunity to write poetry. Doing her creative writing assignments, I found that I actually enjoyed writing. Before then I wrote a few things, mainly diary entries, but I didn’t feel any great passion for the written word. Because of this teacher, her assignments, and her encouragement, I couldn’t stop writing. I found myself writing at home, for pleasure, for myself. Most of my poems were about rainbows, flowers, and butterflies, but we all have to start somewhere. I also wrote short stories featuring my classmates. They would laugh at my stories filled with scandal and fantasy and ask for the next installment. I had a brief period of time writing a serial novel of sorts. 
My second influence was another middle school teacher who lent me her V.C. Andrews’ books. She saw me eyeing her bookshelf and told me to go ahead and borrow them one at a time. I devoured the Dollanganger and Casteel series. These books, which were shocking and had intense plots, had me on the edge of my seat. Before these books I was a reader, but by no means a bookworm. With these books I became driven to read. This further fueled my new passion for writing because I wanted to entertain people the same way V.C. gave me hours of reading pleasure. I dreamed of becoming an author. I promised people that I would dedicate my first book to them. I fantasized about answering interview questions. Book covers for future novels floated in my head. So, that's my Origins story. I look forward to reading yours.
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