Ten writers for children. All with something to say.

5/14/10

I Don't Know

This is the first post I haven't had an answer for. I really don't know what I'd be doing if I were not writing.

In college I was a political science major with an emphasis on political philosophy. After graduation I took the test for Law School, but before I applied, I talked with people who were lawyers or in law school. Talking with them, I realized that I didn't want to be a lawyer.

I ran a political campaign and, even though we won, I realized I didn't want to run political campaigns.

I began working with adults with developmental disabilities and children with autism and ended up doing that for over ten years. I also became a dad and got to spend a lot of time at home with my daughter. All of this was excellent preparation for writing for children and going into schools.

I still love my politics and enjoy following the law. I still go back to the political philosophers who influenced the way I see the world. But I'm a writer and I love going into schools to talk with students about writing. I can't imagine doing anything else now.

4 comments:

Christy said...

If nothing else, this cycle helps us affirm the path taken.

Lauren said...

You are right-- everything you have done and been interested in feeds into the writer that you are. Bravo!

David LaRochelle said...

What about being a basketball coach, John? Anything sports related? Sports seem to be such a big part of your life.

Edie Hemingway said...

John,
It sounds as if your writing has benefitted from the many directions your education and careers have taken.