The Silly Semicolon

Life is full of tough choices. Probably the most daunting of these decisions is…What do I want to be when I grow up? If you are like me and are FINALLY discovering this mid-life? Congratulations!!! Better late than never!

My life long dream has ALWAYS been to be a writer. And like every other human on the planet, I have struggled with self doubt in my ability be successful in the field I have chosen. I almost gave up before ever really trying, scared of my own failure. Until I realized, I'd never even get close to success without at least trying.

Now comes the hard part!

I often ask myself, do I have a unique enough voice? A voice that people will go out of their way to hear? Do I have what it takes to imagine, create, and put to paper words that will capture hearts? And once I have found the story that needs to be told and the characters that deserve to thrive…will my education and knowledge of basic grammar and punctuation paint my stories and worlds with the graceful brushstrokes and fine details they deserve?

And that is when I had to come to grips with my biggest foe. The silly semicolon!

I freaking LOVE the semicolon! I have no idea why, but I always have. Ever since I was a child I’ve thought it was adorable as it looked like a dolphin bouncing a ball on its head…which is ironically one of my favorite animals. (Go ahead! Take a look at your semicolon I’m not wrong!).

Soooo, while I LOVE to use the semicolon because…its adorable!! I never used it appropriately. My poor English and Creative Writing teachers were ready to ban me from its use for all eternity. Thank goodness for my editors, they are AMAZING!!

I guess the morale of the story is; never let your flaws stop you from pursuing your dreams.

No one is perfect, no writing is perfect, and life is CERTAINLY not perfect. But enjoy it anyways and use that dang semicolon wherever and whenever you want!

L.