Writing is a humbling experience. It's not for the weak of heart or part time moonlight bloggers (unless that is all you ever plan to aspire to). Once you give yourself up into the frenzied world of deadlines, editing, grammatical structure and content niche, it will strip you down to a trembling mess and build you back up into super-heroic proportions.

One day you are flying high watching your numbers soar, and the next you are in a deep depression. That moment where your numbers are low and your latest post which you thought was INCREDIBLE, was maybe only average to the people who saw it. It all starts to drive you into the bottle, when you find out once again that a publication whose name we won't mention, won't be paying you till next month - maybe.

Starving Writer Searching for an Audience that Pays

Doesn't it sound deliciously wretched? It's so damn romantic to be a writer, until the bills hit. You might as well be the street sweeper. The street sweeper gets paid regularly...writers don't. But when we write something so metaphorical it sings to us, and our audience actually agrees - it's heaven. Suddenly the idea of bills and money fly out the window as we embrace our new idea! And that is why we continue to do it. That is why I continue do it.

My dad is holding out hope that one day I will move back to the US and get a real job. My mother is my most staunch supporter.

And, my husband is my dearest supporter of all. Because he accepts me for my crazy writing binges, my 4:00 am Tai Chi practice and my insane story ideas. He thought I was joking when he suggested (as a joke) that we should go to a known FARC pueblo and try to interview some guerrillas...and I agreed.

Don't get me wrong - plenty of our relationship struggles have come straight from my instability and financial impotence as a writer. But, in the end he always gives me a kiss and says "haga-le" or go do it, in Spanish. Because in Colombia you can fly by the seat of your pants and survive somehow. Don't ask me how I do it, I have already tried to explain it. Maybe it's some good old-fashioned grace.

Most importantly, I love good stories, and I love it when an article of mine takes off. Which is why I keep doing it. I don't write for money. I write for love, passion and appreciation for the art of word-smithing. But, if money follows, I will pay some bills and then go get my hair done.

Thank you for accepting me into a new and exciting writing community where I can play with my creativity and continue to do what I love!