"As a young child I wanted to be a writer because writers were rich and famous"
William Burroughs
I am reading First Words, a collection of the earliest writing from favorite contemporary authors, by Paul Mandelbaum. Most of the work presented is when the authors are teenagers, although there are several childhood writings that are very sweet. Many of the author's teenage work reads raw talent. Poems by Margaret Atwood at 16 are much more sophisticated than my work today. Daunting. But you have to start somewhere...
Other than school reports I think my "first words" are long gone. But I typed many first words on a electric Smith Corona because I liked the way the typewriter keys clicked. Did you save any of your first words to show to your adoring fans when you become rich and famous?
Lovingly,
The Writing NagLabels: First Words, Paul Mandelbaum, William Burroughs