@Shani Raja When growing up, I had a passion for fiction, which led to me pursuing an MA in English and Creative Writing later in life. I never completed my degree because life had other plans, but it’s just as well. My interests, as they often do, changed as I got older. I have a new fondness for essayists like Baldwin, and find personal narrative and creative nonfiction often more appealing than the short and long fiction I was pulled to in my youth. Today, my passion is creative nonfiction and personal narrative. The struggle I have is with voice and likely structure. After more than a decade of ghostwriting in technical industries like finance and manufacturing, my writing doesn’t feel like my own anymore… if that makes sense. I’ve essentially learned to write myself out of the equation. But I am feeling that absence of creativity and expression as I get older. I don’t enjoy the ghostwriting as much as I once did. Sure, it pays the bills (most of the time), but it doesn’t offer an expressive outlet. Also, to put it plainly, I’m tired of other people and businesses getting credit for my work. I’d like some time to be a little more selfish, able to say “this is mine” or “I wrote that.” I want my writing to mean something. I want to have my voice speak to someone. Anyway, all of this to say personal essay and creative nonfiction are my interests at the moment. I’d really like to put some publication credits under my belt. I think it’s possible, or at least I hope it is.

Welcome, @Olivia Grace . I’m also new here. It’s been a while since I used discussion boards, and I’ve never been one for social media channels, but no time like the present. Look forward to chatting with you and others. Best of luck!