Diving back in?

When I began to consider once more immersing myself in writing, I had to ask myself, "Diving back in? Do you still remember how to swim?"

It caused me to reflect some on where I am in the journey to become a writer. It occurs to me that it's a tricky thing to define if one's goal has little to do with being published. I write for the sheer fun of crafting a tale, sharing it with those few who might enjoy reading it, and inspiring others to pick up a pen, dust off a vintage typewriter, or sit at a computer keyboard. Yet, I've written nothing much of consequence for several years. Do I really feel I have a firm grip on what "being a writer" really is? According to Patricia C. Wrede, according to the first few pages of her book "Wrede on Writing," the answer would be a resounding NO.

In spite of that discouraging news, I still feel I need to dive back into writing in the only manner I feel works: writing when it suits me for the pure enjoyment of writing -- if publication at some point in the future makes sense, then I'll decide then to swim in that other direction.

Meanwhile, I'll absorb as much wisdom as I can from Patricia Wrede's book and do my best to put her advice to practical use. After reading posts in her blog for years and finding them filled with insight and practicality, I'm certain she can help me paddle around here in the shallow end of the pool.