Five Years a Writer

Amanda, about 10 years of age, in her 'princess' skirt When I was a little girl, my imagination was vivid and I spent many a happy hour not just playing at but — in my mind — being a princess; being a successful business woman running an office; and being Audra, the lone daughter on the Barkley Ranch from  The Big Valley TV series . I sometimes played with friends, but I was comfortable playing on my own, too, comfortable playing with imaginary characters, talking to myself, and working out plots and escapades that suited my mood and, let’s be honest, my desire to control the scenario! My imagination ran free and I had loads of fun. Now, as a more tempered and considered adult, I still employ my imagination — not to be someone different, but, actually, to be fully myself. I think, at least in part, I see myself as Writer today because I nurtured the seed my imagination planted in my head and in my heart: You could be a Writer, Amanda. Be a Writer, Amanda! Sure, I have moment...