Me with one of my cow patients.
Over the years when I have attended writer conferences, it never fails to elicit an interesting response when I’m asked what I do for a living (most fiction writers have a primary career other than writing). When I answer that I’m a large animal veterinarian, the majority respond with a plethora of questions wondering what a cow doctor does. I’ve always found it fun to share stories about a job most people know so little about. However, on one occasion, in the early years of my writing pursuit, I received a question I wasn’t ready to answer. After replying that I was a veterinarian, the woman contorted her face and asked, “Why do you write then?” I was at a loss for words. Though I thought it was a biting question, she had a good point. Why did I feel the drive to spend the little free time I had trying to put the jumble of thoughts and words into some semblance that others might find interesting to read?
During my youth I spent a large amount of time exploring my creative interests. From building play forts of every imaginable form out of every conceivable material to writing a play and performing it with neighborhood kids, my inventiveness held no bounds. Unfortunately, childhood is fleeting. As high school rolled around, my creative spirit waned, and by the time I got through eight years of college, my memory banks were so stuffed with science and medicine, my once active imagination got tossed into some distant cranial recess.
A Creative Awakening
But early in my veterinary career, after my first son Nathan was born, an extraordinary thing happened. Thanks to my wife Sheila and her trips to our local library children’s department, I rediscovered my love for picture books. I had forgotten how much I enjoyed the beauty of a picture book’s artwork and of course, the words. I can’t explain why but reading those stories to my son caused an awakening of the curiosity I had as a kid.
A New Path to Follow
It wasn’t long before I found myself wanting to learn more about the structure of story, how these picture book authors could tell simple yet complex stories in so few words. I started experimenting with my own stories and ideas poured into my head. At the same time I took up exploring other interests I had as a child, interests I could share with my now two sons. (If you follow my blog, you will find out more about these later.)
I’ve learned quite a lot about my creativity since receiving that snarky question all those years ago. I discovered that being able to explore my creativity has not only helped my veterinary career but also has given me a more positive outlook in my day to day life. Most importantly, I found that the career path you choose should never be a barrier to explore your creative endeavors. All it takes is a desire, setting aside slices of time and before you know it, you’ll be on your way to writing a story, painting a picture or creating whatever is your inspiration.
Thanks for reading. What is your creative passion?
This made me stop and think! Since writing and editing are what I do for a living, I’m not sure that qualifies as a creative passion. Finally decided my outside outlet is music and theater, both as an occasional participant and as an appreciative audience member. That’s creative and it’s not work!
Thanks for sharing Paula. There are a lot more creative passions out there than writing–too many to experience in a lifetime.
Love this post. I pity the one who asked you why you write if you’re a veterinarian. No one writes for kids to make a living. We do it to make life fuller.
You are also fortunate to make a living preserving lives of large animals.
I pity the person who asked why you write if you are a veterinarian. We don’t write children’s stories to make a living, but to make life fuller.
I’m also glad you make the lives of large animals better.
Thanks Mirka for commenting. I’m glad you liked the post.
Good post. I’ve wondered why people with established careers were interested in writing. I’ve read James Herriot though so know what a cow doctor does. 😉
Thanks for your comment Sue. Yes, James Herriot’s books are great reading!!
My creative passion(s)? There are too many to list without boring the reader of my post. Writing, for one, has been a passion of mine. However, I haven’t found the exact focus of what I love to write about. Music is my passion, all forms of music. Is music what I would like to write about? That is a question that I would need to ask myself; I need to answer myself. Photography, dogs, history, human behavior…!
What is your creative passion? Great question, David. A question that many should consider answering, if they look inside themselves long enough to discover their passions.
It sounds like you have many creative passions (like me). Maybe you can use your writing to highlight those interests.