Blogging isn't all that new to me, but I have never really put much effort into writing one consistently. On those occasions I have attempted, it has been mostly for indulgence in doing something new and unique or extending my handwritten journal to the digital realm. However, this blog is meant to be much more than just a journal to express myself; it is meant to be a place where I can practice and improve my writing.

One of my lifetime goals is to be a writer/author. I have written poetry and short stories over the years as well as engaged in collaborative role-plays that read like a novel. Although these experiences have helped shape my writing for the better, I know that I can improve and excel beyond what I currently can accomplish with the pen and keyboard.

I will say that my initial writings for this blog may be a little dry. I haven't really written many essays or nonfiction pieces in some time. Plus, I tend to have difficulty coming up with a topic when I stare at a blank page—good old writer's block. I do believe that in order to improve my writing that I need to continue to read. The funny thing is that I already read quite a bit. Perhaps it will take some time before new sentence patterns are absorbed and regurgitated.

I come from a time when I was taught in school to mimic what I had read. My teachers taught me to read for the context of an unknown word. I will admit that I do rely upon this process to expand my writing capabilities. However, when I took an English grammar class in university, I learned other ways to improve my sentence structures. (I actually got an "A" in the class and learned of a couple of grammar books that have been somewhat useful for me.)

Changing the subject, I really should explain how my writing has gotten better. Though I have received many compliments on my works, I have struggled with grammar. I knew how to put things together, but for a long time, I did not understand why they went together. It wasn't until I got a hold of The Elements of Style by Strunk and White that I learned to truly write. That small book improved my writing tremendously to the point that I found my voice in my college English class.

I guess you could say that I finally found the courage to take my small little boat out into the vast waters of the world to shine my little lantern for all to see. I do have opinions. I have kept them to myself over the years. It has only been recently that I have felt compelled to share them with others. Of course, I have done so under the umbrella of anonymity, but at some point, one must come from out of the shadows and shine. That's why I have begun this blog.

This blog is my journey into becoming a better, efficient, and effective writer while being and sharing who am I on the Web. It is my hope that I not only improve, but that I also thrive to the point where I can reach all of my personal goals that pertain to my writing, both in English and Spanish.

For now, this is my first step on this personal journey. I hope that my words will have an impact for good on the great ocean we call the World Wide Web.