The Blank Page Glows

If you told me when I started using computers that I would have in my lap a machine more powerful than what I was working with, I would have been skeptical but given my love of science fiction I would not dismiss the possibility.

It was the microchip that was a game changer and allowed for personal computers in the home.

I was 14 when we got our first home computer which was an Apple II. A word processing program allowed us to type papers and correct them before printing.

Since then the glowing screen has been a part of my writing.

For a number of years, I would hand write out my stories and then transcribe them. Eventually I managed to get my brain to switch so I could type them out as I was working through them.

The ability to send things electronically has opened up so many options for writing. Peter doesn’t have to send a manuscript through the mail to the editor or fax pages for a comic book, he can send the file attached to an email. Saves lots of time and speeds up the process.

I have been writing these entries since January 2004. Over time I have learned and refined my skills to write essays about my life. The first ones were really short as I got my footing under me. Now they are longer and more involved.

The reason I write these has changed too. It went from keep my family informed about Caroline and my life to something more.

My writings have touched people. I have helped people. I have changed people’s minds about some subjects. I have taught people through this medium.

That is what keeps me writing this every day or pretty much every day. Out of five months, I missed one day which is almost a record for me.

I look at the blank page that glows back at me and set out to write in hopes that it helps one person however they need it.

I am grateful for word processing programs.