Now what?

I sit here researching "Calls for Papers" and writers workshops. The realization that graduate school is now over and I am free to pursue my interests is paradoxically paralyzing. Do I pursue my creativity and write original work, or do I write papers about other people's works of genius? I had many opportunities to do original work, to express myself creatively, and I have always chosen the path of least resistance. Fear has propelled me to go the "safe" route, knowing that there is a future in teaching. There is a future in writing as well, it's just that the audience must love what you create. Otherwise, you will just have a smattering of fans, mostly friends and family, telling you what a great writer you are and how they someday hope someone notices. That's not enough. I write to be read, and read by a wide audience. There is no point in sharing my stories if no one is around to read or comment on them, is there?

This time I think I will go the tougher route and see if I have what it takes to be a real writer. I can still keep my day job, and I can still continue to get that steady income, but I think my spare time should be devoted to writing more.

And now that I say that, I have no ideas.