an autodidact's confession part one/two

Since I left high school, more that seven years ago, I've read incessantly, purposefully, and hungrily. After so many many history books, and after occasionally doing some writing, I felt as if my self-education was in the best hands possible. But at a suggestion of freelancing for local publications, something entered my mind: I know and understand almost too many facts and dates; I find it easy to write and enjoy doing so; but indeed, I haven't the discipline to write a single article or short story, to put together a single page with a cohesive point. And the cause of this is not a bit of outside input in my learning (outside of dear friends who debated, cajoled, and recommended works to me) when it comes to goals, challenges, and finished products. Continued.