Why are we so afraid all the time when it comes to writing?
I understand that writing is hardwired to a lot of emotional hot buttons. I know I'm not the only one who has experienced the crippling doubts, the angst of wondering if I've tapped myself out, the wailing at the injustice of having a desire to write and a skill that can waver depending on my confidence level.
Like others, I've felt the elation of a contest final or win, which had been preceded by fear of having my entry eviscerated by the judges. I've enjoyed the giddiness of getting a request for a partial or full manuscript, after the pain of getting yet another rejection on those same things from someone else. I've congratulated myself for getting closer to making my dream come true, while wondering if I shouldn't have picked an easier, more attainable one.
Fear often wins the battle, because it is sneaky, and insidious, going straight for the tender spots we've willingly exposed when we write.
Yet we forget that our creative drive is powerful too. We need to stop tamping it down, and grab onto it so we can unleash it on the world.
What would we do if we read a book where the hero or heroine complains that it's too hard to go after their goal, or they're too afraid, or they don't have time to pursue their dreams? We'd break our arm hurling that book across the room. And then we'd pick it up with the bones poking through the skin to throw it again.
It's time to be the heroic one in OUR story.
This is our only shot at it. We can't revise the past, or edit the outcome, but we can create the day-to-day aspects, deciding what it is we will do with our ration of 24 hours. It won't be easy, but what else in daily life is easy? I'll guess it's usually the stuff that bores the crap out of you.
You know you have heroic qualities, but so few opportunities to actually use them. But now you can. You can inspire those around you with your ability to do something that you fear, that you find challenging, yet you press forward anyway, not knowing if you will succeed, but determined to attempt it because of that powerful inner drive.
I think of all the things I did that weren't easy when I first tried them. Was it easy to walk? Nope. It would have been easier to sit on my backside and have everyone bring me stuff. Was it easy to learn a second language? Heck no. I should have been content with the first one I learned. Was it easy to learn how to type? Yeesh. It was so hard, I was sure I would flunk out of my typing class, but now I type over 100 words/minute.
So why did I keep doing all these things? Because I didn't want to go through life knowing my tombstone would be etched with the words, "She was too afraid to try".
Today, let's get back to being the hero or heroine we want to spend time with, the kind of person who can do anything they set their mind to. We aren't those too-stupid-to-live creatures. We have talents, skills, abilities, and most importantly, a lot of opportunities available to us. We have a strong drive to succeed, and we can battle back the fears that try to keep us oppressed.
Let's go forth and conquer!
I believe that the secret of happiness is to achieve fulfillment of your potential and for a creative writer that means writing the best book that you possibly can.
The way to fulfilment is always difficult, pathed as it is with seductive distractions, and the psychological barriers of self-doubt. But with talent drive and determination (TDD), together with mutual friendship and encouragement from like-minded writers, little is beyond reach.
Donna, I have seen your T and also glimpsed your DD so can confidently say 'Go forth and conquer!' *smile*
Posted by: Quantum | November 01, 2011 at 04:33 PM
Quantum, your comments always make me smile! They're a bit risque, but filled with so much wisdom. :)
Some days the self-doubt can derail a writer, make the drive and determination evaporate, as if they never existed. But encouragement is wonderful for bringing it back. And you've always been very encouraging. I thank you for that.
Now I'm ready to conquer my word count for today!
Posted by: Donna Cummings | November 01, 2011 at 05:55 PM
My comments are risqué????
Heck! I think I must have put my foot in it again ... Sorry!
So T and DD have meaning other than my definitions. Veiled risqué meanings that I'm not supposed to know about?
Donna I am an innocent. Purer and whiter than new fallen snow.
I think beautiful thoughts and dream beautiful dreams.
I am a romance writer in waiting.
Waiting until the world is ready to appreciate me. LOL
I hope you achieve that word count!
Posted by: Quantum | November 02, 2011 at 08:09 AM
Q, no apologies needed! Except from me. LOL You have a romantic soul and I love the way your words express that. :) We can wait together for the world to appreciate us, how's that?
I did get some word count in, and I'm hoping for more today. But, since today is also my birthday, it may be trickier, since I may indulge my laziness (more than usual! LOL)
Posted by: Donna Cummings | November 02, 2011 at 08:35 AM
Donna, with you for company the wait will be worth it!
Many Happy Returns
May your God smile on you today. :)
Posted by: Quantum | November 02, 2011 at 03:22 PM
Thanks, Q. It's been a lovely day today, so I feel like I'm being smiled upon. :)
Posted by: Donna Cummings | November 02, 2011 at 03:37 PM