It's tough to put yourself out there and claim yourself a writer, or an editor. Or anything, really that's outside your comfort zone. Particularly when faced with the overwhelming successes of your peers. Everyone else seems to be more qualified, more published and more confident than you.
You can be worried about what people will think of you. You're wondering if they're thinking, 'Who the hell does she think she is?' It's daunting. Many great writers never make it, because they're afraid. Fear, among other things, is the killer of all creativity.
Never let anybody tell you, 'You can't do it.' My philosophy is this, 'Think, therefore I am.' Words I live by. I mean, come on, what right do I have to tell you how to write, or edit? Well, I've learned a thing or two along the way. How to write, how to edit, and how to be my own person.
I want to share this knowledge with you, so hopefully, you'll wind up with great work, self-confidence and the ability to move forward in your life. This blog is not just about writing and editing, it's also about you and what I can do to help you believe in yourself. Because that belief, my friends, is the greatest tool a creative person needs.
There is always going to be doubt, fear, lack of confidence and procrastination to deal with. Point is, rise above it and high-kick it outta here! Often, we're the ones sabotaging ourselves. Don't do that anymore. Write what you want. Seek out a publisher. Say you're a writer. Believe you're a writer. Remember, just write. Don't worry about the mistakes, or being word perfect. Not right now, anyway. We can always fix it later.
This one, I'd like to end with an apt piece about perception.
Daniel
am here
how wary, you have not noticed?
my feet plant roots
my thoughts have focus to which i cleave
mine, is a provincial sphere
see?
i desire anonymity not
despite your need to bury me, i exist
in the shadows, you placed
amorphous, i became
yet a revelation
i know
i am beauty
i am free
i am pain yes,
but i am alive
i am your son, autistic or not
and i am au fait with the word of love
call me Daniel, just once
i cannot speak
or, i would call you, Dad
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Nice blog! Love the poem, Megs. Saying "I'm a writer" was so hard for me for a very long time. I remember my sisters saying it for me when people would ask what I do and I'd mumble something else. Now I say it loud and proud heheh it's a confidence thing, and in this industry it's so important not to lose it...ok, so mine does wander off now and then BUT it's still in training :p
ReplyDeleteOh, you are so right, Dem, it does wander off. Half the battle is being able to say, 'I'm a writer.' Once we can say it with conviction, we're on our way. Persistence is another one, but I'll talk about that in another post. hehe. :-) You are a fabulous writer!
ReplyDeleteRight back atcha, darling. Looking forward to your next post!
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