There comes a time when you have to put up or shut up. You’ve talked the talk, now walk the walk. Each journey begins with that first step, and when it comes to writing, no one can take it for you. The longer you think about it, the more difficult and scary it becomes. Staring at a blank page, signing up to meet an editor/agent, sending out your proposal, taking a class, agreeing to teach one. The obstacle isn’t your talent or your project, it’s you.
There comes a time when you have to just do it! Here are some tips to help make that all important first step easier:
1. Forget the old/what’s behind you – Don’t carry that old baggage with you. It’s heavy and there’s nothing in it that you need for this trip. Old “failures”, the comments your tenth grade English teacher made, those bad reviews, that harsh rejection, the mean critique. Start fresh, with new itineraries, new sights to see, with unbiased expectation. With excitement.
2. Boldly go toward uncertainty – No risk/No reward. You can’t be pushed into taking that first step. Be prepared, but don’t dwell on potential negatives. Think Indiana Jones stepping out with nothing to hold him up but faith. Don’t look down, but rather ahead.
3. Reach for your reward – Unless you stretch, unless you actively reach for it, desire will fade and dreams will go unfulfilled.
Have a nice trip! Don’t forget to write!
I’m stepping out on faith with my first self-published effort! REMEMBERED BY MOONLIGHT, the 9th book in my “By Moonlight” dark paranormal shape-shifter series will be available in print and e-formats October 13, 2014! You can take that step with me by signing up to participant my Buy The Book Blog Tours event. There are still a few open spots for hosts.
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time.
Have a nice trip! Don’t forget to write!
I’m stepping out on faith with my first self-published effort! REMEMBERED BY MOONLIGHT, the 9th book in my “By Moonlight” dark paranormal shape-shifter series will be available in print and e-formats October 13, 2014! You can take that step with me by signing up to participant my Buy The Book Blog Tours event. There are still a few open spots for hosts.
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time.
Great advice, Nancy. Taking that first step on a new journey is indeed a leap of faith. (Love Indy, btw)
ReplyDeleteLove this post, Nancy! Especially the forget the old/leave the baggage. That's probably the hardest to do, and yet, the most important to remember. Why weigh ourselves down with all that unnecessary crap that only makes us doubt our capabilities? Great post!
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