I have a confession to make: I've been hiding out for the last week or so. You know, when that feeling comes over you that says you are the worst writer in the whole world? Naw... you've never felt that way! That's only for beginners and young writers. But I'm a beginner at 60, and a young writer. And some days I wonder why I ever decided to try and write at all!
It's then when I remember that I have a dream to share the stories I hear inside. I have always created something in my life. I wrote music and played the viola in orchestras across three continents. I've seen some amazing things during those tours and right now, and idea is bubbling inside for a new story. Will I decide to write it?
As soon as I let go of my fear and insecurities, I can begin to allow the story out. Being transparent has always been difficult for me. And allowing others to see a part of my life sounds scary to me. But isn't that why we have this support group? So we can lean on each other and encourage one another through the rough times. Also, I think the best thing I've gotten from I.W.S.G. is the inspiration to move forward and put those words on paper (or computer). I leave you with a quote I saw recently:
"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." ~ Eleanor Roosevelt
Write it! After what you achieved as a musician, you can do anything.
ReplyDeleteThank you ALex. I've decided to put it to paper after I get the right story question. There are so many ways to go about this.
DeleteI frequently have that nagging feeling that I'm the worst writer in the world. That's because, as writers, we're really hard on ourselves. What you definitely have going for you is that creative personality and the need to share your stories. That makes you a real writer, and the insecurities regarding your skill show that you're willing to grow and learn in the craft. It may be unnerving, but it's ultimately a good thing.
ReplyDeleteIt's true what you say about being hard on myself. I'm probably my on worst enemy. So I guess I'll have to realize that I need to allow myself room to grow.
DeleteDare greatly.
ReplyDeleteAs you know, I love quotes. Near the top of my list of favs is one from Teddy Roosevelt. It is from a speech he gave in Paris in 1910. I think you will like it, because to be transparent in ones art IS to dare greatly:
"It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat."
Rettakat: That is a wonderful quote. I have to dare to be my best!
DeleteI always get that feeling when in the final edits of my books. The worst time to get the 'this really sucks' syndrome. Keep writing and keep sharing. You're doing just fine.
ReplyDeleteI love that quote. Sometimes I get that feeling too but writer friends keep me going.
ReplyDeleteAs a musician, you are a creative soul and there's no way to contain that, so don't even try. Let it go!!
ReplyDeleteM Pax: Thank you. We all need to hear it from our peers.
ReplyDeleteSusan: It's those writer friends that help make us what we are.
Nancy: Before I started writing, I was writing lyrics and that is a challenge because you only have so many words to get your meaning in to. I learned brevity and now I have to learn to delve into that brevity and see what lies beneath it.
Great quote. Dad is 84, works full time as a consulting civil engineer and says lifes is too long not to do what you love.
ReplyDeleteIt seems the older you get, the clearer it becomes.
DeleteI believe you can do anything you set your heart and mind to! I loved the quote you included with your post. Very inspirational. I think we have all felt the way tou have been feeling. :)
ReplyDelete~Jess
Jess: Thank you for the encouragement. Yes, all it takes is a little inspiration and then the courage to stand up and do what you set your mind to.
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