Writing is a solitary undertaking, as we've all heard. We worry about our talent. I wonder this every time I read a book that rocks my world, one I can't put down. Fear and discouragement overwhelm me. Am I good enough?
I read a post on improving self-confidence, something I need boosted every so often. One of the sentences struck this writer's heart. "It's hard to start moving again if you're stuck in fear."
I dreamed the other night of playing mud football and getting stuck. No matter where I played the game, I got sucked into the mud and had a hard time getting out. Was my subconscious telling me something? Am I stuck in fear? Or was it a warning to never play muddy sports?
The next part of the post spoke of shifting your fear. This idea hit me harder: shift your fear. When you shift from fear to curiosity, your perception goes WHOOSH! And the world opens up!
Just like a child: no fear, tons of curiosity!
Curiosity is filled with anticipation and enthusiasm. And butterflies (at least in your stomach).
What would curiosity do to your writing? "What if I write this sentence this way?" "What if I make my character blind/short/boy/girl/happy?" "What if I really do have something fantastical to share??"
Try replacing fear with curiosity. How do you feel now? Excited? Do you feel your self opening up to the possibilities?
And guess what? Your brain is thinking about other things then the fear you've been stuck in.
Do you remember the thrill of writing for the first time? How did you feel?
Try a little curiosity today.
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9 comments:
Beautiful thought, Taffy, and one I needed today. Thanks! The thrill of writing is like nothing else. :D
You always have such great motivational posts! You're awesomsauce! But here's my question, what if you're curious about fear?
And thanks for throwing in the part about writing a character that's blind. Now everyone's going to be jumping on the blind bandwagon!!! ;)
Danyelle~Thank you!You're posts are usually what I need.
Julie~Curious about fear? That's good! Can you imagine a character with that trait?? Very cool. And for the part about blind! Everyone will be lining up to buy your book :)
excellent advice
Thank you for that post, Taffy - I needed to feel braver and more curious with my writing today!
Thank you for that post, Taffy - I needed to feel braver and more curious with my writing today!
The world opens up, indeed. But remember also that fear has no place in the decision making process. "I can't" is fear speaking.
Lauren
lauren-ritz.blogspot.com
You ladies are an inspiration to me! THANKS for stopping by today and sharing your thoughts.
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