Take responsibility for what you write and what you don’t write.
The time you have not writing, the time you have writing, the time you spend actually writing are all under your control. They are all subject to your demands, to your time, and even your desire to write.
You are in control, so act like it. So write like it.
With Love & Ink,
JBHarris
WIPs.
Work in progress.
I love new projects. I love the excitement of them. I love when fire comes through fingertips as a new thing is being formed. That is the magic of any and all drafts.
This is what writer’s chase.
What I think is the most devastating thing is when you have an idea for a work, and won’t even try to see where it will go. It may be a hang up, it may be confidence, but don’t ever think that it should be discarded! Your thoughts are valuable. Your talent belongs to you.
Do not tell the work “No.”
Not everything will be a novel, this much is true. Not every story will become a short story, or even see eyes other than yours. But, how do you know this, if you don’t write it down? How do you know if you haven’t allowed the idea to grow or bloom from the pages? You can’t remember everything!
Say ‘Yes’ to the work.
Saying ‘yes’ to the work requires you to surrender to what you don’t understand fully–which is the breadth of your talent. The depth of it. Following ideas even when they may be uncomfortable. Even if that means you follow it to a comfy stopping point. Even when you write to your level of time and comfort to put away the work. Until you have time to pick it up again.
Say ‘yes’ to the stories yet to be told.
Say ‘yes’ to the stories you are already working on.
Say ‘yes’ to the things you’re even scared to write!
But don’t give in to the doubt that wishes to drown you. Don’t listen to the thoughts that tell you to stop and abandon all hope of success. Let me tell you a secret: sometimes the success is just to start.
There is a power in writing what people don’t expect. There is a joy in writing what you think people aren’t prepared for. There is a power in shocking an new or dedicated audience!
Writing is the coolest adventure you will ever undertake. But in that power, I want you to resist the urge to write safely. I want you to embrace all that your writing ability grants! I want you to be able to be confident in your journey of writing. I want you to still behold the wonder of the worlds you create–and not be afraid to unlock (or destroy) them as necessary.
With Love & Ink,
JBHarris
JBHarris Writing Services 