The thing about writing is that there will always be the work. That is inescapable! Being a writer is like having homework—always.
But you have to be brave enough to understand that the only decisions you have are either to write or not to write. That’s all. There is no wiggle room. There is no alternative.
When you decide to take the time to write, discipline yourself to write, you are choosing exactly what is most important! Keep that space. Protect that space! The alternative is to not write.
Thank you for Nicole Waters for this piece of advice.
Writers are in the business of doing the work of the hard things. In the case of writing, you must make this constant decision:
Am I going to write?
This question is always going to be one which you will, must, answer. You must understand the work isn’t going away, but you will have to do it. Not doing it will never be an answer.
It is going to be abrupt, painful, and will feel very ‘all of a sudden.’
Yet, this is a watershed moment! You will have two options: quit or regroup.
Writing is demanding! Writing can be hard, and depending on the subject matter? Writing can feel very impossible! But, those choices are still there. They are still relevant.
Regroup and ask yourself three questions:
1.) Am I tired?
2.) What am I scared to say?
3.) Do I need to take a break?
There is more to writing than just writing. Remember that.
Let me remind you of one thing, and I hope that it repeats over and over in your mind.
“Do not write like someone is looking over your shoulder.”
If you write like someone is looking over your shoulder, you will never write! It is essential for you to know the first person you write for is yourself–no one else! The story you want to write needs to be the one you want to write.
This is an essential part of your brainstorming!
There is market for your book! There are people whom are willing to read it! You must be brave enough to write what you want to write regardless of the people around you who may not like what you want to write (Pin in that: We will discuss this in March under theme KEEPING FOCUS).
As you being to construct your story, as you begin your project, remember no one can see inside your head. The image you have for you story you are going to have to develop! You are going to have to write the story you see–so then the world can see what you saw all along.
There is nothing so devastating as being scared to write down the thing which is on your own head. Such a paradox to create something and then not bring it to the light of paper or screen.
There is nothing so devastating as to want to create, only to fear the outcome.
Sometimes dear ones, these things happen. Especially, when it something outside of your normal comfort zone. Something that may be seen as a little wilder. Sexier. Scarier. Darker.
The doubt is most disconcerting, yes. But, it is not insurmountable. Consider it the reminder of your mortality. The reminder that every story, every idea, has and needs a certain amount of care. A level of respect and concern before beginning and finishing any work.
It could even be a guard to being to hasty before starting a new work. Switching a genre. Even thinking of using a pen name. Sometimes the doubt can allow the story to incubate, stew a while. This way when you come back it, the thought–your thought, subject to your talent and its skill–is or may be more easily managed.
The doubt is a yellow light, a stop sign. But it is not, nor should be a considered a brick wall. Listen to the doubt. Sometimes its background noise, sometimes it it’s your imagination reminding you to just wait a minute. In the waiting, you may just make what would be a good story into something phenomenal.
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