I've enjoyed writing since I was a kid, starting with a diary. I enjoyed writing the occasional story, but my niche has always been in writing about my own thoughts and experiences. Blogging is just the natural evolution of my adolescent diary-keeping, only now I do it with an audience. Which can be good and bad. Good when the feedback is positive, supportive, and friendly. Bad when the feedback is negative and critical.
I have this fantasy, though, of actually becoming a published writer. My real dream is to get a memoir published based on Finnian's Journey. I have several friends who have exhibited much more confidence in me than I have in myself, and who continually encourage me to work towards getting published. I was approached by an already-published author not too long ago about possibly co-authoring a non-fiction book with her about an experience we have in common (I'll leave it at that for now). I was recently contacted by a mothering website asking me if I would be interested in submitting articles to their site.
I want to do these things, but fear holds me back. Who the hell do I think I am? I'm a housewife, changer of diapers, washer of dishes, kisser of owchies. A high school dropout who never went to college. What if ultimately I'm rejected? What if I fall flat on my face? No matter how tough I come across (or try to), the truth is, I'm pretty thin-skinned. I take things very personally. It can be a problem.
A real writer has to take the good with the bad, right?
Somehow, I'm going to have to figure out how to not let this hold me back.
10 comments:
Lisa, what would you tell your child if he/she came to you and said this or something similar?....that's what I thought. You'd tell them to go for their dreams. You'd tell them that, yes, it may be hard and they may not reach a dream the first time. They may fail a time or two. You'd tell them they can do anything they want if they try hard enough! You are so incredibly gifted with writing, which is why so many of us follow your blog....complete strangers. You have a talent that many people who went to college do not have! Go for your dreams, Lisa! You will not fail. You really are already a writer! Kim
You ARE a writer already - and a good one! You always articulate your thoughts so well. I wish I could do it half as eloquently as you do. And you always have something to say.
I think you should give it a try. If it doesn't work out, then heigh-ho, but you'll always be wondering if you don't.
I may not post very much, but I wouldn't keep coming back to read your blogs if they weren't worth reading.
Lisa, there will always be critics with supposedly good advice, but take it or leave it. You are already on the way. I have no trouble understanding what you write - so as far as I'm concerned you just need to set down and do it. When you get interrupted - go back to it as soon as possible. You will write - read it - and rewrite again. There will always be critics - some good-some not so good. One day you will have an editor and he may have you rewrite it from another angle - but that doesn't mean he is telling you its bad. Really he knows what sells, and the flaws that would keep it from selling. You'll get there I promise. I believe in you. Keep writing. & Blessings.
Lisa, I think you are a very eloquent writer. You write with emotion and talent. Dont let your fear get in your way - you would never let your kids do that so you should set an example and reach for the stars. There may be bumps along the road but start with something small like the articles your friend asked you to write and see how it goes. I love reading your blog - I say go for it.
Lisa - truly, I can't wait for your next post. You always write such heartfelt and insightful things...you are a writer through and through. :) :)
Who the hell do you think you are? Lisa, of course, and an very talented lady. Go forth and write!
Why are you using your lack of formal education as an excuse? As my grandfather would say- you graduated from the school of "hard knocks." Besides, these people offering you these opportunities are well aware that you CAN write- that's how you came to their attention.
I love what Kim said...it is so true. I know you and you would encourage your kids to reach for the stars! The only limits in life are the ones you put on yourself. Why are you holding yourself back? We only get one chance to live our life....you have a lot of beautiful thoughts and you put them in words so well. Go for it girl!
What would you do if you weren't afraid?
I say go for it! (And I say this knowing that you are, because you posted more recently, but I'm just catching up!!)
My friend's sisters wrote a book, and it took almost ten years from writing & research & rewriting & editing to publish ... I don't know that I have the patience for a long term project like that, you know? But at least with Finn, you're doing the research daily! :) It's all right there in your home & in your lives!
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