Saturday, April 28, 2012

Words of Encouragement


I have never thought about what being able to write truly meant until a few days ago.  I think I understand now, why I lack confidence in my writing, not only because that is an unfortunate part of my character, but also because it is the act of giving a part of yourself, something personal, to outsiders.

Don't get me wrong.  I love writing, meeting new characters and developing them, making a world so believable that you literally feel as though you are there when you go back and read the story, but to do that, you have to open your mind, thoughts, and ideas up to others.

This is where it gets tricky.  I suppose the need to seek approval and praise, a natural human trait, keeps us moving forward, but what if you don't succeed?  Should you give up what you enjoy simply because you cannot please everyone?  The answer is straightforward.  No.  If everyone who writes gave up on writing because they are not Bronte, Guterson, Leroux, Austen, Dickens, or even Poe, then we would only have those authors to read, time and time again.  And after a while, we would be longing for something new—something fresh.

So I say this to you my friend, do not give up if you meet slight resistance or disfavor, because waiting out there somewhere, is that one person who needs to read the message you need to share.  That part of you that is hidden away, out of reach unless you offer it to the world.  Use the talent you have been given, as I am doing, to write not only for yourself, but for that one person as well.  Who knows, maybe someday they will have the pleasure of finally hearing your voice.