Lately, I’ve been in this rut with my writing. Everything I write just flat-out sucks. Okay, maybe it isn’t that bad, but it’s not that good either. Or I sit down at the computer and I’m suddenly dumbfounded. I can’t write a descent sentence to save my life, my typing skills revert to that of a pre-schooler, and everything I’ve learned about the English language disappears from my brain. DOH!
But today, I ran across this video on Jess Witkin’s blog (she first saw it on Kait Nolan’s blog, so it’s kinda making its way around) and I completely identified with this adorable British guy, Charlie. Take a look
Charlie was spot on, wasn’t he? This video made me realize that I’m not alone in my fears. We all go through this sometimes. The challenge is learning to confront that fear, to find that little voice inside that says “I believe in me” and turn it from an occasional whisper to a daily mantra.
I think Charlie did just that by making this video. He faced his fear, spoke it aloud even, and put it out there. Now, instead of running away and doing nothing, he can move forward toward his goals.
A very dear friend of mine, CC MacKenzie, recently told me to “write with confidence and authority. And tell the story.” I think that’s been the best advice I’ve heard in a long time. So I wrote it on a sticky note and stuck it on my computer. That way when I sit down to write, I’ll see that note and read it. Hopefully this will help me face some of my fears.
What about you? What are some of your fears? What have you done to help you face them and move past them?
When I first started my Teddy Bear businss, I
made things I thought would sell (because I very much needed the income ) but I never thought what I did was “good enough”. Sales were slow until one show. I made the usual stuff and then I made 3 bears that I wanted make but thought would never sell. Those 3 bears sold before the show opened …and I learned a valuable lesson. Follow your instincts and stop worrying about what opeople might say. Relax and enjoy what you do ! Follow your bliss.
Follow your bliss – good advice!
As I said in one of my posts, Fear is the Mind Killer. My DH, an artist, calls it the dark side of the force. All creatives seem to suffer with this type of fear. And it can paralyze you. The only way I know to cure that is to change things up a little, find a different way to approach the job, stop thinking about what someone else might like, what is it that you happy or excited or entertained. And know that eventually you’ll get stuck here again, so have a ‘toolbox’ full of tools to deal with it next time. Good luck!
The dark side of the force – funny but oddly accurate. Your DH maybe on to something there, Lynnette! LOL!
Changing things up can help. I find if I take a break for a short bit and either watch something on TV or read a good book, it helps take my mind off things. And then I can come back to it with a different perspective or look at it with fresh thoughts.
Thanks for stopping by!
I have many ways I fight I Suck Syndrome. I tell myself I don’t have to publish it, that I’m writing just for me. I remind myself that there’s always revision (unless, of course, I’m working on the revsion); I remind myself that no one’s life depends on what I write (except maybe my characters’ :D) and finally, to just do it. Changing something up helps too! I’ve had to reacquaint myself with these, but I’m winning NaNoWriMo!
Suck Syndrome – great name for it, Jennette!
I’m so glad you’re winning NaNoWriMo! It takes A LOT of discipline to get through that challenge – and not go bald in the process. haha!
Thanks for the suggestions and good luck with your writing.
Fear sucks. There’s a question I found – not sure where – and I try to ask myself this whenever I feel stuck…
What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail?
It helps me reframe my thinking & takes the pressure off. Should XYZ happen to my character? Try it and see. It’s all part of the process.
😉
That’s a good question, Liv! I’m definitely going to try that. Thanks for stopping by!
I’m sorry you’re going through this, Jennifer, but I think it’s human nature to feel this way. I’d worry if you never felt this way, actually. I love what CC told you. We all need to believe in ourselves and write with that kind of confidence. Liv is right. Go forth as if you couldn’t fail and see what happens. We’re here for you.
Thanks Debra! I think Liv is right, too. It is all part of the process. But it’s wonderful to know the WANAs always have my back. 😉
Charlie is awesome! Hopefully you checked out his video list as he has some really exceptional work. I first ran across his stuff on youtube by accident, but the SF song was adorable and the mini story had great twists.
I did think it took a lot for him to do the fear video as well. Hopefully, he’ll keep on strong.
Hi Gloria!
I’m definitely going to keep up with Charlie. His video struck a chord with me so now I’m interested in seeing where his path leads him. I’ll take a look at the rest of his list and I hope he keeps going strong as well! Thanks for stopping by!