Write a thank you note . . . either for a tangible, or intangible gift, either for a gift you truly liked, or something you saw as annoying or difficult at first. . . but later saw the value or the good of the gift.
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The most important tool . . . to help me make the big choices in life — Steve Jobs
The subject of death may be uncomfortable or difficult for some. And yet, we are all going to die . . . some time. . . somehow. Here’s a quote from Steve Jobs.
“Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything — all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure — these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.” — Steve Jobs
Note from Marlene: Writing. . . letting others read your writing . . . can make you feel vulnerable, afraid and weak in the knees. And yet, when we pay attention to our desire to write and when we write. . . it’s such a satisfying feeling. So, I say, let go of your fears. . . be brave. . . write and share your writing. Go for it and Just Write. -
I believe. . . Prompt #102
Today’s writing prompt . . .
I believe . . .
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New Uses for Old Things — Real Simple Contest
Real Simple magazine “New Uses For Old Things Contest” deadline: November 14, 2014
Wineglass, dustpan, wooden spoon, smartphone case, belt, soda-can tab, balance/fitness ball, melon baller, coffee cup sleeve, DVD case, cutting board, rolling pin, magnets, shoelaces, garment bag, shot glass, coffee K-Cup, contact-lens case. 
Winners will be published in a future issue and receive a $100 gift card.Email your ideas for “New Uses For Old Things” to: newusescontest@realsimple.com
Include the name of the item and how you repurposed it. Photos welcome.
Click here for details. And if you win, be sure to let us know!
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I wanted to connect with others.
Guest Blogger Lois Lavrisa writes about the lack of self-confidence and doubt amongst writers.
My husband and I attended an event featuring the bestselling financial guru, Suze Orman. We chatted with friends as my husband’s coworker approached us. Beth, a perky lady with a huge smile, approached us.
Beth shook my hand. “I’m a huge fan.”
I nodded enthusiastically. “Me too. I love Suze. I can’t wait to see her.”
Beth’s face froze for a moment, as if registering what I said. Then she gently squeezed my hand. “I’m a fan of yours.”
For a few moments, I didn’t know what to say. I finally said a quick thank you to Beth. She was sweet and I was completely flattered. It’s just that I was just taken off guard because I don’t have great author confidence. Instead I have loads of self doubt, maybe it could be called author angst, which makes me work triple time to make sure what I write is as good as it can be. However, self-doubt doesn’t lend itself to being prepared for a compliment — ever.
Perhaps my doubt began many years ago. The first time my name was in print (eighth grade in a four page mimeographed newsletter) I felt both thrilled and vulnerable. The public (okay maybe thirty of my peers and their families) read what I wrote. That was somewhat cool. Yet I also felt vulnerable.
If I stayed hidden in the shadows with my stories still tucked away in my imagination, I wouldn’t be susceptible to ridicule. Yet I had this desire and overwhelming need to tell my stories. I wanted to connect to people outside of my head. I received lukewarm reception to my first byline. Since no one out right ridiculed my story, and some even liked it, I was encouraged. Coming from a home where no praise was given (recently my mother admitted she did this on purpose so that my four siblings and I wouldn’t get big egos) the lukewarm reaction from my peers was better than nothing. I soaked it up like a sponge. I felt pulled. I didn’t know how to accept praise but at the same time when it happened it felt so good.
And I needed to write.
I wanted to connect with others. This meant my words needed to be out there for all to see. This also meant that my stories could be rejected, accepted or ignored.
In a very tough Southside of Chicago suburban public high school, I was tormented and bullied unmercifully. Being a shy, passive, nerdy honor student in a sea of black rock concert t-shirts and pot smoking— I stuck out as an easy target.
When the high school newspaper announced a poetry contest, I decided to enter. However, for fear of further tormenting, I signed my poem as Heather. My first (and so far only) pseudonym. My poem appeared in the school newspaper. Overhearing some students talking about Heather’s poem made me (secretly of course) jump for happiness. Yet I couldn’t tell anyone that was my poem for fear that if I did, my name would leak to the bullies and could possibly multiply the attacks on me. So, I stayed silent. Yet, I knew I had something to say that connected with people. I wanted to do more of it.
Following graduation, I attended a college a few hours away from my hometown. I loved the anonymity. No bullies. No history of who I was. Freedom to reinvent myself.
During the first semester I realized that I was not cut out for pre dentistry (I do brush and floss twice a day, I haven’t given up on teeth entirely.) I signed up for journalism classes and began to write for the school newspaper. This time I used my own name. And guess what? I didn’t get ridiculed nor beat up. Instead, friends came up to me and commented on my front page story, or on one of my featured articles.
Flash ahead to the Suze Orman event I mentioned at the beginning of this blog, when Beth said she was a fan of mine. My lack of confidence left me flabbergasted when she complimented me. Yes, I work tirelessly on my craft, trying my best to make sure it is as perfect as it could be. So why do I still have those nagging doubts about my writing? When I see a new review posted I hold my breath. Will they say terrible or terrific? Here’s the truth, I believe the terrible reviews more than the terrific ones (thankfully there are way more good reviews than negative, but still those nasty comments -ugh!) I’m hopeless right?
I’m thrilled and honored that readers post great reviews and seem to connect with my stories. Yet, part of me feels unworthy of the accolades. I have such angst you’d think I was a teen, not someone in midlife.
If there were a special workshop to boost author confidence, I’d sign up today. Have any of you experienced author doubt? If you have, how do you handle it? And if anyone wants to share some ideas for boosting author confidence- please do!
Lois Lavrisa writes Mystery with a Twist. Her first mystery, Amazon Top 100 Bestselling and Amazon Hot New Release, LIQUID LIES, is set in an affluent lake town in Wisconsin, and asks the question “Would you tell the truth, even if it meant losing everything?”Originally posted May 22, 2013, The Writer’s Guide to E-Publishing Update. This post is slightly edited and paraphrased from the original post. Re-posted with permission.
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Publishing is a journey, not a destination. — Jennifer Lynn Alvarez
Publishing is a journey, not a destination. — Jennifer Lynn Alvarez, author of The Pet Washer and Guardian Herd – Starfire.
Jennifer was an amazing presenter at Writers Forum in Petaluma, summer of 2014. If you have an opportunity to hear her speak, or attend her author’s event . . . go for it! She’s warm, friendly and has a herd of information about publishing . . .both traditional publishing and self-publishing. She has done both and has stories to tell! She is welcome back at Writers Forum anytime! She’s a good writer, too!
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Editing is writing, too.
Editing is writing, too.
Do you resist editing your writing?
Does the idea of polishing your writing make you feel uncomfortable?
I hear ya!
Do you resist sharing your writing with others?
Does putting your writing “out there” feel like you’re sending your precious child into the (cold, cruel) world?
Yep, I hear that, too.
I used to be very nervous about showing my writing to others. And I still am a bit nervous sometimes.
But then I joined writing groups here and there and I began to share my writing.
When my writing was published — it happened sort of by accident — I didn’t seek to be published. A friend encouraged me (thank you, Pat Tyler) and . . . now I’ve been published in 6 anthologies. And I have to tell ya . . . it’s fun.
Here are my thoughts about the writing process of going from the creativity of a new idea to editing to final product.
When you first write something. . . it can be creative and fun. Then, when the possibility of publishing comes up. . . that precious, personal writing becomes . . . A Product.
And that can be a difficult shift to make. But, here’s the thing. . . editing and polishing your writing for publishing can be fun. Although it’s challenging to select the exact right word or phrase choice, when you have success, it’s a fabulous Eureka moment! It can be fun to shape the writing so others can understand what you are trying to say.
Finally, it can be rewarding to share your writing and receive positive feedback that helps strengthen your writing.
Editing is like pruning a fruit tree or a rose bush. Make a few snips (changes), step back, take a look . . . make a few more changes until the shape gets better and better, and more pleasing. Until, finally, you like the final product and you’re ready to send your precious writing into the world.
Give it a twirl . . . post your writing here, on The Write Spot Blog, and see what happens. I predict good things for you.
Thank you, Kelly and all my friends, for the inspiration for this post.
Just Write!
Photo by Jeff Cullen -
The way I found out about . . . Prompt #100
The way I found out about . . .
Start a sentence with “The way I found out about . . . ” and go from there. Write! Just write.
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The Southern Review welcomes unsolicited work.
The Southern Review welcomes unsolicited work during reading period, Sept 1 – Feb 1.
They consider fiction, poetry, and essays, including creative nonfiction and literary essays. Only previously unpublished work will be considered. They accept simultaneous submissions but ask that you notify them promptly if your work is accepted elsewhere. They recommend that before submitting work you familiarize yourself with the journal’s aesthetic by subscribing.
Click here for submission guidelines.
