Dear writer,
I know there’s been some obstacles you’ve had to face this week. Some may have been expected. Some may have come out of nowhere. And I know whatever you’ve had to navigate through has been a challenge. But, resolved crisis or not, you’re still here. And I’m so glad.
Whether you believe it or not, you’ve persevered; you’ve endured. And you’re growing as a result—both as a writer and as an individual. And I’m so proud of you.
I have a new quote that I added to my virtual peg board this week that I hope will encourage you as well. It’s something Shannon Dittemore wrote: When you sit down to write, you’re not just sculpting a beginning, middle, and end. You’re building something more powerful. You’re creating a storyteller.
You’re building you. Something that will impact the heart of every story you will ever tell. How amazing is that?
This means the materials you’re using to build who you are and will be as a storyteller matter! The words you believe about yourself, the voices you allow to speak into your creativity and life…they matter.
There are plenty of people in the world who say they wish they could write or that they dream about one day writing a book. But you’re actually taking the time to do it.
It doesn’t matter how long it takes. It doesn’t matter how many times you need to start over. Each time you sit down with pen and paper, laptop and coffee, or book and highlighter, you’re adding to the foundation and the framework on which all your future storytelling will be built.
And it’s a beautiful thing.
If, for any reason, the obstacles you’ve faced this week have you questioning your resolve as a writer, I’d like to encourage you to take time to inspect the materials you’re using, the advice you’re following, and the “truths” you’re choosing to believe about yourself. If you spot anything that has rot, mold, cracks, or warping…throw it out!
For example, constructive feedback is beneficial to any writer. Criticism that mercilessly points out every flaw while ignoring what you’re excelling at, is not. Pile that rotten wood on the bonfire and toast some marshmallows while telling stories until the flames turn to embers. And after those burned boards turn to ash and blow away in the breeze, keep telling your stories!
My friend, whether you’ve published a hundred books or are starting the hundredth draft of your first, you are a storyteller and a member of a long-established and noble calling.
Continue dreaming. Continue building. And continue pressing forward in your writing.
Endure forte!
Jen