Be courageous with your writing

As I thought about writing a new blog post, I realized it’s been a while, and ironically, my last post was about patience. Patience waiting for my hydrangeas to blossom. But today, a few thoughts about courage come to mind. I have a quote near my desk by the wonderful Holly Gerth, author of The Powerful Purpose of Introverts.

“Be courageous and try to write in a way that scares you a little.”

Writing is a very vulnerable act, for sure. The vulnerability comes in stages, I think. First the writing and then the sharing, where we move into uber-vulnerable. That’s where the courage comes in. And then publishing, where all bets are off. The world can see what you’ve created in all its splendor. Yikes.

On her website, Holly has a “What % Introvert are you ?” quiz. Not wanting to miss out on a little fun, I naturally had to take it and see, as if there were any doubt. I scored 99% (out of 100). Almost a “purebred” introvert. I guess I knew that. Try it yourself at her website: https://holleygerth.com.

Taking Holly’s advice, I try to write in a way that scares me a little, and I’ve been doing more of that recently as I finished writing my inspired romance novel. Only two years and a decade later, it’s finally finished. It felt courageous to complete it after the story had been a part of me for so long. But then you start sharing it, for editing, formatting, cover design, and ultimately publishing, and that takes the vulnerability to a whole new level. Terrifying. Thrilling. Scary. Overcome with joy. So proud of what I created. But nervous about sharing it. All these feelings are doin’ a dance. By myself, of course, as I’m 99% introverted.

As I think about what is ahead of me, I’m guessing I’m going to need to remember that it’s my superpower, like a lot of writers, poets, and novelists I’m guessing.  I’ll bet there are many introverts among us, spending so much time alone writing, getting the story down, getting the poem just right. Getting in touch with places deep within us. Fine-tuning each and every little word, comma, and capitalization.  

In between, I’ve been writing poetry and hope to put some of those together in a book at some point, but my novel has consumed my days and nights for a while now. It’s almost time to come out of my studio/sanctuary and let the world know I’ve written a book. Finally. Very exciting. And work on its sequel has already begun. Stay tuned…I don’t anticipate the next one will take two years and a decade. I’m too excited about it.

I hope you’re finding ways to celebrate your own writing life and remember to… “write in a way that scares you a little.” I did. You’ll get to read all about it soon.

Blessings and peace on your journey,                          

Patty