“I am a writer. I am a writer. I am a writer.”
Successful author and writing coach Jeff Goins reminded me that this is the mantra I need to write down every day.
As proof that to succeed, it all begins with me spelling it out in no uncertain terms.
And believing it.
Not an attempt at narcissism, but rather as a defense mechanism. Defense against who or what you ask? Defense against all the naysayers and resistance forces waiting in the wings to put me down. Just as I’m getting up and into this whole enterprise of writing and blogging.
The famous author Steven Pressfield was perhaps the first to have issued the warning in his book The War of Art. That resistance to one’s art and craft (be it writing, or any creative endeavor) comes in all shapes and sizes – human or otherwise.
Many can actually be people whom I would never expect, namely family members and close friends!
So I need to repeat this mantra to myself daily.
“I am a writer.”
I’m not just a blogger.
I’m not just an occasional contributor to my local dailies’ public forum page to vent or give feedback.
I’m not just a serial appeal letter writer to the transport authority to beg them to waive parking and speeding fines (just to clarify – I don’t break traffic laws on a regular basis, in case I’m giving you that vibe).
I’m not just a diarist, penning down a poetic-sounding line or two when suddenly, but rarely, inspired.
There are many writers out there, but few who are raw, authentic, genuine, and believable. I want to be among those few, but I know well the sacrifice it will involve, and the discipline it will entail.
This is hard work and the journey will be long, arduous, and painful. If based purely on my past track record, I would probably have given up this undertaking now even before it has a chance to take off!
Sadly, most around me, including loved ones will probably agree and write off this new aspiration of mine as just another recreational hobby, a temporary fling. Besides, if it doesn’t make a decent living (sobering fact: few writers ever become best-selling authors), why bother?
Yet.
I have something to say.
I want to be a truth-sayer.
I desire to use my writing to help me understand myself and the world I live in.
I have a voice I believe matters because of what I’ve experienced, and because my life is still an unfinished journey right now. But hitting 50 this year, I have already traversed many paths and picked up enough things along the way that I know someone else may benefit from hearing about.
No one’s going to have quite the same experience as me, so mine will be a unique voice.
I just need to hone my writing skills now and keep on writing daily until I build my voice and establish my platform.
When the right time comes, I can be “unleashed” onto the world, and make at least a minor impact in my corner of it. And hopefully, along the way, find kindred spirits who will resonate with my words and ideas.
Until then, I just need to keep preaching this to myself daily:
“I am a writer. I am a writer. I am a writer.”
Yes, there are so many things in the way of writers accepting who they are, and reminding yourself is a good way to make sure you stay on the path. Love this heartfelt piece. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Stuart. Your kind words are truly music to my ears! The writer’s journey is often a lonely one so to encounter a kindred spirit like yourself is so precious. I hope to connect with you as I see from your blog that there’s much you can teach me about writing. You’re also writing a book now, just like me, but probably way ahead & more capably. So here’s me wishing you all the best! I’m sure it’ll be a smash hit when you launch it next April! And then you can teach me how you did it! Meantime, write on man!!
I am facing similar struggles. I have an urge to write which will not leave me alone for long, but I see how my attempts at fiction come out flat. Still, I push myself to write some each day.