Ever since you can remember, you’ve wanted to write.
All those homework assignments, essays, and dissertations were like candy to a kid. Because to you, it wasn’t work — it was more like play, with lots of words, phrases, and sentences involved.
Putting together a cohesive story was like navigating the nuances of a jigsaw puzzle. Even when you thought you had a great outline, there were always a few parts that seemed to be a better fit somewhere else.
Still, none of us are immune to the doubts and apprehension that can overtake any wannabe-writer’s brain.
That’s when the mental jousting begins — a virtual challenge that takes every bit of courage and confidence we can muster just to stay even in the game, much less excel beyond our hopes and dreams.
Why do we put ourselves through it? Wouldn’t it be much easier to take a job that doesn’t require us to spill our guts for all the world to see and judge?
Sure, we could sit behind a desk with an earpiece plugged in, listening to people complain about a product or service or the company we work for. We could stand on our feet all day serving coffee and eggs and sandwiches. We could drive people to the store or the doctor or the airport.
We could be miserable and frustrated, because we wouldn’t be doing that one thing that burns in our soul.
And then, we’d probably want to write about it.
Here’s a short excerpt from Please God, Make Me a Writer that may provide a little encouragement - and ease your mental turmoil.
It Takes More Than a Naïve Interest to Express Your Thoughts to the World
Being a writer is often on the list of most people’s dream occupation. There seems to be something mystical, even esoteric about the profession.
Why? Maybe it’s the fantasized notion of creating unique masterpieces or being able to write on an independent schedule — without a boss or supervisor — and having the freedom to take a day off whenever the mood strikes.
And while writing is a noble and rewarding endeavor, the truth is many may not have a true calling. Or enough patience.
It takes more than a naive interest to sit down and express your thoughts to the world. It takes courage. A writer is on a constant journey — often without a road map or compass. Sometimes it means expressing an unpopular opinion or asking difficult questions — either of which can result in ridicule, insults, and undeserved criticism.
In some cases, a controversial article or post can become the equivalent of throwing down the gauntlet.
So how do you know if you’re cut out to be a professional writer?
Surely there must be clues to help distinguish between our muse urging us to bring pen to paper and a flight of fancy that eventually makes us wonder why we ever quit our day job.
Thanks for reading this excerpt from Please God, Make Me a Writer. For more info, watch the Book Trailer on my YouTube Channel — right here.
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Jill Reid is the author of Please God, Make Me A Writer, Real Life, Discover Your Personal Truth, and Life in Small Doses. Her books, videos, and newsletters explore writing, life, relationships, and personal success strategies for building the skills and confidence you need to achieve your goals.
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