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Dear Reader,
One of the easiest places for me to relax and write is sitting outside in my wicker chair. The birds are singing, the sun is shining, there's a light cooling breeze, and I feel relaxed and inspired. So get outdoors, find a big old shade tree, bring along a notebook and start writing. Because this year's Annual Write a Dear Reader Contest is just around the corner.
Cathy, a reader at the book club writes...
"Hi Suzanne, I enjoy writing but I feel like it's difficult to allow myself to be vulnerable. I want my writing to not be one dimensional. How does a writer know if he/she is prepared emotionally to let people in?"-- Cathy
(Suzanne replies:)
Vulnerable: susceptible to physical or emotional attack or harm.
"we were in a vulnerable position"
synonym: helpless, defenseless, powerless, weak, susceptible
Dear Cathy,
When you read my column you're definitely hearing my voice and I'm openly sharing my thoughts and feelings. But telling the world what you're personally feeling isn't a requirement when you're writing. You'll have to find your own voice and that might be writing fictional stories. Then you could write about your feelings, but attribute them to the main characters in your stories.
I have the feeling when you finally decide to "emotionally let people in," you'll want them to know it's you they're reading about. Let me share some of my own writing struggles with you...
'What will people think?' used to be the first thing I'd think about when I sat down to write, but not anymore. If I want to give my best, I need to get to the place inside of me that's a little vulnerable. It can be scary. Give a lot, put it all out there and someone may take advantage because some people take all you have to give and give nothing back in return.
My strength in life comes from my insecurities. I have just enough confidence in myself and just enough doubt to write about my worries and fears, to make fun of myself, and invite people to laugh along with me. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could all feel comfortable enough to laugh at ourselves when we screw up? A laughter that stays with us, tucked away inside, instead of feeling shame? Hopefully when people read the words I write, they'll go easier on themselves and find a soft place to fall."
That single, last line explains why it's important for me to be honest about my feelings when I write. Once you figure out why it's important for you--the confidence you're looking for will follow.
Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.
Warmest regards,
Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]
AUTHORBUZZ
WHAT HAPPENED THAT NIGHT (Thriller) by Sandra Block
Dahlia is drugged and attacked at a Harvard party. She remembers nothing, but her life has changed. Five years later, someone releases a video on-line. Now she knows what happened and who's to blame--and she's going to get revenge.
Go to AUTHORBUZZ click on WHAT HAPPENED THAT NIGHT to read more and to email author Sandra Block, you'll get a reply.
* This month's Penguin Classics book is AMIABLE WITH BIG TEETH, by Claude McKay. I have a Penguin totebag to share with a lucky reader. Start reading this month's Penguin Classics book by clicking this link, and enter-to-win for your chance to win the adorable totebag.
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