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Dear Reader,
Having trouble getting started writing an entry for this year's 14th Annual Write a DearReader Contest? Not to worry. I think today's question and answer will help get you going. If you have a writing question, feel free to send it to me. Suzanne@DearReader.com
Rules, deadline, cash prizes, and read last year's winning entries for the Write a DearReader Contest, click here.
Book club reader Debbie. writes...
"Suzanne, let me start off by saying that I've been subscribing to your newsletter and various genres of books, for I forget how many years. I'm envious of what you do and think it's great you're promoting libraries and new authors. The advice I'm seeking is this: I used to write endlessly, instinctively, and worry-free back when I was in school. But now I find that though I still have that instinct and desire and soooo many ideas in my head and soooo many people still tell me how great a writer I am (even my boss raves about my emails though he seems to think I'm lagging a bit elsewhere), I find that now whenever I actually attempt to put anything creative down onto paper, or into a computer (other than emails to boss), I hit a massive, insurmountable, proverbial wall. I have become so intensely frustrated with myself for this. I so want to write as easily as I used to....Want so much to make a go of writing professionally as so many people have told me I should. Any advice you could offer to this end would be incredibly appreciated."
Sincere thanks and admiration--Debbie
Dear Debbie,
I'm smiling at this very moment because you sound like me. I too have a love/hate relationship with writing. I have to write, I want to write, deep down in my soul I need to write, but most days it doesn't come easy until I find a way to get out of the way of my writing. I've read interviews with some writers who say they've never experienced the brick writing wall. Good for them, but secretly I hate them. Notice the line I just wrote? Of course I don't really hate writers who've never faced the brick wall, but if I'm afraid to write that thought down, if I edit myself as I'm writing a first draft, concerned about, "What will people think?" then I'm getting in the way of my writing. Instead of letting the words flow through me, I'm trying to take control. When I finally do let go and get out of the way, the words come easy and they blossom. They make me laugh, they make me cry and the writing feels oh...so very good.
One of the reasons the words flow easier when you're writing to your boss is because you're envisioning yourself talking to one person. Just having a friendly conversation, only instead, you're writing it down. Use that trick when you're working on your personal writing. When you find yourself stuck, ask yourself, "Okay, Debbie, what is it that you're really trying to say?" and then start typing as if you are talking to one single person.
When fear gets in the way of my writing, I remind myself that my strength in life comes from my insecurities. Eventually I do find my way. It might take me longer than the average Joe, but I've never regretted the journey. Take it easy, Debbie, slow down, don't be afraid, and simply say what's on your mind. I'll be thinking about you.
* Have a question about writing? Email: Suzanne@DearReader.com Enter the 14th Annual Write a DearReader Writing Contest, click here.
Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.
Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
** AUTHORBUZZ **
SURRENDER (Fiction) by Elisabeth Naughton
I'm thrilled to share the newest story in my House of Sin series! If you're new to the House of Sin, don't worry. This is a great place to start. Danger, intrigue, romance and suspense--this series has it all. If you've already read the series, then you're familiar with Marco and Felicity. This book takes you back in time to their first meeting and a friendship that shaped an entire series.
Go to: AUTHORBUZZ click on SURRENDER to read more and to email author Elisabeth Naughton, you'll get a reply.
This month's Penguin Classics book is THE LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF JOAQUIN MURIETA, by John Rollin Ridge. I have a Penguin totebag to share with a lucky reader. Read this month's Penguin Classics book and enter-to-win for your chance to win the adorable totebag.
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