Write In A Way That Scares You A Little

Happy Wednesday! I can't believe it is May already, time is just flying by. Due to the transitional phase of my life, and this time of year in general, I'm continuing on the "facing your fears" route with this post--taking,of course, the perspective of a writer. 

The hard thing about writing is doing so without that feeling of someone watching over your shoulder. That judging look that critizes what you are are saying or the way you are saying it. I don't mean editing--that's so important. I mean rather the negative voice inside you that cuts off your inner voice from the page that you type. It happens more than you think. That voice that tells you no one will care, or no one wants to know-- it's present and it's real. It's also terrible, and detrimental. I believe that your story is important. I believe that what you say, think, and feel matters. People may judge but what does that matter?

The best writing is raw, real, and emotional. The reader wants, and needs, to feel like they know the characters personally-- they desire to feel as though they have become involved. Holding back is never the way to go in order to achieve this. Trying new things, new techniques, new styles and new themes to challenge yourself makes you a better writer. Don't just stick to what makes you comfortable or  "write what you know". Explore and diversify your abilities and learn from the new challenges that you take on. It sounds like I'm simply describing "growing", and really-- that's exactly what it is.

Life, and every day of it, is a new page in the book you are writing for yourself. Each chapter a new beginning and each piece every bit as important as the last.  So write in a way that scares you a little! Be adventurous, courageous, independent, strong, and try new things. Someone (Seth Godin) once said "If it scares you, it might be a good thing to try" or something like that. I mean, the idea is to have no regrets. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do something, and put a stop to that looming critical eye that may be watching you. Write the way you want to write. Be true to yourself and face your fears. Let them encourage you not hinder you.

If you haven't already done so, try something new this week. I'll bet that you'll be glad you did.