By Ali Cross
Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with a few writers about their writing journey. We talked about how we came to be writers and about the challenges we faced along the way. And an amazing similarity was discovered.
More than half of those gathered had battled with depression and/or been discouraged in our writing efforts early on in our lives.
One had been told to not stand out or to draw attention to herself because other people deserved to shine too. So she needed to hide her light under a bushel—literally.
Another had been told that her imagination was something to be overcome, denied, because fantasies were bad and shameful.
One of the writers had been told he could never make a career out of writing so he should just forget it. And he did.
All of these writers had ignored their desire to write for a long time. Writing is not something we fell easily into. Writing, is an often painful journey that is fraught with the danger of self-discovery.
But, to a person, everyone agreed they are truly happiest when they are writing.
William Wordsworth said “Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart.” And so I say to you, to all of my writer friends, my sensitive friends who yearn to paint pictures with your words, write. And be happy.
3 comments:
Beautiful, Ali. Not surprisingly, I have a similar story. But when I did finally stand up and say, "Ok, I'm doing it" that was the most liberating moment of my life!
As you already know, I can stand up and be counted among those who have struggled with believing in myself as a writer. It's /hard/, in so many ways. Putting yourself out there. Painting the scene so that others can see it. Being true to yourself in what you have to say. Being afraid of what others will think. And just plain believing that you have the talent and ability to do it at all.
But at the end of the day, when I sit down and read what I've written, I feel a thrill of accomplishment that nothing else in my life can equal. And, so, I keep on trying. Thanks for the reminder that I'm not alone in my struggles. :o)
God bless you, Ali. *hugs*
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