You may recall from the Wizard of Oz that what the cowardly lion needed was “courage”.  The same thing applies to writers.  We all need courage to put our thoughts down on paper, to share them with others, to hear critiques, to learn new ways of making our work better, as well as just sharing the fact that we are writers.

At first, it was hard for me to say “I’m a writer” out loud, and when I put it on my income tax return for the first time I felt like a fraud.  Are you a writer if you’ve never published?  The answer is – Yes.  Are you a writer if you’ve never been paid for your work?  The answer again is – YES.  If you write on a consistent basis with a goal in mind of completing a body of work, then “you are a writer.”

It takes a great amount of courage to handle the rejections that inevitably come after the submissions are made.  Use them to improve your work.  Use them to toughen up.  Use them to wallpaper your utility room.  Have the courage to accept that not everyone will love your work.  It may be just misfortune that you send a story to an editor about horses and she is terrified of them and won’t give it the attention it deserves.  

Writing is not always “comfortable.”  The white page is very daunting, just start writing and see what develops.  In fact, it takes a lot of courage to write beyond what is comfortable.  Stretching the character and story beyond normal limits can make it more interesting.  Challenge yourself and the result will be a much more compelling story for the reader.  

Have the courage to never give up, whether your goal is to write greeting cards, a memoir, the greatest American novel – whatever it may be, get started and keep going until it’s as complete as you can make it.  Don’t be afraid to try and don’t be afraid to fail.  Failure is learning what doesn’t work.  Having the courage to go on is worthy of a medal, just like the wizard gave to the lion, I give a virtual medal to each and everyone one of you who are writing.  

In April my article on Saint by Sarah Jane, a local jewelry designer was published in Womens Focus magazine.  It's a family business and I was able to interview Sarah Jane (Designer) and her sister Ashley Biel (Marketing) for the article.  They were great to work with and I thoroughly enjoyed the interviews.  If you're not familiar with Saint by Sarah Jane I highly recommend you check out the web site (http:\\saintbysarahjane.com) where her unique designs can be viewed.  They are inspired by nature and I love that!

To further add to the pleasure of this experience I received my first piece of Saint jewelry, the Butterfly charm with a nice thank you note.  I've never received a gift like this before, and never for writing an article.  It was so sweet of them.  I love writing about interesting people and these ladies are amazing. I've worn my designer necklace every day since I received it and am proud to say that it is Saint by Sarah Jane.

It's true. Social media can become an addiction.  I find that I have to check my Twitter and Facebook every day now.  It's fun seeing what folks are up to and seeing new photos of friends and family.  I like the fact that I've reconnected with family from other states and new friends here, too.  Unfortunately I have let it interfere a bit with my writing time.  So, now that the sun is up longer I will not feel so compelled to hit the sack at 9:30, can fit in a walk and some writing time every day.  Have I managed it yet, well, sort of...

Enjoy the writing journey my friends, I've slipped off the path just a little but will be back on tonight. Promise.
BD

One of my favorite kids animated films is Chicken Little.  That little chick is so cute and nerdy I can't help but love him.  And I love the twist on the whole Sky is Falling theory.  Aliens?  Well, of course.  What other explanation could there be?  My littlest grandson and I have seen it on several occasions. 

Sometimes I feel like the sky is falling as a writer.  I write for a couple of magazines (that I love) and there's always a deadline.  When I can't reach my interview subject I begin to feel the clouds lowering.  So far I've never been late on a deadline and that's a real plus in my experience.  Then, there's the other side of that whole interview coin. I call to make an appointment and they either (a) want to talk now when I'm not quite prepared or (b) they want to talk today, in a few hours, and I have little or no time to prepare.  Oh dear.  The ceiling is starting to press on  my hair.  Yikes.

Bottom line, start planning early.  Be prepared for anything.  Don't be afraid to say I'm sorry I can't do the interview right now I have a prior commitment in a few minutes.  Don't be afraid to keep trying and ask your editor for any alternative methods if you can't reach them by phone. Do they have a cell number?  Do they have email?  I've even used Facebook when I couldn't reach a subject but I did find that they had a Facebook page. Improvise. It'll help prevent the whole sky is falling on my head feeling.

In the mean time, enjoy your writing journey and watch those low hanging clouds. Many have silver linings I'll bet.

BD