Sometimes it’s hard to believe in ourselves as writers, but it’s very important that we do. Too often we doubt ourselves, and we rely too heavily on approval from others and ultimately from the world of books and publishing.
Without self belief it’s impossible to keep writing and that’s why we need people like Natalie Goldberg to help foster our faith in ourselves and our love of writing. We need to nurture our fragile egos, learn to say ‘what the hell’ to everything that gets in the way and know we can write!
Being with other writers is sometimes the best medicine for self doubt and for me it’s always inspirational.
This morning I listened to a fascinating conversation between Wendy Robertson, who was recording for her new radio programme, The Writing Game, and local writers Hilary Smith and Eileen Elgey. They talked about beginnings – about their writing and about writers they admired, as well as bravely and beautifully reading from their work. The programme goes out on Bishop FM in early May – (I will let you know time and date -soon) – it will be a valuable resource and inspiration for both new and existing writers as well as readers, and will feature interviews with published authors, local writers, writing workshops and regular book reviews and recommendations.
The recording today inspired me to get writing. I’ve bought a new notebook so I’m prepared. I have a beginning, something I’m working on but I’m still experimenting and looking for something fresh, maybe completely different. The best way to find it is of course is to just WRITE
But if you feel like I do at the moment, unsure of where to start, unsure of what you want to say then why not try starting with Natalie Goldberg’s Writing Down The Bones – its bursting with ideas and inspiration and her own unique zen outlook. It’s sold millions of copies and being translated into many languages
On writing the book she says , ‘I think I was writing the book to save my creative life. To learn to trust my own mind and have a confidence in my experience.I felt I had something to say and wanted to say it. At first, though, I was afraid… I was afraid people would think it was stupid or idealistic. But I decided I had to put it down and share with the world something that I saw…’
Natalie teaches us not be afraid – possibly the best message there is for a writer!
OMG Av, your new blog is just amazing! So vibrant and alive, full of inspiration and creativity – you’re a babe! xx
From one ‘babe’ to another ! – glad you like it, such a compliment coming from an artist! Thank you Jan
A x
You’re right Avril – self belief is everything for a writer, and it’s so fragile!
Hi Kathleen – welcome home! I guess part of that fragility is what makes us writers though – a kind of catch 22!
Ax
Such an inspiring commentary. I am keeping my fingers crossed for the radio programme. Scary, doing new things. But – as you say here – I’ll feel the fear and do it anyway.
So-ooo glad you are on board with this.
Fortune favours the brave – it’s going to be great Wendy!
A x