I think... if I post on this blog, I'd like to make it a venue of "Good Vibes Only." So I want to post things on here that make me feel good, and hopefully some things that might make you feel good too.
Today I needed some words of wisdom on writing.
So here's the deal. I've been writing. A bit.
There's this book I'm working on. Maybe you've heard of my insane dating project that somehow landed me a lil' interest from: the book world, Hollywood, and a handsome beau. I'm writing up my adventures - along with some tales of dating woes and wonders and magical moments of finding visions of hope while in the depths of despair - and am hoping to compile it in book form soon-ish.
In reality, the book feels very, very possible. Extremely possible in fact. But I have been standing in my way of getting it done. Some call it writer's block. But I believe the only block standing in any writer's way (or anyone's way from his own success)... is himself.
I took a break from writing for a few weeks. And I've successfully come up with a few excuses as to why...
One.
It's not really an awesome feeling writing about my failed relationships in a way that "takes the reader there." Ouch. For real. Let's just photocopy my journal, shall we? Very humbling. And it makes me ornery.
Not attractive.
Two.
I am not giving my life enough credit. I keep thinking this book is basically my take on a sort of memoir... when my life is not even a third over yet (I expect to live FOR-EV-ER). And I keep thinking my life is not interesting.
Three.
I have been feeling like I suck at writing.
So I went to a writer I really respect for some inspiration.
Here's what Liz Gilbert (author of Eat, Pray, Love) has to say:
"As for discipline – it’s important, but sort of over-rated. The more important virtue for a writer, I believe, is self-forgiveness. Because your writing will always disappoint you. Your laziness will always disappoint you. You will make vows: “I’m going to write for an hour every day,” and then you won’t do it. You will think: “I suck, I’m such a failure. I’m washed-up.” Continuing to write after that heartache of disappointment doesn’t take only discipline, but also self-forgiveness (which comes from a place of kind and encouraging and motherly love). The other thing to realize is that all writers think they suck. When I was writing “Eat, Pray, Love”, I had just as a strong a mantra of THIS SUCKS ringing through my head as anyone does when they write anything. But I had a clarion moment of truth during the process of that book. One day, when I was agonizing over how utterly bad my writing felt, I realized: “That’s actually not my problem.” The point I realized was this – I never promised the universe that I would write brilliantly; I only promised the universe that I would write. So I put my head down and sweated through it, as per my vows."
-Elizabeth Gilbert
So...... I think that makes sense. I need to throw out my excuses and just write.
I really do.
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Here's the thing. I'm not posting this whiney complaint in an effort to lure fantastic compliments my way.
Really.
I just wanted to post something to give myself some motivation. Plus, I want to start making this blog a haven for the good words of good people. So there you go.
Do you have any cool phrases you've heard recently that have given you a boost?
What motivates you???