It’s not What’s Stopping You but Who…

Writers. You’re one, correct? Oh, you want to be a writer.

Then write.

Oh, you want to be an author. My twelve-year-old daughter wrote this quote on my whiteboard: “Don’t be a writer, be writing.” – William Faulkner.

Isn’t it funny, or lame, that the one thing you struggle with most as a writer is the actual writing? This topic gets discussed often. Why? Because people like you (and me) struggle to write. The most maddening aspect of this writing conundrum reveals itself as your own personal problem. Who else other than you could possibly be the problem?

Oooh. There’s an open door for all your excuses. All your diversions. Distractions. Responsibilities.

I’m not sorry to inform you that your issue is truly you.

Julia Cameron’s book, “The Artist’s Way” is as relevant today as it was in its auspicious beginning. Creative people need to “recover” as Ms. Cameron states. We own so much baggage and negativity, we lose our connection to ourselves. If you can truly say you are in tune with yourself, there may not be much for you here.

I work with the many people who desire to write a book, a good, satisfying, bucket-list book, but they struggle to get started, write the middle, or finish. The issues all remain related to one specific topic – you. You don’t write because of issues within yourself.

Don’t get all upset with me. Truth is the truth. Truth is not bad. Truth like “the issue being you” stands as “identification of the problem.” Knowing you have an issue and knowing that you are the root of your issue could set yourself on a path of rediscovery. Writing serves as one of the most therapeutic, cathartic exercises humans may endeavor. I believe in writing as a major tool in my sanity. I have not written myself sane as yet, but I am on the path of discovery.

Note that I did not say, “…path of rediscovery.” In truth, I am on the “rediscovery” path as well at this point in time. My “discovery” path and “rediscovery” path coincide with each other like some roads. In Daytona Beach, Florida, we have routes 17 and 92 which travel along the same pavement for a while until they split off. I am both rediscovering myself and I am discovering my new self as well.

You may do the same. Do you feel unmotivated? Do you know you crave to write the Great American Novel (or any other nation for that matter), or the next awesome self-help book, or the next incredible memoir? Why aren’t you doing it?

Ahhh. As the comedy troupe Monty Python once stated in a skit, “That’s the nub of the gist, isn’t it?” Why aren’t you writing?

The answer I’d like to hear from you is, “I’m driven to find out why I’m not writing.” No one will solve this for you. This is work you must accomplish on your own.

Help is available, though. This aspect of troubleshooting your writing woes is my specialty. I’ve helped over 100 people get their books written and that number is going to explode in the coming months and years.

Do you want to get started? Do you really? Show me. Go for a 20-minute walk. I don’t care what the weather is. I don’t care whether you feel like it or not. Go walk.

Do it now.

When you get back, write what you saw along the way. Also, write what you felt about your walk. What you felt about what you saw. What smells came across your nostrils. What sounds did you hear?

Go on. Get to it.

For extra credit, write what you came across in the comment section of this blog. I will answer your comment.

Promise.

Now. Go walk. Then write.

Go on now. Get oughta here!

Where to Write

Writing can become a fickle endeavor. You must get to know yourself, your likes, your dislikes, and often the answers will surprise you. “Book Whisperer Writing Tips” will be a series of short videos addressing things you may take for granted or not give enough attention in your writing trek. Today’s subject touches on where you choose to write. Don’t lock yourself into one writing location. Explore. Learn about yourself!

The Inspired Mic lends itself to creative chaos – in an organized sort of way. Come out Thursday and see for yourself!

“Have you ever pondered the miracle of popcorn? It starts out as a tiny, little, compact kernel with magic trapped inside that when agitated, bursts to create something marvelously desirable. It’s sort of like those tiny, little thoughts trapped inside an author’s head that―in an excited explosion of words―suddenly become a captivating fairytale!” ― Richelle E. Goodrich