Do you have a book burning inside you and the fire is so bright you can’t ignore it?
Is there a story in your heart that you must write – and if you don’t, you’ll die with a thousand regrets?
Is there a lesson you can teach in a way that no one else can, and if you don’t the world will miss out?
Good. Now is the time.
This post is by Positive Writer contributor Frank McKinley.
But I’ve got some really good reasons why I haven’t started…
Of course you do.
And I know them all, because at one time or another, I’ve used them to keep my writing in the closet.
When I was young, I wrote a lot. I didn’t share it because people treated me like I didn’t matter. I was hurt already. I didn’t want to risk being targeted as a fool for daring to be creative.
Pain makes us hide.
It puts up walls where there shouldn’t be walls.
I have a friend who has gone through unimaginable pain, way more than I ever have. We’re in some of the same writing groups. I’ve encouraged her to share her story, even if it’s just a piece or two.
Last week, she took the plunge. She wrote about how scared she was of writing publicly. She shared it in the group.
It was freaking brilliant.
I thought to myself, “Where have you been hiding this talent?”
Then I told her how great it was.
The words you put on the page matter. But the words you give to other writers encouraging them to press on and do the good work of writing and sharing can be life changing.
Today, if you’ve been waiting to write and share your story because it’s not perfect yet, or all your ducks aren’t in a row yet, or you’re too scared to start – consider this your invitation to begin.
The time is now.
Now is the best time to write your story! Click To TweetHere are three compelling reasons why today is the absolute best day to start.
You don’t have to have all your ducks in a row before you write.
The experts that tell you that you need an audience first are trying to help you.
But what they might be doing is giving you a severe case of writer’s block.
Here’s how that looks when you talk to yourself:
- I don’t have 10,000 followers on social media, so no one will take me seriously.
- My story has been told by others 50,000 times already. Why bother?
- I’m not Stephen King. What makes me think I can sell a single book?
Shut up.
Social media can be valuable. But it’s a borrowed platform. So is Medium. The owners can change all the rules whenever they want. And as inconceivable as it may seem, they can even fail.
Where will you be then?
You could – and should – have your own blog. But that will cost you a little money. If you’re short of cash, your host won’t cut you a break.
None of these are platforms. They’re stages. They’re where people come to see you, read your work, and applaud your efforts.
Your platform is your message, your story. You take that with you everywhere. And it’s yours until you die.
So wherever you go, there you are. And so is your story. The best thing you can do is find a stage where your message fits. Metal bands don’t play at the Grand Old Opry. Symphonies don’t play in smoky downtown bars. You don’t wear jeans that are three sizes too small.
There’s a place for you to shine.
It’s up to you to choose yourself and find it.
The time is now.
Write your story and build your following while you’re working.
Don’t let perfectionism and procrastination keep you quiet and make you hide.
You won’t be better tomorrow if you don’t write today.
There are no perfect writers.
If you’ve been sold that myth, I’m sorry.
What seems perfect is really just successful. And success looks different for every bestselling author.
So how do you define “success”?
Success means your message is reaching those who want to hear it.
You can’t go back and do the past differently.
You can dream of the better future that is possible.
It won’t happen if you don’t write something today.
Don’t worry about it being perfect or mind-blowingly awesome. Just be honest. Spill your verbal guts. Say something that scares you, and maybe even seems a little raw.
How do you know it’s safe?
If you don’t feel a definite “No” rising up inside you when you’re editing, leave it in.
Queasy feelings are okay.
Wondering how people might react is permissible.
Just don’t do something you know you shouldn’t, and things should work out okay.
Don’t let perfection keep you from sharing something that’s close enough to perfect.
Today is the first day of the rest of your life. Your forever begins now.
Your readers are waiting.
If you keep your story bottled up, it will ruin you.
I know, that’s a pretty bold statement.
But think about it.
Have you ever gotten really excited about something, but your Inner Critic talked you out of it?
How did that make you feel?
Sad?
Resentful?
Angry?
I’ll bet it burned away inside of you because you bottled it up. You may have even told your friends, but since you never took action, you’re ashamed to talk about it anymore. Maybe they feel sorry for you that you had such a big dream. Since it was so big, they don’t blame you for giving up. Who wouldn’t?
Hogwash.
Give it a chance.
How can you know what it will look like if you don’t chase it? How will you know the impact your story could have if you never write it or share it?
Consider this your kick in the pants.
And if you need a community to encourage you, I can hook you up with one no matter where you live.
Don’t break your own heart by denying it what it wants.
You could be three feet from gold.
Start Now
Chances are if you’re reading this blog, you’re doing some writing.
That’s great.
Wherever you are in your writing, you can always do more. More words. More sharing. Or more of a balance between the two. All you need to do to call yourself a writer is write.
When you share regularly, others will call you a writer.
What’s your story? What do you feel compelled to share with the world? What do you have that can make us all better? Who are the people who matter who will receive your words with joy?
Find them, and do the work.
If they don’t respond right away, here’s an analogy.
When you need shoes, you go to the store and see what’s available. There are dress shoes, athletic shoes, and shoes you wear to goof off. You pick the appropriate style and try some on. Some will fit, others won’t. Walk around and see how you feel before you give the shopkeeper your money.
When you find the perfect pair, you know.
It may take time to find where your story fits. That’s okay. You’ve got to try it out in different places. When you find a fit, stay there and keep writing until it doesn’t work anymore.
When your shoes wear out, you buy another pair. You don’t stop walking when you get holes in your soles. When your writing doesn’t fit anymore, find a place where it does.
And trust me, there is a place.
It may be a long road, and you’ll have to take every step.
Start now.
We need your story.
Your Next Move?
Don’t quit. Read This Next!
