A few days ago we moved to Budapest with my boyfriend. I left behind my job and studies, and for one full year, I have no obligations whatsoever. It’s like a lengthened holiday. Except for one thing.
Now I have a whole year ahead of me with nothing but time for writing. I know it would be a dream come true for countless aspiring writers (who would probably punch me for saying this), but instead of overflowing joy and excitement, what I’m really feeling is fear. That’s right. In fact, it scares the shit out of me, and you know why? Because I’ve run out of excuses.
Time’s always been the deciding factor in my lack of writing. You know the drill? “Oh, I could write a book, if I just didn’t have all this work/home work/house work and I didn’t have to meet with friends/see my boyfriend/insert your own excuse here…” or “I have this great idea, but to get it on paper, I would need time to sit down, and I’m always so busy…” None of that anymore. So now, with all this time in my hands, if I don’t manage to write a (good) book, it’s simply because I’m lazy/unimaginative/a bad writer/all of the above.
How do you think it would feel finding out, after years and years of dreaming of becoming a writer, that you really didn’t have it in you?
PS. Ok, I am a little excited as well.
I dont know on this one Varpu.
VastaaPoistaI have been talking and talking and talking about wanting to write a book ONLY for the past 10 years and did I do anything? Of course not, there was always a good reason for not writing.
Last month I injured my foot and I was off work for a month (back tomorrow :( ) and guess what ? I started writing, writing lots and writing stuff that I like. Now my parents are visiting and I havent written a thing and tomorrow I ll be back in work, will I be able to get back to it again? I do not know I hope so. All I know that now I have to make time just for that:Writing.
Planning a little escapade to Helsinki in Nov just to have a week with myself, wander around and write, write, write).
I am sure that your year off will prove productive, dont be scared, just enjoy the process.
Elena
Varpu! Stop being afraid. :)
VastaaPoistaYou once thought of writing. Or becoming a writer, or of writing books. That thought probably came to you because you wanna do this, not because you just daydreamed. So if you thought about it, the writing is within you. You just have to let ti all out!
Yes, fear is there. Do you know how many times I think to myself, oh, only my friends are praising me, and they are biased, and so, I am a crappy writer in fact, I am no writer at all. FORGET THESE THOUGHTS. They are not good for you!!!
The key to success is
-BELIEVING
-PRACTICING
That easy. You believe in yourself and you write A LOT.
You are just as good as any other writer out there. In time, you will get there. But no more excuses, get to work, be ambitious, be positive, and LOVE the process of writing, LOVE your characters, and KNOW that your book will benefit people who read it.
The best of luck, enjoy, and happy writing. :) (I'll be here to nudge you occassionally and we can also meet you know, discuss, exchange ideas etc. Fun!!!)