If someone had told me when I retired from paid employment at age 56 that I would be a writer, author of two books in six years, I would have laughed it off. Sure! Right! Me an author. Inwardly I would have groaned with unfulfilled longing never believing the idea anything more than a pipe dream.
Every journey starts with a first step. Many first steps are baby steps – mine were – tentative, fearful, and lacking finesse or confidence. Perhaps my journey will inspire others to take those baby steps and eventually stride with pride.
You see, when you are raised in the shadow of a man whose tyranny demands that all thoughts and actions must perfectly reflect his own view, that every behaviour must be exactly what he expects, even when you have no idea what that is, growing up, ‘becoming’, is not a viable option. Original thoughts, ones that did not mirror his became sources of ridicule or rage. I learned to see the world through veils of distrust. I distrusted myself and others others. I feared success. I feared failure. Continue reading “To Face the Fear – And Become by Yvonne Hertzberger”
Question of the day: are you insane to think your writing means anything? The question of whether you are a nut-job or not is rather easily answered. It all depends on your expectations. And your motivation. And what ‘meaning’ means to you. Do you write because you love to write or because you see it as your ticket to fame? Do you publish because you are proud of your work and hope that maybe a handful of people will enjoy it or because you expect a royalty check that will buy you a Ferrari? If you write because you love it, you’re all good. If you publish because you want to share your work, great. If you expect to be recognized for your efforts…or to profit from them…you are in for a rude awakening.