Day 98 - For the Love of Leece
A while ago, I wrote to a local writer, J.A. Jance, who used to live next door to my parents when I was a baby. She wrote back and said she remembered us and told me her writing story. She also gave me some great advice:
Write every day. Listen to your heart. And distance yourself from anyone who steps on your dream.
These are words I try and tell myself daily, the last being the most difficult.
I really believe in my stories, I falter a bit when it comes to my skill but I know skill can be taught, creativity cannot. Though I believe in what I'm doing, I learned quickly that, even the best of people, may unknowingly be discouraging. Whether they find the whole thing silly or are particularly critical, it can damage what little belief you may have in yourself.
As quickly as I learned about these types of people, I learned just a quick to stop discussing writing with them. Instead I have found a few good people in my life who not only want to hear about my writing but are amazing with helping me brainstorm and further my story ideas.
My amazing friend Aleece is one of these people.
I was thinking tonight about how lucky I have to have someone who believes in my writing more than I do and encourages me every step of the way.
She calls me out and when I'm talking about doing this and that, she asks what my word count for the day is - it brings me back to Earth.
She furthers my story by asking questions, even the hard ones.
And I trust her. I trust that she could read my manuscript and not only keep it to herself but also give me real honest feedback.
I am lucky to have such a friend who helps be become what I want most - to be a writer.
Write every day. Listen to your heart. And distance yourself from anyone who steps on your dream.
These are words I try and tell myself daily, the last being the most difficult.
I really believe in my stories, I falter a bit when it comes to my skill but I know skill can be taught, creativity cannot. Though I believe in what I'm doing, I learned quickly that, even the best of people, may unknowingly be discouraging. Whether they find the whole thing silly or are particularly critical, it can damage what little belief you may have in yourself.
As quickly as I learned about these types of people, I learned just a quick to stop discussing writing with them. Instead I have found a few good people in my life who not only want to hear about my writing but are amazing with helping me brainstorm and further my story ideas.
My amazing friend Aleece is one of these people.
I was thinking tonight about how lucky I have to have someone who believes in my writing more than I do and encourages me every step of the way.
She calls me out and when I'm talking about doing this and that, she asks what my word count for the day is - it brings me back to Earth.
She furthers my story by asking questions, even the hard ones.
And I trust her. I trust that she could read my manuscript and not only keep it to herself but also give me real honest feedback.
I am lucky to have such a friend who helps be become what I want most - to be a writer.