IWSG August 2013, A Day Late and a Dollar Short

Quote of the Day: I don't think you have time to waste not writing because you are afraid you won't be good at it. Anne Lamott

I'm a day late and a dollar short on this month's posting for the Insecure Writer's Support Group, hosted by Alex J. Cavanaugh (click his name for a list of more participants and an explanation of how the group got started). I think we should have an IWSG week instead of just one day. I know I could use more therapy, and with summer and all its distractions, a little wiggle room on time. Thanks.

I was part of this exciting event the past four days in Sturgis, SD, home of the largest motorcycle rally, started in 1940.

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, August 5, 2013

 

I have this dilemma at the moment of having so much life to live, adventures to experience, and family and friends to spend time with, that I'm afraid (and rightfully so) that I won't take the time to write. So, I've tried to combine my activities with my love of writing and recording life. I write reviews for theaters in the Minneapolis/St. Paul areas. I write about arts events in my home area, Brainerd lakes area, and I'm writing about my travels on another blog, Ride off the Page. You can read more about the Sturgis Rally and this year's trip there. I'll be posting there in the next few days.

 

I had huge insecurities about being a travel rider/writer, especially blogging from the back of a bike. Up until last summer, I'd never been on a street bike before, much less taken a wild west tour on one. So, the details and the language were foreign to me. I thought, real bikers won't want to read my travel blog. Non-bikers will question my mental health. My travel companions, and folks we met along the way, might not want me to expose them to the world wide web. So, I almost didn't write it. But, I had encouragement from the Biker Chef and our friends and family who enjoyed living the trip through our pictures and words. And I thought, why not? I'm a good writer. I know how to make the event come alive for others, and I love taking photos.

 

So, my fellow insecure writers, write what you are drawn to write. If it is placed in your heart to do it, then it IS your thing. You ARE the one who is supposed to tell that story. Write it. Don't apologize and don't hesitate. Your adventure is at your fingertips.

 

Go. Create. Inspire!

 

Journaling Prompt:  What are you waiting for? What is holding you back?

Cure for the Insecure Writer

Quote of the Day:  Hebrews 12:1

Today's New International Version (TNIV)

¹ Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,

This is a great verse to tuck into your back pocket as you persevere through life. The images lift me up. I feel myself moving into that cloud of witnesses and being surrounded by people who love and support me.  They are there for you, too.

On the first Wednesday of every month, Alex J. Cavannaugh is hosting the Insecure Writer's Support Group. I joined right in. Last month, I wrote about feeling like I didn't really belong in the world of playwrights. You can read about it here. Last week, I wrote about feeling afraid to meet the National Players and participate in their improv workshop, but I did it anyway. I describe the experience here.

And, you could have heard the voices in my head screaming ridicule and excuses to convince me not to go to The Guthrie. I mean, who I am to be invited to Blogger Night at The Guthrie? 

But, here I am, standing in front of the theatre, all my insecurities rolling on the highway that lead me here.

Here's the thing. People feel insecure. They're afraid of taking risks, looking imperfect, being vulnerable. Yet, they are longing for new experiences, to live into their authentic lives, and to be a positive force in the world. You can "What if" yourself into isolation and depression, or you can surround yourself with that cloud of witnesses, the people who give you light and love, and go forth with confidence.

Last month, after I posted my insecurities, I went on Facebook and tagged some of the people who had offered encouragement. When I started making that list, I realized that I was surrounded by a cloud of witnesses. I paused. Said a prayer of thanks, and said "Yes!" to the next new opportunity - despite my insecurities.

Go. Create. Inspire!

And, someday soon, Dare!

Journaling Prompt:  Make a list of people who are part of your cloud of witnesses, those who give you strength, support, love and light.

No one said it would be Easy

Quote of the Day:  A writer is someone for whom writing is more difficult than it is for other people. — Thomas Mann

I'd like to debate that Thomas Mann quote.  Substitute the word that describes you and your art or skill.  Is it harder for you to create, or easier?  In some ways it's easier.  You have the desire.  You think of ways to describe things.  I often find myself reacting to a situation or person or event like a writer.  I start thinking of how I can describe it for other people so that they can experience it through my work.  Then, the "it's harder" part comes in.  I agonize over just the write words and phrasings.

It's like getting yourself all geared up for that big climb, like Eric on the ropes course up there.  My boys had a preview of their camp experience by going to Camp Shamineau with their class this spring.  It gave them the spark of desire.  They tasted success and thrilled at the adventure.  But, it was still a little scary stretching themselves a little further, sleeping away from home, trying new things, meeting new people.

Last night, it stormed - loud and long.  I was awake for a while.  Then, I felt restless and couldn't fall back to sleep.  All that crash, bang, boom must have been loud in those cabins.  I wondered if it woke the boys. Who might have freaked out, and if the counselors got any sleep.

Yesterday, was one of those idyllic summer days, temps in the low 80s, low humidity, slight breeze, lots of sunshine. I sat on my deck in the afternoon and read a book. (Hey, the little guys are gone, I enjoyed the quiet time. I can clean house later.). I thought, what a great day to be a camper.  Last night, during the storm, I thought, it's a bit more challenging to be a camper right now.

Such is our artistic life.  Sometimes the words come easy.  We can see the description in our heads, or just know the right color and texture combination in our art.  Musicians hit the combination of notes that sends shivers through your body.  Then, there are times when you erase what you've written, paint over the first layer on the canvas, or try new combinations of notes.  When it's your thing, you want it to be just right, and that's when you know it's work, but you love it.  It's a hard climb, but it's worth it.

I'm trying to find the best time to have my play performed with the cast who loves it the most.  I want it to be perfect.  Maybe I need to let go of "Perfect" (the unattainable), and let the creative forces take over.  I met two lovely and talented young women this week - at the coffee shop, of course. They get my play and want to be in it.  I am so encouraged by that - people willing to take a risk with me, a new playwright, and my original play. 

Okay, Creative Spirit, take it away.  I'm geared up and ready for the climb and glad I have supportive friends holding the ropes.

Go. Create. Inspire! (and be sure to wear your protective gear)

Journaling Prompt:  What's the next project for you?  Where do you want to go with your artist's life?