writer’s (starting) block
so after much encouragement (read: bullying 
) by family and friends who read my travel blog, i have been convinced to try and “do something” with my writing.
it’s a bit scary putting this down in words. i suppose i’ve always had a fragile little bubble of belief that maybe (just maybe) writing might be something i could be halfway decent at if i really tried. a tiny secret desire i harboured, but never actually admitted to because it felt too vulnerable. writing is something i do for soul sustenance, something that fills me up and balances me out. do i really want to put that out there for public consumption and criticism? am i strong enough to withstand the possibility of having that bubble popped? i have writer friends who make their living stringing words into images, arguments, and information – quite frankly, i am in awe of them. what on earth makes me think i am good enough to do what they do?
but i am also jealous of them. i would give my eyeteeth to do what they do. to do something i felt real passion for. to work hard at something that felt good. to be able to pour my energies into something that absorbed my interest. to have something to show at the end of a day. if there’s even a smidge of a chance that i could make that happen, don’t i owe it to myself to try?
so i’m putting this out there – not because i’m looking for any external validation of my dreams, but because if i tell someone i will do something, i damn well will. no matter how big, how small, how scary. i’m just stubborn like that. it’s the capricorn in me. how else do you think i ever made it through the start line of a marathon? i told people i would, so i did.
so i’m telling you, dear internet. i will try this. i don’t know how, but i will. i don’t need encouragement, so much as courage, in written form. the permanence of putting something into words so that i can make it happen.
any suggestions as to where the hell to begin, gratefully received.
Like this post
Comment by Anglofille
10.11.2006 @ 17:59 pm
ahhh, the wonderful world of writing. you are already a writer, given that you write this blog almost everyday! writing is a skill that must be continually practiced, so writing a blog is a good way to get that discipline. and you already “put yourself out there,” which is not easy to do. when i needed a break from blogging earlier this summer, *none* of my writer friends would take over my blog for just one week. they were too afraid.
for many years, i made a living as a professional freelance writer. i still freelance, but no longer rely on it for my main source of income. how you approach this really depends on what kind of writing you want to do and what your goals are.
without knowing any specifics, i recommend a writing workshop with a really good and reputable teacher. a good teacher will help you hone your craft, will help you see your strengths and where you need improvement. this will also help you get more comfortable receiving criticism on your work. i think your writing is strong and i’m not implying you need a workshop to learn the basics of writing, obviously. but a workshop is a good way to get feedback from a seasoned professional (not a friend or family member) and also, it will help you feel connected to a community of writers (if it’s a good workshop). also, when i was living in london, i found a great writíng magazine called Mslexia: http://www.mslexia.co.uk. i’d check that out too.
these are just my thoughts on writing and where to start!
Comment by Amity
10.11.2006 @ 19:21 pm
Well you know that I think you are a kick-ass writer. You can certainly do this, no doubt about it. You have skill, lots of determination and heart — you’re nearly there! All you need is your niche and your market, a few contacts, and you should be golden! What kind of writing and in what capacity are you looking into?
I quit my job today to try to be a writer so we’re in this boat together, baybeeeee.
Comment by Amity
10.11.2006 @ 19:23 pm
Hold on, correction. I quit my job today because I AM a writer.
The first step to success is to believe.
Comment by Nicole
10.11.2006 @ 21:53 pm
I’m so pleased!!!!
Comment by Jen
11.11.2006 @ 12:25 pm
thanks for all the enthusiasm guys. it’s nice to know i’m not alone. it’s exciting, even if i am no further ahead today than i was yesterday. just to have decided to commit to it, is a big step.
Comment by Jen
11.11.2006 @ 14:49 pm
just checked out that link, anglofille – it’s fab, thanks!
Comment by k
11.11.2006 @ 22:00 pm
Good decision!! Just go for it! You have the talent. Just do it! Stop worrying. Stop thinking about it so much. You’ve got what it takes. Believe in yourself.
Comment by Avril
13.11.2006 @ 13:39 pm
Go for it. You’re already a great writer.
Comment by Erin
14.11.2006 @ 09:33 am
Oops, posted this on the wrong entry, damn backwards blog!
Good Luck. Perhaps you can start with your travel blog put forth in book form? I don’t know, perhaps that’s the wrong idea. I think your blog is great and I really enjoy your viewpoints. So, I bet when you figure out where to begin, you’ll do great!