My Own Kind

I ordered myself a New Year's present with a gift card that the fabulous Natalie Bahm sent me. (Thanks, Nat!) The book is called A Writer's Book of Days. Per the description on the cover, it's "a spirited companion and lively muse for the writing life." You can check it out via the link if you'd like to learn more. So far I'm really loving it.

Now, for the part I wanted to blog about...

As I read the opening pages, Judy Reeves said something that really hit home for me.

I have been invited to participate in a community where I am free to be all that I am as a writer--insecure, self-conscious, ungraceful, passionate, raw, reckless, wild, and even outside my self. I have found my own kind.

Those words made me think of all of you. My writing world people. Some of whom I've never spoken to in real life, much less met face to face, but nonetheless...are my own kind.

I don't get to read your blogs as often as I'd like, but when I do it's like hot chocolate for my soul. When I read the comments left on my posts it's like I've been handed warm chocolate chip cookies that make me feel all cozy and happy.

I love your stories, your thoughts, your metaphors, your jokes, your photos, your announcements, and everything else you're brave enough to blog about. I think we've all had our moments of Am-I-any-good-at-this-writing-stuff? or even worse, What-if-no-one-cares-what-I-have-to-say?

Try to put those insecure thoughts in a shredder and toss them away.

We are writers.
What we write may not always be poetic, or brilliant, or funny, or publishable, or even memorable.
Who cares.
Write anyway.

Be ungraceful. Be reckless. And yes, even when it's difficult, be passionate.

Every word you write is one step closer to improving your craft. It's one step closer to learning about yourself. It's one step forward on this crazy writerly path that we are all strolling (and sometimes stumbling and tripping) along.

The best part is you are not alone. I am not alone. None of us are alone. They say writing is a lonely job, but I disagree. Look around. Look at all the wonderful people. Between my CPs, blogger buddies, friends I've met at conferences, or even just the occasional commenters who say things that make me smile: I am part of an astounding network of talented and supportive people.

I have found my own kind.
Thank you for being one of them.