Friday, January 14, 2011

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.

34 comments:

  1. No, thank *you*, Karen. You got heart, honey. Don't ever let anyone tell you otherwise.

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  2. I definitely have a lot of Am-I-any-good-at-this-writing-stuff moments, and the other one you said too. Thank you for the encouraging post. I enjoy reading your blog.

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  3. I feel the same way. Finding this blogging community has been 'hot chocolate for my soul'. Finding others that understand has been a blessing.
    Hope the New Year is kind and generous to you!

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  4. My sentiments exactly. We are the same people. That's got to be like some kind of miracle when you find your place among them.

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  5. They say that water seeks it's own level, I'm glad we're in the pond together.

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  6. Yes! So well put.

    I love this new vibe here, Karen!

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  7. What a wonderful bunch of awesome!!! I love this post! Thank you!!

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  8. I sometimes find it painfully hard to discuss writing with non-writers (how's your book coming? finished yet? are you still writing?) but gloriously easy and often refreshing to talk online or in person with other writers. It is a different world, and I'm so grateful to have found my kind, especially people like you. Lovely post.

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  9. **toasts with coffee mug full of the writer-ly drink of strong coffee** To all of our kind.

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  10. *love* I couldn't agree with this post more. :D

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  11. I can't help but think that it must have sucked to be a writer before the internet age. How did they find writing friends? (I guess the answer was: move to NYC and meet them in person) Writing isn't lonely anymore, because we can find each other online :)

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  12. Love love love this! And I love that amongst "our own kind" we can all understand the feelings of self-doubt, unworthiness, etc, that can crop up when we create. For people that don't write, it's hard to explain those feelings, especially when we live in a society that is always telling us we must always cultivate and show off a good self-esteem otherwise we are not emotionally intelligent, well-adjusted, blah, blah, blah. The thing is, I am emotionally intelligent and well-adjusted, it's just that when it comes to writing the Inner Critic is always hanging around. If I were to talk to non-writers and bloggers about all my doubts about writing, they'd think I have a low self-esteem, don't love myself, need therapy...*sigh* That's why I love "our own kind" so much. No one judges us when we talk about our doubts. Hugs! - G

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  13. Well said, and inspiring! Having a writing community in the blogosphere makes the world of writing a lot less lonely!

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  14. I love this! I couldn't have made it through my first draft without my CPs encouraging me. They've talked me off the ledge more times than I can count:)

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  15. Sounds like a great book that has re-inspired you! :O)

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  16. You are so right. I have found so many like-minded people on blogger, so many beautiful, creative, inspiring, intelligent, wonderful friends. Probably couldn't live without it if I tried. I love you so much, Karen. Just making sure you know that. x

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  17. What a wonderful post, Karen! I feel the same way. It's so amazing to feel the kind of support there is for other writers. Writers are truly unique and wonderful peeps.

    Cheers to you!

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  18. We are like ONE! Can I borrow 5 bucks? :)

    (((HUGS)))

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  19. Goodness, this was a fabulous post! Thank you for that! I am totally getting that book. TOTALLY!

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  20. I completely agree!!! When I found other writers, I didn't feel weird anymore. :-)

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  21. I love this post. Some people think working on and interacting with a computer is cold, but so many times I feel warm inside when I'm on the blogosphere.

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  22. Aww, I'm glad you got such an awesome book! I love all the writers in my life. I keep thinking that if I had been writing 20 years ago when there were no blogs (and worse, no email!) instead of now, I don't think I would have made it. It's amazing to have so many friends to turn to when times get tough or I need help.

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  23. I love that book!! It inspires me every time I read it.

    You said it beautifully and I'm with you, so glad I found "my own kind."

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  24. We all get down after a writing high. Your post was just the inspiration I need to see myself for all I can be. SO I've awarded your blog with the sylish award. You can pick it up on my blog. Tanyareimer.blogspot.com
    Great job keeping us motivated and encouraged.

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  25. Well said! And thank YOU for contributing so much to this community.

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  26. THANK YOU FOR BEING ONE OF THEM! I hope everything is going better for you...

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  27. That is definitely the best part.

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  28. Btw, giving you The Stylish Blogger Award! You rock.
    You can get it here: http://arieleishen.blogspot.com/2011/01/stylish-blogger-award-and-friday-five.html


    Happy blogging!

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  29. Aw, I'm late to the party, but I LOVE this post ;o) What a beautiful sentiment! <3

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  30. I just found you and thank you so much for this first blog of yours that I have read. I am now torn as to whether I should stay up late reading the backlog of your blogs or work on my WIP. It's lovely either way.

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  31. Absolutely love this post and now am going to have to get this book. It is great to have such an extended family.

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  32. Way to go! A great writer I know told me this, and it's made been true for me through the years, so I'll pass it on to you. "Writers write. They don't plan to write. They don't try to write. They don't wish about writing. Writers write." Hang in there! Peace and all good,

    Diane

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