The funny part is when I began giving myself the permission to start writing seriously, I seemed to have opened up a flood gate. I have several ideas for stories and they just keep coming. However, I have very little confidence in myself.
I've been reading a book called 'The Courage To Write'. It helps me to understand that everyone has had that fear in the beginning.
But, the stories in my head are ones I believe deserve to be told. The characters, the events and the tales need to be brought to the surface. But how can I? Do I have what it takes?
Walking into a bookstore, all I can see on the shelves are days spent and hearts emptied by authors that have arrived before me. Is there anything left to say? These people are writers. I throw words together. But are my stories interesting at all?
Apprehension enters my heart. Books are long. Easily 200 pages. Can I possibly write that much? How did others do it? I recall Isabel Allende’s words when I attended her lecture – “I just lock myself away until I’m done.” Another author remarking – “You must want to write at the exclusion of everything else”.
I want that. I want to immerse myself in the tales that entertain my thoughts. The ones I share with my friends and family beg to be turned into written prose. They’ve spoken quietly of their wish for years, each year becoming stronger than the next. Now, I feel it’s their time. These words must become stories.
Courage is not easily found, but the battle begins with the first word.
