I am going to follow a dream

[Liberalynn]

Call it silly but I have always wanted to try my hand at writing a mystery/romance novel but I have always made excuses about how I am not good enough and how no one will like it any way.

Well I have decided to just start writing. Not so much for the goal of publication but just writing to amuse myself. If I get it finished and I like it, then maybe I will get the courage up to let some one else read it. Up until now I have always had someone read what I write after I get only a handful of pages written. Then I keep asking whether it is any good or not. If they voice even the slightest criticism, I tend to tell myself I suck, and abandon the effort.

But now I am not starting with the goal of eventual publication. My goal is simply to see if I can get past my fears just long enough for me to do something I enjoy for me without worrying whether it is good enough in any one else's eyes. I am going to tell myself a story.

I have written fan fiction before for favorite TV series and shared some of those and people have told me I am good and English teachers have told me there is talent in me but I have never been able to believe it. I just thought they were being kind and not wanting to hurt my feelings.

So maybe I just need to start with thinking of myself as my only audience for awhile and see how that goes. Whether it will get me past the fear hurdle.

Wish me luck?

[EstimatedProphet]

1. DO IT!

Because you will never forgive yourself if you don't. Take it from me-I'm doing the same thing! I just sent my first story in for publication this morning!

Do it, keep plugging away and you'll win!

[Liberalynn]

3. Thank you

Estimated Prophet, and congratulations on your first story. :hug:

[EstimatedProphet]

12. Thank you! May you join me soon!

[bigwillq]

2. GO FOR IT!

Good luck! :hi: :bounce:

[Liberalynn]

5. Thanks

:hug:

[bigwillq]

15. I want a copy of the book

before it hits the stands! :bounce:

[Liberalynn]

16. Deal.

:hug:

[SeattleGirl]

4. Luck, Liberalynn!!

I think that's cool that you're going to do that. I hope you do get past your fears, and complete the novel, whether it's ever published or not. Sounds like, for you, seeing if you can do it is the most important thing. :hug:

[Liberalynn]

7. Thank you Seattle Girl

You are right. Proving to myself that I can do it is more important for me now than publication.

:hug:

[Beware the Beast Man]

6. Only two words are stopping you- "I" and "can't."

I'm really sounding like a motivational book today. :)

[Liberalynn]

9. Thank you

:hug: and there is nothing wrong with sounding like a motivational book on occasion.

I ended up sounding like a civics' book on another forum.

[lizziegrace]

8. Glad you're not going to put off your dream

Good luck! I'm sure it will be terrific!

:hi:

[Liberalynn]

11. Thank you

Lizzie. :hug:

[CornField]

10. You can do this -- and it will make you happy.

It took me way too many years to understand what you've already figured out: write it because there is something within you which must be placed on paper.

[Liberalynn]

13. Thank you Cornfield,

Putting your thoughts on paper is a wonderful freedom and joy. I love stories reading them and writing them and that is what I have to think of. Not what other people are going to think about what I write.:hug:

[izzybeans]

14. Do it and share with the writers forum. I'm too big of a wuss to do

so my self. Do as I say not as i do write...ah uhmmm...right.

[Liberalynn]

18. Izzy you can do it too.

:hug: I need to check the writers forum out. I miss sharing the process like I did in some of the creative writing classes I took in college. Not the grades or the criciquing so much but just sharing in the joys and frustrations of the creative process.

:hug:

[izzybeans]

20. It's the critiques that hurt. But they are the most productive advice.

That's why my serious writings are for reserved for certain someones. All fiction writing i do is never serious.

[RevCheesehead]

17. Good for you!

I think that if more people were brave enough to follow their dreams, the world would be a much better place.

Best wishes to you!

[Liberalynn]

19. Thank you so much

RevCheesehead. :hug:

[Shine]

21. Good for you!!

and thanks for sharing. I LOVE, LOVE stories of people who follow their dreams. The nature of life is ephemeral, we're just passin' through...so we might as well follow our bliss and be happy.

I wish you all the best as you venture forth and explore your talents as a writer.

Who knows where this will take you??

Enjoy the ride....

:hi:
Shine

[Liberalynn]

22. Thank you Shine

for the encouragement. I will keep you all updated. :hug:

[BlueIris]

23. Go for it! I am also going to finish my dream of a writing a novel soon.

I hope. I have a writing manual designed for first-time mystery writers if you want it. I think it's good for anyone considering writing one. If you PM with an address I will ship it to you.

[Left Is Write]

24. Good for you and good luck!

I have written dozens and dozens of short stories, but I have never written a book. Maybe you can be my inspiration.

Good luck to you!

[u4ic]

25. Liberalynn, that's great!

I am in a similar boat...I have all these wonderfully detailed dreams at night, complete with fully formed characters and interesting storylines.

A friend who is a playwright kept on telling me to do something with those stories, as I'd written them in my dream journal. I've started playing around with them. It's a lot of fun, and as I've gone along I don't give a hoot what anyone thinks of it anymore. I'm just doing it for the sheer enjoyment.

All the best to you, and I wish you much success! :yourock: :hi:

[qnr]

26. Like, um, good luck and schjidt! n/t

[Metta]

27. Doing what you love opens the doors to self realization.

And lets the muses shine through. Best of luck. :toast:

[bertha katzenengel]

28. Failure is impossible.

;) Best of luck to you.

[ALago1]

29. Deciding to do it and actually starting is the hardest part

Sounds like you've gone that far, now see it through!!! Good luck!!