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You don’t have to get it right the first time!
Nov. 17, 2003 |
******** ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** ************ Weekly Editor's Letter: Self-Confidence You don’t have to get it right the first time! Do you ever doubt your abilities as a writer? Many of us require constant assurance that our work is good. We need the praise of our families and friends to boost our confidence back up when it slips, and it will slip. While it is natural and important to value praise, you must develop motivation within yourself and work to build your self-confidence. Remind yourself that you can improve your writing skills, that no one is ‘born’ a good writer. You need to discard negative assumptions about your potential as a writer. Wad them up and throw them in the trash can. I read this wonderful quote on the Writer’s Circle Forum, posted by several members at different times. I don’t know who the originator was, but I believe it is very encouraging and should be written on a sticky note and attached to the monitors of all who doubt themselves. You don’t have to get it right the first time! Isn’t that good news? Say it three times, out loud, and remember it! Apprehensions may have developed because others were critical of your work or perhaps you were too critical of yourself. Maybe someone told you to scrap everything except that one great sentence. Most of us grew up being taught not to brag. We were told “Don’t toot your own horn, let others do it for you.” That may be okay in a workplace where what you do is seen by others. But writing is a solitary act. No one sees the amount of effort and time you’ve invested, or the tears and emotion wrung from your being. We need a little recognition and praise once in a while just to keep from giving up. Where do we get it? Readers can’t give it until the book is published, reviewers give it along with the criticisms necessary to get it published. The one person best to give you praise along the way is yourself. You will need this ability, especially when you feel discouraged or frustrated by the reactions of friends or reviewers. Taking pride in your achievements is not bragging. Instead of focusing on the negatives, take a moment to congratulate yourself for that particularly fine descriptive scene you wrote, or that wonderful character only you could have created. Hey, you wrote a great sentence! Celebrate! Praise yourself for being able to enjoy your work. Just say Wow! I like that, it's good! Write for the joy of writing itself. Write only to please yourself. Your writing will reflect the pleasure you’re taking. You’ll be amazed at the confidence you gain, and it is that confidence which will soon become evident in the quality of work you churn out. I believe this member of writing.com could be speaking for most of us. With his permission; I have crises with faith practically every time I pick up a pen to write something. Each one of my unfinished short stories is a testament to my lack of confidence in my own writing (I have notebooks full of handwritten, partial stories). That's probably why my portfolio is so limited, I doubt my skill and I doubt whether or not people will give a crap about what I have to say. For me to have a work in progress folder is unusual - I'm particular about what I let people see and I don't think that my WIP stuff is up to par, so to speak. So, write for yourself if it is what you want to do. If what you've written makes an impression on even just one other person (negatively or positively), you've accomplished something. See you around the site, -Matt L. Matthew C.  Remember The Little Engine That Could? He kept repeating, I think I can, I think I can, over and over until he succeeded. ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** Next week's Editor will be: *~* Judie *~* ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| Featured Works From Our Members:
Check out these two new Writer's Circle members for good reading. port. of: englishfreak port. of: jme832001 ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| Articles, etc.:
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** What would happen if you were left all alone in a strange place? How would you react? What would your first response be? ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| Quote: You Don't Have To Get It Right The First Time!! This week's quote was contributed by = An Unknown Writer ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| Recommended Reading and Forums:
You are invited to submit suggestions to the Writers' Circle editors. To submit an item for consideration in the WC newsletter:
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Issue #101 11/17/2003 Edited by: esprit  Rate this newsletter here: " Newsletter #101-Self-Confidence"  |
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