I’ve discovered that writing’s akin to a garden, the perfumed enclosure resulting from backbreaking planting, watering, and weeding. Mine, through neglect borne of insecurity, is sadly more overgrown weeds than manicured perfection or even Secret Garden shabby chic! I neglected the “write daily” habit for highly successful authors, and I could very easily spiral into the shame game – this, after all, is my modus operandi. I’m going to try something different, though, because what good would result from berating an already insecure writing self? Nothing!.
So, taking a cue from Meditation for Beginners, I acknowledge the lapse without judgement and pick up my pen to write again. If I do this often enough, the easier sitting down and writing will get (right?!). Who knows, the more I believe in myself, the more I sit down and write. And then? I have a manuscript in my hand! Or a chapbook! Or both! The possibilities!
I understand our journey and motivations are different with each of us tending our garden in our own way (or not for some of us). Whatever your style, however, believe in yourself. Why not? Who else will? Even with the greatest support groups in the world (IWSG definitely included), no one will tend our garden to our unique specs better than us. So, fellow writers, let’s get watering!
Posted for IWSG
©2015 V. del Casal All Rights Reserved
When the Door Closes 
July 1, 2015 at 2:09 pm
Spring is here and so are the weeds. I’m not sure which is worse–my actual garden or my literary one. With the cool days we’re having here up by Lake Ontario, I’m tempted to let the weeds keep going and take a bike ride instead. Sometimes amazing ideas happen away from the desk.
July 3, 2015 at 9:52 pm
Just remember to write it down! 🙂
July 1, 2015 at 3:36 pm
I noticed something lacking. Don’t forget that all the compost we’ve collected over the years does wonders for our flowers. hehehe
Anna from Elements of Writing
July 3, 2015 at 9:50 pm
Lol. I willfully forgot the manure! 🙂
July 3, 2015 at 10:40 pm
Yes, but those emotions can drive a story and make the world rock. (Just leave out the details and feed on what they create.)
Sorry, I’ll get off my soapbox now. Excuse the ruckus. 🙂
July 4, 2015 at 7:18 am
😛
July 1, 2015 at 5:43 pm
I love your garden analogy 🙂 I also neglect my garden (and my writing) from time to time. But sometimes, the little volunteers (let’s not call them “weeds” lol) that pop up when we’re not paying attention can be beautiful. And I suppose it is the same with writing. Our down times might be just perfect for getting new, fresh ideas, or for seeing things in a new way.
I’ll keep watering, too!
July 3, 2015 at 9:49 pm
That’s true! 🙂