Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Try It, You'll Like It!

How many of you remember the cereal commercial from several years ago featuring a little boy named Mikey?  His brothers would adamantly attest to the fact that Mikey wouldn't try the new cereal because "he hates everything."  Much to their surprise, however, Mikey did try the new cereal and he liked it!  Mikey discovered something new, his brothers were amazed that he stepped out of his comfort zone, and the company probably sold another box or two of cereal.  Everyone was happy.

Let's face it--we've all been Mikeys at some point when it comes to our writing. We fear trying something new because, well, what if we can't do it?  What if we don't measure up to other authors or books?  What if no one reads/likes/wants to publish our story?  Let's stop right there and visit a scene from "Waiting for Tomorrow."  Mitch is trying to protect his pregnant wife from harm by insisting she take it easy on the job.  He comes up with a few "What if (this or that) happens?"  Dana's response--"What if a meteor comes crashing through the roof and hits me?  What if I walk outside and get run over by a five-year-old rollerskating down the sidewalk?  What if we have an earthquake, and I fall into a big crack in the earth?"  Her point?  We can either live our lives in fear of the what-ifs--which most likely will never happen--or we can take a chance and possibly discover something new and exciting.

So, what is it that you've been wanting to do?  Have you been yearning to explore writing another genre, delve into the task of self-publishing, organize a writer's conference or maybe speak at one?  Perhaps you're at the beginning--you have a story to tell but are afraid to get started with the writing.  You only have two choices--stay put or move forward.  The former is safe and secure, but leads you nowhere.  The latter can lead you to places you never imagined and to successes beyond your wildest dreams.  What are you waiting for?  "Try it, you'll like it!"  Happy writing!

2 comments:

  1. I feel stepping outside the comfort zone is a thrilling experience. When I was asked to be a speaker at a conference, I wasn't sure but went for it and I think I did a great job. Later I was asked to step up and handle that same conference and I had a blast. The same holds true for genres. I started writing science fiction, moved to fantasy, somehow got roped into horror, adventure and thriller. I even attempted romance and I just finished my first Christian novel. I guess I'm not the type of guy who likes to get pigeon-holed. I want to get back into the conference speaker circuit so I can teach what I've learned and share my experience. So, step outside, the weather is great and if it happens to rain, being outside your comfort zone allows you two things -- go back inside or find a puddle and have some fun.

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  2. Thanks for your comment, Bob! What a wonderful way to look at things, and I love that last line--"go back inside or find a puddle and have some fun." That says it all! We don't have to let our fears control us. I'm happy to see that you are taking chances and enjoying the ride. Wishing you all the best!

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