We help one another

A letter to all aspiring authors

Dear a WIP,

Scary isn’t it? Having to grip your heart from your chest and turn it inside and out for the world to see and pick apart. If you’re safe, perhaps no one will ever find it. Unfortunately, the world will be remiss of another talented name gone unnoticed whose writer was shrouded behind a shelf of books and a computer monitor.

With a world flooded with inspiration, people of whom we want to be and of places where we want to travel, be sorely charmed and encouraged but remember your voice in this journey. You have a story to tell — teeming with bizarre characters named Nolan and heartthrob hunks like Preston. Don’t be afraid to tell them about courageous Clarissa and how she mastered in slaying her villain.

Never quit, but take breaks. Time apart from another life and world we dreamed up can keep us replenished. Although how impatient and stubborn we find ourselves to be, remain patient, yet assertive. Write everything down and let your mind wander and your thoughts cry out loud. Who cares if they don’t make sense, we can get back to them later. You can create a compelling dialogue just by studying your venti iced macchiato that’s just inches from your computer mouse, it’s possible.

Be brave in spite of the hiccups you’ll run into. Bravery never manifested from always being comfortable. Do your best, pick your own battles and refine yourself. Always.

We’re in this journey that demands daily practice of motivation and discipline, yet it’s nothing your not used to already. Remember when they said you couldn’t? Did you print a wallet size photo of them, thumb tacked on your bare walls with an X on their face? Or was it just me? Did you go mad? If so, what did you create and what was her name and where was it? Are your endings as dark as your humor, stained black like your soul, or complex and unresolved like yourself? Weren’t you just in the mirror, gazing at your reflection telling yourself how much you sucked? Did it feel good to put yourself down? Didn’t think so. Now take that negative pattern of thinking you call dreaming and write something.

Remember — who you’ll come out at the end won’t be the same person who stumbled in. You are thought of and you will be heard.

Love,

V.