On a consultation call today with a new client, she’d mentioned that her self-confidence took a nosedive today. On reading, On Writing, by Stephen King–a fabulous book about writing well, by the way–she was crestfallen by his pronouncement that you’re not really a writer unless you write every day.
Rubbish.
First of all, are you solely a writer? Or do you have another business? Perhaps you are a therapist, doctor, lawyer, coach, entrepreneur or stay at home mom…Well, Mr. King is a full time writer.
Mr. King primarily writes fiction. You, most likely, are writing about your life, your work, your clients, a systematic approach to solve a particular problem.
Mr. King is prolific. Maybe you have one book in you, maybe more. You’re probably not going to write as many as he does.
Do you need to write regularly to be a writer? Consistently? Yes. Maybe every day, but maybe once or twice a week at times, then more consistently when you are focusing on the book.
You will likely have an editor to tease out the best in your writing–to help you dive deeper for the quirky and meaningful details that will make your writing come to life. You don’t have to be a perfect writer. You’ll get help along the way.
Mr. King has some of the best advice on writing–ever. And it’s not a bad idea to write every day if you can. But it doesn’t mean you’re not a writer if you’re not writing every day.
One piece of advice I shared with the writer during her consultation is that self-doubt will inevitably arise for you as a writer. You need practices to lift you, to keep you in touch with your source of inspiration, to connect you with your deeper wisdom in order to counteract what some people call the “inner critic.” You don’t want to wait until the inner critic is upon you to develop this muscle for feeling connected.
In a few weeks, a group of writers–who are also business people, therapists, entrepreneurs, moms, coaches and other things–will come together for Writing in the Zone. Perhaps you will join us for this interactive 3-week teleseminar series. I’ll be sharing my 5 step system for Writing in the Zone consistently–a system that helps you connect with your inspiration and passion, and also provides a foundation to stay strong when the inner critic does strike.
This 5-step system will help you write with ease from a space of inspiration whether you write every day or write once or twice a week.
And if you need self-confidence, or there are other issues in your way, you’ll find tons of support–from me, from the community and from your inner MUSE, which I will help you connect with. I also just added an optional accountability element that works so effectively in my Stevie Award-Winning Bring Your Book to Life(R) Program to help you be productive and get the most out of the class.
You can read more here to discover if Writing in the Zone is for you. And feel free to ask questions here or e-mail me to explore. Class begins October 30. On the page that describes the program you will also find different options, including a private consultation with me. Share your comments and questions below…I’m happy to answer them–and I’d love to help you consistently write in the zone.
