| One of the aspects of writing a book for | | | | In the early stages, this may be done quite |
| publication that I emphasize with the Writer's | | | | informally and be relatively 'private' to you |
| Journey approach is to give as much attention to | | | | although this still represents a significant step for |
| preparing yourself for published authorship as you | | | | many writers. |
| do to preparing your work. This is because who | | | | Further on, comments on your writing may be |
| you become in the process of writing your book | | | | more 'public' and it certainly takes courage to deal |
| is just as important as what you write! One facet | | | | with the possibility of receiving critical reviews |
| of this relates to developing and strengthening | | | | once your book is published. Interestingly, for |
| certain qualities that are proven to be of value to | | | | some people, it can demand just as much |
| support you on the path to publication - and | | | | courage to accept praise and positive feedback! |
| beyond! | | | | 3 Tips |
| The 5 qualities that I recommend cultivating are: | | | | So here are 3 tips that will help you to build up |
| courage, commitment, perseverance, patience | | | | your reserves of courage and enable you to |
| and authenticity. | | | | break through these inevitable challenges on your |
| Courage | | | | Writer's Journey: |
| It is said that courage is a decision made in the | | | | 1. Choose one task every day that requires a |
| face of fear, not in the absence of it! | | | | degree of courage for you to complete it. It |
| And most writers I know would agree that | | | | doesn't have to be related to your writing or |
| courage to face fears, anxieties and doubts go | | | | even be a huge issue (although occasionally |
| hand-in-hand with the process of writing. Why is | | | | deciding to do something 'big and scary' can be |
| that? | | | | incredibly liberating!). It could be making a |
| Well, writing often reflects your innermost | | | | telephone call that you have been putting off for |
| thoughts and ideas, and so comes from a deep | | | | ages or deciding to attend an evening class for |
| level within you. Perhaps you are presenting | | | | the first time. |
| information you feel passionately about or telling a | | | | The important point is that you get into the habit |
| story that is incredibly meaningful to you? Either | | | | of experiencing the world outside of your |
| way, there is often a sense of vulnerability that | | | | comfort zone. The more regularly you do so, the |
| goes with putting your words onto the page. In | | | | easier it becomes and the more you build up your |
| fact, you need courage to get started with your | | | | reserves of courage for when you really need |
| writing in the first place. | | | | them. |
| For many people this requirement represents | | | | 2. Allocate time on a regular basis to reading |
| such a huge challenge that the dream never quite | | | | inspiring stories, quotes or articles about people |
| makes it to the reality of the written word. You | | | | who have shown courage in their lives and/or |
| also need courage to overcome any negative | | | | with their writing or other forms of creative |
| messages that you may have been given in the | | | | expression. |
| past about your ability to write (often going right | | | | Allow yourself to be moved into action by the |
| back to school days) and the question of 'who will | | | | example set by others. Nurture your courageous |
| want to read my book anyway?' | | | | spirit by filling your mind and your heart with tales |
| Another typical moment when courage is required | | | | of the positive outcomes experienced by those |
| comes when you have completed some writing | | | | who have 'felt the fear and done it anyway!' |
| that is ready to show to others. | | | | 3. Use the unlimited power of your imagination to |
| Level 1 would be choosing carefully from family, | | | | 'act as if' you already had the courage to do |
| friends or trusted colleagues who would be | | | | whatever you need to do. William James said, 'To |
| interested in your work and could perhaps offer | | | | feel brave, act as if we were brave, use all of |
| some useful feedback. | | | | our will to that end, and a courage fit will very |
| Level 2 might be the first time that you show | | | | likely replace the fit of fear.' |
| your work to a publishing professional (coach, | | | | With your writing, act as if you already are the |
| mentor, agent or publisher). | | | | experienced and successful writer that you would |
| Often this demands taking quite a deep breath | | | | like to become. Try writing from that creative |
| first and it certainly entails crossing an important | | | | frame of mind and see how the quality of your |
| threshold on your journey towards publication. | | | | writing unfolds when it comes from a place of |
| Courage is also required when it comes to | | | | courage instead of doubt. |
| handling the feedback you receive on your work. | | | | Enjoy! |