The Necessary Discomfort of a Fiction Writer
I was on a call with an editor the other day reviewing a section of my manuscript and I mentioned I’d been kicking around an idea to do something ambitious with my opening—kind of a reverse Sixth Sense type of vibe, which probably doesn’t make much sense without knowing more about the story, but that’s not the important part.
What matters is how I felt and what I said immediately after I voiced my idea.
I said, “Yeah, it’s a cool idea, but, you know, I don’t think I could pull it off.”
He said, “What would it hurt to go for it?”
My brain instantly began to beef up my defense.
Then suddenly, I had a lightbulb moment—but not the “Woohoo, I have a fantastic idea!” kind. Nope, this was an I’m in the spotlight, caught with my pants down type of moment.
Well, okay. It wasn’t THAT bad, but I did catch myself in the middle of an unhelpful internal narrative that I hadn’t been conscious of until that exact moment.
I was afraid to try this idea because of the time it might take me to invest and the obvious cost of tossing words if it didn’t work.
I didn’t want to get it wrong!
Has that ever happened to you?
Have you ever walked away from something because you didn’t think you could nail it or didn’t know how to wrestle the problem into a workable angle?
If yes, then join the club! There’s room right next to me!
I moaned a little longer, saying I didn’t know how to execute the idea, when he put the nail in my proverbial coffin by saying:, “There’s no such thing as an idea NOT worth pursuing in writing. If it feels like it stretches you, then do it! The only thing that will happen for sure is that you will grow. So, do what you think you can’t.”
Apparently, I needed to be reminded of my own advice to help me get out of my comfort zone—like WAY OUT. Because I often say that words cannot be wasted, and I believe it! It’s just that sometimes I forget to live that way.
I’m so glad I have people around me who remind me to stretch, grow, try, and fail because I need them–desperately. On my own, I’m inclined to stay where it’s comfy, familiar, and safe.
How have you stretched yourself with your writing in the past? How about recently?
If you’re coming up with nothing, maybe it’s time to get a little uncomfortable. Stretch and grow, friend.
Maybe it’s time to start writing the story idea that’s been nagging at you forever.
Maybe it’s time to find a writing group and actually show someone your words.
Maybe it’s time to carve out some minutes to spend with your manuscript or brainstorm those plot ideas banging around in your brain.
Maybe it’s time to ask someone who cares about you for what you need.
Maybe it’s time to let something go and start over.
Maybe it’s time to actually send the query letter you’ve been holding on to or hit the publish button.
Maybe it’s time to get going with your author’s website and platform.
For me…I’m going to give this idea a shot. He’s right. The only thing that will happen is that I’ll grow and won’t regret trying; because of that, I’ll be a stronger writer.
“If you haven’t made any mistakes lately you must be doing something wrong.” — Susan Jeffers
