I’m excited to have Lorna Faith as my guest today sharing about her journey as a writer. She is not only an author, she is an encourager, and will share about an upcoming opportunity for writers. Please welcome Lorna Faith!
Six years ago, I was desperate to start something that I’d longed to do since I was a little girl.
I wanted to be a writer.
I saw writers producing a new book every year, with scads of articles in between. Words seemed to drip from their fingers. Maybe this writing thing won’t be so hard after all.
Yeah, right. That theory turned out to be wrong on so many levels.
Writing was hard work, at least for me.
From the first words I put on the blank screen in front of me, until I finished my first novel four years later, every single day I struggled to get the story on page. Sure, some days were easier than others, but every time I saw the empty void looming in front of me, I was consumed with intimidation and fear of failure.
Fear of rejection showed up in my writing days resulting in perfectionism and procrastination that slowed me down.
Questions of self-doubt filled my mind. What if I’m the only one that thinks I could be a good writer? What if I suck at this and end up failing?
Insecurity and anguish mocked me, their condemning words echoing in my ears.
At the time I struggled to accept the truth, that at the core of me I already was a writer.
I didn’t understand that before I could really find my voice as a writer, I needed to own that identity. Activity would follow.
I was in the process of becoming what some part of me realized I was.
So I began my search. This is when I began to get the help and inspiration I needed. I searched online for people who were already doing what I wanted to do and began to be mentored by other writers through blogs, podcasts and Webinars.
Suddenly it was like a light switched on in a dark room. At last, I realized that all these years I had been waiting for permission. Somewhere in my subconscious mind, I let those negative voices become something much bigger. I realized I had been waiting for someone to pick me.
I was a writer. I needed to pick myself.
That moment was the starting point for me. I’ve continued to write, and I’m in editing mode now with the second book in the series. Everyday I still continue to pick myself when I sit down to write.
Maybe you’ve had a dream to be a writer. Maybe you’re even working on a book right now, but you feel stuck. Maybe you’re not sure of the next steps to take to realize your dream of writing and publishing your book.
If that’s where you’re at, I’d love to help you. I remember being stuck and not knowing the next steps to take as I wrote my first book. I spent hundreds of hours poring over blog posts and podcasts trying to figure out the process that often seemed overwhelming to me.
I want to help minimize the frustration, struggle and confusion for you. To make writing and publishing your book, simple for you.
In a 2 hour Webinar I’ll be teaching on June 13th, I will simplify the steps of outlining, writing and uploading your book. We’ll also talk about book covers, titles and how to get the word out there about your book. If this sounds like this would be helpful for you, click on this link for more details.
Don’t wait. Only you can pick yourself. Only you can choose to believe in yourself. Only you can let yourself become who you already are.
A writer.
Lorna loves all things romantic and filled with adventure and suspense. In between teaching music during the day and listening to other people’s stories on her podcast, she scribbles on her next fiction book. She also loves to help writers to get their stories into the world. She is inspired everyday by her true loves, her hubby and four children. You can connect with Lorna on Facebook and Twitter as well as her website.
11 Responses
Lorna, it’s a pleasure to have you as my guest today. Thank you for sharing a bit about your journey. I wish you success with the upcoming webinar.
Thanks so much Joan for having me as a guest on your blog! This is such fun being able to share with others about writing and encourage them 🙂 I’m excited for your writing journey too -love your short stories and can’t wait to read your first book! Have a beautiful day my friend 🙂
Joan and Lorna thank you for sharing this! I plan to sign up for the webinar….I felt like those words were for me! I have always hidden behind the glasses if being a “writer” truly in fear of what it means to “own it”. Really appreciate the encouragement!
Hi Julie 🙂 I’m excited that you felt like these words encouraged you. I’m glad you felt like these words were for you. I totally get the fact of hiding behind the ‘glasses’ of being a writer and living in fear of owning that identity. I’m glad you pan on signing up for the webinar! I’m confident it will help you ! Thanks for stopping by 🙂 See you there!
Julie, I am excited for you and am glad to see that you are writing and blogging. You are a writer!
Joan and Lorna, thanks for an inspirational look at the declaration of the writer in each of us. It is difficult to say the words, “I’m a writer.” I remember the first time I actually spoke them. I felt awkward. The more I “picked” me and identified myself appropriately the better it felt and I felt. Thanks for affirming those feelings!
Sherrey, I also felt awkward the first time I said those words. It was an assignment for a writing class. For years I was a “want to be writer” and it felt much more comfortable to say that. Declaring we are writers brings responsibility, but like you the more I said it the easier it became to think of myself that way.
You’re so right – it is difficult to say the words “I’m a writer.” I felt exactly the same way. I’m glad you’ve began to own the fact that you are a writer Sherrey 🙂 That’s exciting that you are picking yourself and are owning the fact that you are a writer. Love that! I’m happy you were inspired Sherrey – I’m glad we can encourage each other as writers… we need that especially when resistance kicks in. Keep writing my friend 🙂
Wishing you every success Lorna you are an inspiration to me.
Thanks for stopping by, Kath!
Thank you Kath. I really appreciate your encouragement! You inspire me too my friend with all your amazing art and that you continue to create. But most of all you inspire me as a person. Your kindness and encouragement to writers and artists all around you, is constant and so appreciated. So thank you! Have an amazing day 🙂