How to Feel Consistently Confident About Your Writing
A good friend of ours, Dave Navarro of Rock Your Day (no, not the guitar player), consistently kicks our ass around as much as we kick his. Hey, we’re equal opportunity guys like that. Ass-kicking is fun.
Dave is more than just a target for our boots, though. He’s the kind of rare guy that can get James to think deep thoughts and get Harry to sleep better at night. Dave is also someone who writes so well that we both sigh in envy.
So, Dave, thank you for being part of our little blog pack – and we hope that this moment of spotlight at our blog helps us give back a little in return for what you give us.
It’s easy to fall in love with a writer’s style. Once a writer has captured your heart, you catch yourself waiting on the edge of your seat for the next novel, the next short story, or even the next blog post. And in that waiting period, the silence gives you an opportunity to hear that little voice in your head, the one that whispers those seven deadly words you don’t want to hear …
I wish I could write like that.
Those seven words can plant a dangerous seed in the mind of even the most accomplished authors, making them second-guess their abilities and wonder if they’re really cut out for this writing business after all. And what begins as a tiny sliver of self-doubt takes on a life of its own. Writing without intimidation becomes harder and harder, and what was once a source of joy becomes tainted by the bitter taste of fear. What if your writing isn’t good enough?
Don’t Let Self-Doubt Poison Your Ability To Write
We’ve all felt the pangs of fear that what we are writing won’t be well received – that some reader or critic will take the knife of blunt criticism and plunge it into our backs, twisting away. That feeling of dread can actually alter the style of your writing, forcing you to wonder how you can write something that will please everybody rather than writing from the heart. Your writing becomes cold, stilted, lifeless.
You don’t want that. Deep down, you don’t want to let fear dictate how you write, but you know that there are times when you do feel intimidated, and you’re not quite sure how to get out of that state of mind. If you know exactly what I’m talking about, the way to escape this “writer’s hell” is to make a pre-emptive strike at self-doubt using the tools of the trade themselves – pen and paper.
And you’re going to squeeze every ounce of fear out of them by listing all the good things you can about your ability to write.
Testimonials Aren’t Just For Book Covers
You’re familiar with the blurbs on the backs of books or in the inside sleeves, the testimonials from critics and authors talking about how good the book is. Chances are you’ve read them before thinking, “I hope someone says such great stuff about me one day.” Guess what – today’s the day.
You’re going to make a set of blurbs for yourself that you can reflect on every time the pangs of self-doubt dare to surface – a list of reasons why you rock that will make you feel good about yourself when the going gets tough. Here’s how to start:
- Think back to every good thing someone has ever said about your writing. Write it down, as if it were a quote on the back of a book. Search your email, your personal letters, your blog comments – anywhere that might hold a nugget waiting to be captured. Write it all down (I recommend doing this by hand, because things you write – rather than type – stick in your mind more deeply).
- Get honest about the times people gave you negative feedback on your writing and you did something about it – honing and improving your writing skills as a result. Make notes to yourself about how you’re a better writer than you were back then, and how you’re still improving.
- Ask around to all the other writers you know, people who have seen your content before, and ask them a simple question: “What is it that stands out about my writing?” Ask them to give you something that they really like about your writing – and while you have their attention, ask them where you can improve (so you can have more ammo for the previous step moving forward).
- Give back to the writers you like to read. Being human, they are as hungry for some honest, positive feedback as you are. Who knows – what you say may just change their entire career (or their life), simply because you believed in them.
Now It’s Your Turn – Give Up Some Love
At Men With Pens, the comments are always filled with active writers – many with their own blogs that you already read regularly. As in all things in life, giving is better than receiving, so please take a moment right now to leave a comment telling another writer what you like about their writing.
And to make sure the love gets spread around, please make sure if you leave a comment about Harry, James or myself that you make sure to leave a second comment to a most deserving author who merits the attention.
You know what to do – give first in the comments below, then get to work on your own list. You’ll thank yourself for it.
Dave Navarro can be found sharing the good stuff on the Rock Your Day blog (a Men with Pens design!). Subscribe to Dave’s blog today so you don’t miss a beat, you sexy beast you.
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Words and pictures influence each other. The Pen Men make the union sublime. With the images from Harry I’ve been inspired to write better blog entries. With the advice and editing from James I feel that the (soon to be launched) business side of my blog will be a success. People couldn’t do better than to hire these guys!
Now to spread the love… My writing (both fiction and non-fiction) has improved exponentially since starting to take the free workshops through the Forward Motion Writers forum ( http://www.fmwriters.com ). The people who put together the workshops do it on a volunteer basis but do so at a $1000 a workshop level. If you are serious about improving your fiction writing, then definitely join the FM Writers forum.
Alex Fayles last blog post..My Summer Someday List
I am a regular Blogger in Sulekha.Com, a social networking site for Indians around the world.
I have already subscribed to the RSS Feed of your blog post.
Your writing is really interesting.
Will keep coming…..
sundars last blog post..Creative Sulekha Mothers ::: This is interesting !!!!
@Alex –
Thanks for your kinds words for everyone …
I didn’t realize that Holly Lisle started the FWM! My wife was reading one of her books a few years ago and was suddenly like … “Wait a minute … I think I know her!”
(small world)
@Sundar –
Welcome to the Men with Pens RSS feed!
Dave Navarros last blog post..The First Law Of Action: A Refined Outcome Is Easier To Achieve
Testimonials aren’t just for book covers, huh?
Well, it’s no secret that I think James and Harry are uniquely dynamic together. If I were to describe them to someone unfamiliar with the MwP website, I would say they are anchored, passionate, edgy, and sincere. (A nice combination, huh?) They truly are dedicated to the success of others. My business would not be where it is today if not for the long hours of emails and IM’s, both in business and friendship, from these two.
To sum it up, James and Harry, you guys rock!
I’m off to sob my way through breakfast, now.
@ Jamie – Hey! You can’t do that! Go read the rules:
@Sundar This blog is one of the best. James and Harry inspire others to write better, but they also have a lot of fun doing it. I’m off to read your Sulekha post…
@Dave Loved and admired by the Pen Men… WOW! They are right, your blog is terrific. I have had time to catch up on some reading lately and your writing does make me want to get up early, and that’s a real accomplishment!
@Alex Thanks for the great link! MwP designs do rock. I think they should take over the Internet. Some of them remind me of those camouflaged paint jobs on vehicles that look like someone painted them on with a paintbrush and Martha Stewart’s home stenciling kit. The driver thinks they look great, but everyone else tries to avoid looking at it or risk a migraine.
James and Harry… the cure for the Website Migraine!
Jamies last blog post..Do You Have What it Takes to be a Top Blogger?
I can to do that!
I never pass up an opportunity to sing your praises! Besides, I’m typing slower than normal this morning. I have all day to spread the love.
Jamies last blog post..Do You Have What it Takes to be a Top Blogger?
Dave,
Lovely as always. Your “think back” exercise is a great one. I keep all blog comments (from anybody’s blog) that say nice things about me or my writing in a special email inbox folder for just this purpose. Funny thing—I keep them so I can look through them on a down day, but just knowing they’re there does the trick. I never really have to go through them like that.
A comment to folks who should hear something wonderful:
Brett, Amy, Janice, Wendi, Friar, James, Harry, and Dave—I know, not one person, but I couldn’t choose just one. You all inspire me, influence me, make me feel, make me care, and round out my day, so that after a year and a half of blog reading, I feel like a more knowledgeable, happier, and deeper person than I was before I discovered each of you.
Never wait to tell people that they’ve given you joy, even in Blog-o-land. Hopefully not one of these dear people hasn’t heard how much I appreciate their way with words several times.
Regards,
Kelly
I’d like to give a great big shout out to our players on Escaping Reality. These people are a fantastic pool of talent.
Just a gentle reminder to everyone commenting today; this post wasn’t to fish for compliments about ourselves or Dave. We know how you feel about us, you tell us everyday. It’s somebody else’s turn for the spotlight. Dig deep and see if you can’t find someone who’s never had that opportunity before.
Yes, as Kelly mentioned, it is hard to pick one (though she certainly is also one of the group, I should say).
But if we are sharing the love, I’m going to send my shout-out to Tom Chandler at the Copywriter Underground. He’s got a great style to his writing, and always has something relevant and encouraging to say. Definitely a source of inspiration in my books.
~Graham
Graham Strongs last blog post..Why Not Throw Stones at Our Glass Houses?
@Graham: Toss us a link so we can check him out too.
The main thing that’s changed in my writing in the last year is my confidence. Really, it’s just about doing the work. I’d been told I was a good writer before, but I didn’t believe it, nor was I interested in doing the work needed to grow. Half a million words later, I do believe it. I find myself dissecting other’s words, even when not reading. Good writers are inspired by better writers. That’s why I’m subscribed to Men with Pens, and on my way to check out Rock Your Day.
Thanks.
Writer Dads last blog post..Red Furry Monster Vs. High School Musical
@Harry – Sounds good:
http://copywriterunderground.com/
Graham Strongs last blog post..Why Not Throw Stones at Our Glass Houses?
After coming through a period of absolute overwhelm, this post socked me in the gut. James, what I like most about your writing is your ability to present hard truths interspersed with humor. It is a style completely your own, and I often “hear” your writing to a backdrop of bass guitar (don’t ask, really!). Harry, I love your scene painting abilities. When I read your writing, I am transported to the place and time in your writing. You truly engage me emotionally and it is gift that I am sure all writers covet. Reading you I have often wanted to retire the pen.
There are so many other talents out there so I will make a list and visit them this week and tell them how much I adore them, but for this comment, I’ll give up the love for Tei. I love the way the woman can turn a phrase. In her hands even porridge can become interesting. I have actually talked about her writing to “real people” (the non-avatar people) and had them look at me funny when it was clear that I had a mad case of pen-adoration.
Thanks for reminding me that even the greats still need encouragement.
Karen Swims last blog post..Welcome Back Joanna Young!
Graham,
Thanks so much!
Harry,
So is that “thank you” in another language, or is it not okay to love you anymore?
I’m not that easily deterred.
Until later,
Kelly
Even though you’re not fishing for compliments I’m going to toss another one your way anyway.
In the two weeks since launching the new blog, my RSS subscriptions have gone up by 50% and my email subscriptions have tripled. Content is one thing but if people don’t like what they see, they’re not going to come back – so people must be liking what they see (then again, who wouldn’t like the banner Harry created?)
And since I’m a good little rule-follower, I need to toss out more link love so for this post it’s going to Cath Lawson http://cathlawson.com/blog/ who’s blog has provoked me into doing a lot of serious thought about how I approach my own blog during its transition from hobby to business.
Alex Fayles last blog post..When Too Much Stuff Happens: Nada Thomson Interview
oops! That “who’s” was supposed to be a “whose” – I’m so not a detail person…
Alex Fayles last blog post..When Too Much Stuff Happens: Nada Thomson Interview
@Kelly: my bad. Thank you very much. That was me writing at some ungodly hour this morning in Nyquileese.
@Karen: Your compliment makes me to write even more.
@Alex: Told you that would happen!
Harry,
I was just coming back to ask what on Earth you were doing up as I got my daughter off to school. You sleep, I work at that hour. Tsk, tsk.
Feel better.
Until later,
Kelly
Kellys last blog post..Summer Is a Great Time to… Cheat and Save Money!
@Alex, well they didn’t tell me we would give them design love too! So, Harry and James I truly believe you are on a quest to beautify the blogosphere and your mission is a smashing success. Each design uniquely tailored to the individual and always stunning. I have even received compliment from Facebook developers on your awesome work. You make us pretty and we rise to the level of your design. So I love you two for ridding the world of ugly blog syndrome!
@Harry, please keep writing, you are brilliant! Nyquil? I hope you’re feeling better today. Sending you warm thoughts and virtual chicken soup.
Karen Swims last blog post..Welcome Back Joanna Young!
@Jaime –
Thanks for the kind words for both me and others … glad to help you get an earlier start to the day.
@Kelly –
Glad to hear you’re already doing this … it’s a huge boost when you need it.
@Harry –
Thanks for bringing that up – this isn’t comment fishing for us … it’s comment for everyone else – we all need a boost now and then …
@Graham -
Thanks for sharing – I’m sure you’ll make Tom’s day.
@Writer Dad –
Drop by – glad to have you!
@Karen –
Go forth and comment … you’ll make many people’s day …
@Alex –
Congrats on the RSS improvement … a solid design goes a long way. Since Harry/James did my design at RYD, my subscribers are growing faster than ever.
Hey Dave,
First let me just say that I loved your work on Nothing’s Shocking. You *made* that album. … What’s that? … Not *that* Dave? Good, I can avoid the awkward silence about your days with the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Good point on the dangers of trying to write in a way that pleases everyone.
I’ve written seriously for a hell of a long time now (see album reference above) and have gotten beyond the stage of worrying about whether my writing is any good. Instead, I’m more concerned with whether it will resonate with the readers I’m trying to target with that particular piece.
Blogging is even more challenging that way because the readership isn’t pre-defined by a sales & circulation department. You’e got to find it yourself: an extra burden.
If you look at some of the great writing that’s out there, (be it literature or blog posts), most of the time it’s the writer’s vision that sets it apart. And that vision, if I can completely butcher a metaphor, comes from the heart as well as the head.
Now, for spreading the love. Thought I’d put something out there for two MwP readers whom I read regularly but don’t often leave comments for.
Janice @ Painting a Day
I enjoy the way she combines the details of making her art with her own experiences, impressions and feelings. It’s a unique glimpse into how an artist creates and good inspiration for those of us who create primarily through the written word.
Urban Panther
This woman can write. She has a distinct voice that is personal without being self-absorbed. She has a naturally funny and entertaining style.
Bill Kanapauxs last blog post..Altered States 3: What does the future hold?
I’ve been following this blog for a while, and this post encouraged me to finally join the comments ring. Dave, I’m subscribing to your RSS feed as we speak! I love writing that is direct and feels inclusive.
James and Harry: It’s always refreshing to read your posts — useful, funny, and unexpected. It’s great to see blogs in narrative form, not simply reduced to numbered lists and bullet points.
Another blog I appreciate is Jesse Hines’ “Robust Writing.” Reading the posts, I always feel that Jesse stands firmly behind everything he writes, which makes me more intrigued.
Very good article. I, myself, am a freelance writer. I found this article quite interesting. Its true that sometimes you just don’t feel confident about your piece of writing. It has happened to me too a lot of time. I don’t know the exact reason, but thats the way it is. I think I can take some help from this article.
First time commenter, here. So much of this site is useful and the tone is empathetic, so the encouragement is genuine — but as always, it’s the personality!
One’s voice is one’s own, yet it is so tempting when we are lacking confidence to set our voice aside. Also, without patience, we cannot grow into our voice, and our voice, in turn, can’t grow, either.
Thanks for the perspective, the motivation, and the consistency.
Aw, this makes my Monday happy
Men With Pens,
I love you guys. You’re my first stop every morning and you make my first cup of coffee taste so much better. You guys are my role models for when I’m a real writer
While we’re spreading the love, I would also like to say that Naomi at ittybiz.com makes me laugh until I almost pee my pants. I spend all day around either 6 year olds or uptight professors/robots, so Naomi reminds me how to be a real human again.
RL Davids last blog post..A very short hiatus…
@ RL David My dear, but you already are a real writer! If I could stand on one foot without falling over, and could actually perform Taekwondo, I would hang off your every word!
Someone, please slip a few confidence pills into his coffee.
Jamies last blog post..Do You Have What it Takes to be a Top Blogger?
Thank you for this!
Do you ever wonder what some now-deceased writers would blog about if they were alive today?
It would be fascinating to read the weekly thoughts of someone like Agatha Christie, Charles Dickens, Ngaio Marsh…
@Jamie,
Oh no, it’s not a confidence thing! It’s just that my life goal is to make a living from writing and I’m not quite there yet. Still, I know that once I graduate school, I’ll be able to achieve my goal. I’m just in the research/practice point in my life
One of the best things is that I’m surrounded by fantastic writers. I can learn a lot from you all before I’m even on the writing market!
RL Davids last blog post..A very short hiatus…
@ Dave – Thank you again for writing this post. It’s amazing and I’m honored to have it on our blog. Also, thank you for fielding comments today – very cool of you.
I’m going to thank Brian Clark. Not because he’s an A-lister, not because I write on his blog, and not because I’m kissing his ass. Fanboy, okay, I’ll admit, but with reason.
Brian makes me think. He writes posts that have me turning them over in my head for days. He gives me the “what if” that I feed on. Well, what if indeed? What if this happened or that? What if we all went this way or that? Brian consistently manages to tap right into a place within my mind that very few people reach.
And he also does it in a way that makes me feel I have something within me to take his small seed of idea and push it further. And further. He manages to bring out my best by presenting the very question that marks my world: “Why, James? What do you see? Tell me more.”
I have consistently written my best material after being Clarkshocked, and I can specifically pinpoint the posts that have done it, too. That’s a very, very rare thing – to be able to reach people like that – and Brian’s got it.
(Dude, if you’re reading this, I am *so* not kissing your ass. Now wipe that grin off your face.)
@Sarah – The Orwell Prize has created a “blog” from George Orwell, posting his diary entries from exactly 70 years ago today. Perhaps this is the next best thing… (BTW, Tom tipped me to this…)
http://orwelldiaries.wordpress.com/
~Graham
Graham Strongs last blog post..Why Not Throw Stones at Our Glass Houses?
You already know me, so I’ll skip straight to one of my new favorites:
Nick Corcodilos’ Ask The Headhunter at http://corcodilos.com/blog/ is a great blog for those of us who still keep a foot in the corproate world. It is primarily about job searches, but has a heaping helping of corporate absurdity as well. I’ve spent a lot of time in the corporate world, and his blog rings true. Well written, informative and funny.
John Hewitts last blog post..08/22/2008 Writing Jobs and Links
Out of all the people I hang out with online, I’m the least talented writer. I don’t go in for envy so much as admiration, so here’s a quick list:
James: always finds a great metaphor and a has a way of bringing across big concepts, and I love his flair for the dramatic. James brings much more art to writing on the web than we usually see.
Harry: Goes deep, stays deep, and really dwells on the important stuff. Harry’s writing is concentrated and powerfully earnest.
Sonia Simone: The more I read of her the more admire what a wordsmith she is, a great teacher with words.
Naomi Dunford: An amazing storyteller. More than anyone else, she knows how to teach through stories.
Dave Navarro: Highly polished. Amazing clarity. Very smart, but also very approachable in a regular guy way.
Brian Clark: Has a knack for slipping in big ideas in a low-key manner. Imminently understandable, and I like the dry humor that comes out sometimes.
@RL David Glad to hear you know your own value, have goals, and a plan to reach them. Confidence is a powerful tool.
@Bill -
Imagine my surprise the first time I looked at the liner notes to that CD and said “Wait a minute … that’s me!”
@Zoe –
Thanks for joining the comments … and subscribing!
@Term –
Confidence is everything – take it every chance you can get.
@Betsy -
Hey, first time commenter! Feel free to make it a habit.
@RL David –
I agree about Naomi – I’ve had to clean beer off of my screen many times as I’ve read her stuff …
@Sarah -
“It was the best of WordPress upgrades, it was the worst of WordPress upgrades …” Dickens would have made a merciless metablogger.
@James –
No prob, bro.
Props to Clark as well – I’ve hit the Digg frontpage many times on the strength of his Headline Writing series. Must read, people.
(PS, Brian – I’m up for guest posting on CB if you are
)
@John -
Thanks for the link. Will check it out as I’m in corporateland myself …
@Michael -
Thanks for the kind words. I’m surrounded by really great people & I don’t take it for granted.
Wow. I am truly touched. Thank you Kelly, Bill.
When I opened this post I was smiling, “Boy, Dave is everywhere today.” I posted about him just this morning. He’s at Martine’s and lookie here, smack on the cover of the Monday Edition of brilliance from Men With Pens. Dave. Need we say it? You rock.
James, Harry, I am humbled by the very company I keep here. It’s not just anywhere I will leave my traces of cobalt blue and that little touch of vermillion you have yet to find, but I want you to know truly that your writing makes my every effort better.
I am going to have to give Sonia props. She is not the only one ( Kelly, Bill you are on my list too), but I have to say this. From the moment I saw her comments in the forums in Teaching Sells beginnning last October, I was in aesthetic arrest, or whatever the word is for being stopped dead in my tracks by her power in writing. This chick has the chops. Not only did she know what she was talking about, but it was always highly entertaining and delivered with delicious atttitude. And these were mere comments.
When I got to read her stuff, I was hooked and in uber awe. Anyone who doubts me,” punch punch punch.” Read it. s’all I’m saying.
Bill-best new blog on my reading list. BEST. I savor it.
Kelly- orange muffins or serious focus points you KICK ASS, and in very lovely shoes….
Janice C Cartiers last blog post..How Many, How Much?
Duh, Link to Sonia Simone’s piece:
http://www.remarkable-communication.com/beatrix-kiddos-guide-to-making-it-happen/
Janice C Cartiers last blog post..How Many, How Much?
@Graham Thanks for sharing the Orwell link. Can’t wait to check it out more.
For my part, I love reading whatever Nick Cernis writes, whether it be at Putting Things Off or elsewhere. If you haven’t read his ebook, Todoodlist, it comes highly recommended. (I believe Harry & James even have a link to it up top.) I’d bet dollars that I’ve never taken the time to give Nick any kudos, so thanks for the kick in the butt, Dave.
http://putthingsoff.com/
Nicole Brunets last blog post..What Comes Around
Harry and James, you two are amazing men. Looking at my blog posts before Escaping Reality started and then at those I write now, it’s like night and day. The writing comes so much easier to me these days. Still much to improve, but if not for you guys I would still be struggling to find something interesting to write for every post.
Dave, I want to thank you for welcoming me into this wonderful community. Way back when I first commented on IttyBiz, you were the first person who said, “Hey there, welcome to our party, we’re glad to have you, stop by anytime!” Without you showing me that everyone’s cool here and I shouldn’t be intimidated, I don’t know that I would have jumped into the community we have going on between IttyBiz, MwP, Rock Your Day, 6 Weeks, etc. So thank you very much for that.
Another deserving author: Writer Dad. Probably the youngest blog of the group! For me, his blog has joined the ranks of MwP, IttyBiz, and Rogue Ink – blogs I always look forward to reading, because I know whatever they come up with is going to be great.
Allisons last blog post..Taste and Create 11, A Little Foodie Love
@ Dave – Self doubt is one of the worst things we can keep lingering around. If you’re an entrepreneur and you think in this way, it’s vital to start training your mind to think differently. That was a great point.
Now – about giving up some love.
Barbara Swafford over at Blogging Without A Blog I think deserves some love. She blogs about her ventures in blogging, but she does it in a very personable and helpful way. And she’s not afraid to say, “I’m not sure. Maybe someone in the community can help.”
I believe her strength is through her good will and nature which shines through so well.
I also see this in Harry. Harry’s good nature not only in blogging, but in comments, just naturally makes you want to say, “I want that guy to be my friend.” Being an authority is good, but when you talk to Harry you see he genuinely wants the best for you as well.
John Hoff – eVentureBizs last blog post..Securing Your WordPress Blog: Post 2 – How To Change Your Username
@John: aw, that was better than a shot of orange juice today. Thanks!
@Allison: It is something to see, innit? And not only do you get to watch yourself grow as a writer, but everyone else around you, which is pretty cool too.
Ooh, Janice & Michael, a big hug to you both.
This is a killer post, Dave. The self-doubt thing is so toxic, and all of us have to face it down one time or another. I love the writing out one’s “testimonials” by hand, I’m putting that on my list.
Man, there are so many amazing bloggers and writers out there I don’t know who to mention first. I’ll give a shout out to Caroline Middlebrook for putting her heart out there, in good times & bad, and to the Communicatrix for encouraging me to get a little naked in my writing (and yes, that’s what led to the infamous CB “Feel Great Naked” post). And to Naomi Dunford & Michael Martine & the MwP & the Davester for alternate hand-holding and ass-kicking as needed. And to Brian Clark for inspiring me to think big.
Oh, wait, this isn’t the Oscars? Oops, sorry.
Sonia Simones last blog post..Come check out the new digs!
Rats-o-roni, forgot to update my URL. Everyone, come check out the beautiful new MwP site.
Excellent post indeed! Self doubt was the reason I didn’t start writing a novel until I was 34 in spite of numerous false starts. Nothing I ever did was “good enough”.
As far as writers who need love goes, I too enjoy the Escaping Reality gang. I really enjoy Rhodester’s blog. (http://rhodester.net/) and for writing advice, you can’t really go wrong with listening to Mur Lafferty’s I Should Be Writing (http://murverse.com/category/podcasts/i-should-be-writing/).
Scotts last blog post..Trip Report
Zoe,
Thanks for the shout-out. I do try to stand firmly behind everything I write–otherwise I’m not interested in writing it. I’m glad you appreciate it.
I do appreciate James here–he was the first well-known blogger to recognize me, contact me, and encourage me to continue blogging. If it weren’t for a supporting comment he left on my old blog, I quite possibly would have given it up long ago.
Since we’re supposed to mention other writers though, here are a couple writers I enjoy reading and what I like about their writing:
Tim Ferriss of 4 Hour Workweek: I love that he forces us to question so many of the assumptions and “rules” of both work in particular, and life in general, in favor of finding what truly works. Plus, he writes fun posts like how he taught himself to swim and which drinks are the best in the world.
Abraham Piper of Twenty Two Words: He writes each post in exactly twenty-two words (not counting the title), which forces him to get right to the point. Many of his posts are thought-provoking. Here’s a recent one, entitled, “All words are real words.”
“If an utterance is purposefully said by one person and understood by another, it’s real.
Nonstandard, perhaps, but not fake or wrong.”
That one has stuck with me because I once wrote a post entitled “Stop Using These Two Fake Words.” I’m still processing Piper’s twenty-two word post…how does that fit with my often hardcore writing stances? Well, that’s why I enjoy Piper’s brief blog entries.
Anytime Harry. Tis all true.
John Hoff – eVentureBizs last blog post..Securing Your WordPress Blog: Post 2 – How To Change Your Username
@Harry – Yep, and the great thing is, there isn’t a single person on ER who I don’t look at and automatically assume, “Yep, they’re a writer,” even if they may not have thought of themselves as one three months ago. The transformation we have all gone through as writers is amazingly awesome.
Allisons last blog post..Taste and Create 11, A Little Foodie Love
Janice,
ROFLOL at a chick who can remember my orange muffins. They’re on my Labor Day brunch list, but now that you mention them, that just doesn’t sound soon enough. After-school snack for the kid tomorrow, maybe.
Thanks very much for the compliment about the serious stuff.
Until later,
Kelly
Kellys last blog post..Summer Is a Great Time to… Cheat and Save Money!
Good article Dave. I really admire the ability to write in a personable fashion like you do (Damn, that was a compliment really, not self doubt, or was it?). I’m definitely going to make a self testimonial shortly. It’s so easy to forget that we constantly improve, I guess human nature is to focus on the negative, and overcoming that is important to our writing ability.
Nimics last blog post..Use a Neti Pot for Natural Allergy Relief
I’m here because Alex gushed at FM the whole time he was working through his blog redesign, and he kept saying how awesome Men With Pens is. And he’s right!
I love Alex’s blog, and just knowing that “I might use it Someday” is a crutch inspired me to buy a new shredder and start using it this past week.
I am, among other things, an aspiring SF/F writer, and there are so many blogs out there that have been helpful both in terms of tools and encouragement. Paperback Writer, Whatever (John Scalzi), and They Might Need Bears (Elizabeth Bear) are definitely a few of my favorites.
I’d like to send a shout-out to Steph for her openness and sincerity, and to Friar for his humor and candor.
Great post, guys.
Dave, consider me a new subscriber!
Rebecca Smiths last blog post..It’s all about I
Boy am I Late today! dave what a great post and a great love fest of amzing talent already mentioned. There hasn’t been a single name mentioned that I was nodding my head up and down going yep, yep..for sure…
(By the way, thanks Kelly, how nice to see my name among all of these greats…Dave is right…it does feel good.)
In terms of sheer appreciation..The Pen Men already know how I feel about them so I would like to spend a moment mentioning how much Barbara Swafford gives back to her community every single day with her knowledge and her generousity in helping new bloggers get a start. Thanks Barbara for everything you do!
Then…Pen Men, Friar, Steph, Amy, Kelly, Jenny, Melissa Donovan, Amy Palko, Brett, Queen Karen, Ellen,Christine Kane, Daz Cox and Tei have been my must reads as soon as something pops up in the reader. This last week I added my newest passion, Alex from Someday Syndrome.
That doesn’t mean there aren’t more on the list, I have a ton that I love. But those are my top contenders.
Wendi Kelly- Life’s Little Inspirationss last blog post..Anniversary Stew
@Janice -
Glad you had a nice bright spot added to your day
Thanks for the kind words, too.
@Nicole –
Glad to do the kickin’!
@Allison –
I mean it – stop by anytime! I’ve got a double soft spot for ya – my wife’s shares your name, and my awesome sister is all about the sushi. Most of the time we just need a little push to feel welcomed enough to comment more, I’m glad I could help with that.
@Sonia –
Glad you dug it. Everybody has to fight the Doubtanator …
@Scott –
Starting’s the most important part. Glad yo got it out of the way
@Jesse –
Thanks for the kudos to all.
@Nimic -
Get on it – and focus on the positive so you can rock out.
@Erin –
Thanks for commenting – drop by anytime (and link your name too!)
@Rebecca –
Great to have you on board! Fun stuff coming up.
@Wendi –
Hey, this is a post that’s good to read through even if late. Glad you’re joining the party.
Dave Navarros last blog post..The First Law Of Action: A Refined Outcome Is Easier To Achieve
@Dave – You know, funny thing happened a couple of months ago. I was at a dinner for my brother’s cancer center, and there was an Allison Navarro there. I definitely did a double take… “What’s Dave’s wife doing in SoCal? Wait a minute…”
Allisons last blog post..Taste and Create 11, A Little Foodie Love
@Allison –
Too funny. My lady’s got only one ‘L’ in her first name … so I’m not suspicious … LOL
Dave Navarros last blog post..The First Law Of Action: A Refined Outcome Is Easier To Achieve
Wendi,
Your direct, easy style and thoughtful writing is always there when I need a sigh and a smile. Well worth noting. (And thank you for the returned appreciation!)
Later,
Kelly
Kellys last blog post..Summer Is a Great Time to… Cheat and Save Money!
This being my first encounter with “Men with Pens’ (thanks to Sonia Simone), I am looking forward to drawing deeply from this well. With a few kudos under my belt from past writing-for-fun, I screwed up the courage to take it to my professional life.. where I suddenly found myself swimming in very deep water. Am I really a ‘writer’ rather than someone who writes?
This is very timely post for me, and good advice, which is, of course, well written.
I will be checking back often.
Kelly- Hey, how could I forget ?..that was quite a raucous party Jamie threw. And Harry, Harry got shirtless. Yep, muffins…we needed to keep up our strength.
I totally get this! it so happens to me all the time, especially when I read Miss Wendi’s LLI blog. She is so inspirational that I feel like I have nothing to offer people! There have been plenty of times I have gone days, or weeks without a post because I was afraid that people wouldn’t like it!
Thanks for the tips! I will definitely be using them!
Jennys last blog post..Holy Macaroni!
Harry,James knowledge are knighted together like sea and land. Reading you it gives someone to go on all day long. I salute you with my appreciation.
Ntarugera François
Great advice that we tend to forget. Most writers are very insecure.
We obsess over the negative comments and gloss over the positive comments. We all should keep a file of kudos (or stick them up on the wall, so we can always see them). We need to remind ourselves of the nice things folks have said about our writing.
Lynn Jordans last blog post..Why Should You Participate in National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo)?