The air has shifted. Even here in Hawaii, there’s a slight change in the seasons. The days are getting longer. It’s time to store my sweaters away sadly and I’m back to my usual tank top shorts uniform.
Seasons are light bulb reminders externally of things we need to shed inside. While we declutter and spring clean to make ready for summer, there are things we can do as writers to check-in, to make sure we’re still where we need to be.
This can look like ordering more paper, getting a fun new journal or laptop. It could mean more challenging tasks like deciding whether to continue with a client, adding more projects and classes, and deciding whether we are on the right track.
This is something that naturally happens at the end of the year, but spring cleaning it’s also a good time to analyze where you are as a writer.
Are you closer to where you want to be?
Have you started writing that chapter?
Did you hire that writing coach?
Have you done the hard work of reflecting on what you really want this year?
We’re almost mid-way through another year, now is the time to seriously take stock of what to do with the rest of it.
If you’re a nonfiction writer who is interested in writing fiction, there are a few ways you can start the process of transitioning.
- Take a fiction course.
- Free write for 10 minutes in the morning on various aspects of a character, setting, or scene.
- Hire a coach who can support you in the wee beginnings of your transformation.
- Read inspiring books on the craft of writing fiction.
- Watch videos by novelists.
Right now your job is to work on self-acceptance, joy, inspiration and exploration. On this part of your journey, you’ll need fuel, support, and constant reminders that the trek will be worth the effort.
It took me years, dare I say decades, to finally confront my fears that I wasn’t a good storyteller who couldn’t write. But the doorway to fiction writing began playfully, without pressure, and the need to publish.
It started with a story I made up to my husband and then to my children. But it wasn’t enough to tell them, I wanted to write it down.
There became a point when the pain of not sharing my stories was greater than my need to hide them. And that’s what it took for me to begin the process of transitioning.
I never in a million years believed I had what it took to become a fiction writer. And I still have days when I don’t. What I do have are joy, excitement and faith that if I show up, something will happen.
It might not always be rainbows and sunshine, but it will be something that will change me. The change me part is the real reason why I do it. The change others is a nice motivator.
Are you entertaining the idea of writing?
If the thought of writing excites you, I’d love to help you. I coach creatives to find their purpose and give them tools and techniques to overcome self-doubt and fear. If this sounds like something you might want to explore, contact me @ bauyemura at gmail dot com.
