Okay writers (and wanna-be writers), time to ‘fess up. What lies do you tell yourself that keep you from writing?The other day, I was listening to my MP3 recordings of workshops from the 2009 Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference, and I discovered a true gem. Author Joseph Bentz presented a workshop that he called, “Overcoming the Three Big Lies of Writing.” You can learn more about the workshop on his website, http://www.josephbentz.com/ and click on “speaking.”
I’ve heard other authors talk about organizing your time, self-discipline and how to create a good work atmosphere.
Joe Bentz tackled the lies that we tell ourselves to keep us from writing. I’ve taken these three “lies” from his website. I’m not comfortable sharing more than that without his permission.
- “I will write this project as soon as. . . .”
- “I can write only when. . . .”
- “Now that I am finally sitting at the computer, I realize I can’t write because. . . .”
How many times have I said these words? I couldn’t count them. How many years did I procrastinate because I didn’t think I could write with kids underfoot? I have met writers who not only do so, but they home-school on top of it! Why do we make so many excuses?
In reality, these lies apply to much more than writing. They apply to any dream that we have a desire to follow, but that frightens us into procrastination. I’ll start exercising after the New Year. I’ll start that business when the economy turns around. I’ll go back to school when things are less hectic. I’ll make peace with this person when the time feels right.
It’s important to realize when we are lying to ourselves. We need to ask ourselves a few questions. Are there other ways I could handle this? What reasonable goals could I set? Do I really need my situation to be perfect to accomplish something? Can I learn to work through the distractions? Will things really get less hectic if I wait?
So, what lies do you tell yourself?
While you’re busy lying to yourself, check out Debbie Ridpath Ohi’s Will Write For Chocolate!
Blessings and prayers,
andrea
Good fill someone in on and this mail helped me alot in my college assignement. Gratefulness you as your information.
“My desk is too messy to think;” “I am too tired to write;” “I am too distracted by my husband’s TV show.”
I love the “Will write for Chocolate” cartoons you include!