Quote of the Day: Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage. Anaïs Nin

Today is another group posting of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group! Time to release our fears to the world – or offer encouragement to those who are feeling neurotic. If you’d like to join us, click on the tab above and sign up. We post the first Wednesday of every month. You can also visit the founder Alex J. Cavanaugh for more info and links.

Question of the Month: Are you a risk-taker when writing? Do you try something radically different in style/POV/etc. or add controversial topics to your work?

Hmm. Not really. I’m not very edgy in any respect, on the page, or off. I’m more in danger of writing a ho-hum saccharine story. In fact, that’s my insecurity. Also, I’m not sure there are any areas that haven’t been covered in print or film that cross old lines of propriety. Much bolder, and funnier, people have pushed those boundaries. I need to be willing to write the story that is inside me and not hold back because of emotions or fear of  judgement.

We touched on this topic last weekend with my sisters. The question of the day was, “What would you do if you didn’t care what anyone else thought?” The answer is claiming your time. Doing your art your way. Taking personal risks, like going on a road trip, investing in equipment or time that enhances your art and career. I’m taking a leap, soon. I’ve been feeling depleted with all this isolation during the pandemic. The open road is calling, and I’m ready to answer. 

“Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go.” T.S. Elliot. Photo by Mary Aalgaard, Glacier National Park 2018.

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt: How are you doing during the pandemic? What is giving you hope?