Monday 27 March 2017

An Author’s Worst Enemy: Self-doubt…

Ouch, ouch, ouch! Are you done yet?
Last year, I got my gumption up and decided to get a tattoo to not only celebrate a milestone birthday, but also rid myself of any self-doubt I was carrying inside me about being a writer. The tattoo I choose is quite popular—the Superman shield—but it means more to me than what the man of steel portrays in the DC brand comic books. It means breaking free from all those blocks and obstacles I struggled with to first, learn to write a book, and second, to keep submitting until I was finally published. This was a fifteen-year journey to publication, where as you can imagine, self-doubt continued to creep in like weeds strangling flowers in a beautiful garden.

 To find the strength within and smash through those obstacles and (writers) blocks, an author needs to develop perseverance. Once you understand that ‘Rome wasn’t built in a day’, then you allow for the Universe to work its magic to help you make your dreams and desires come true. This ‘staying power’ comes from a place deep inside you, and makes sure that you never give up, if you’re willing to keep following your heart. It’s no wonder Superman’s shield is emblazoned on the chest area, directly over his heart. Personally for me, the ‘S’ in the shield stands for Sharon, not Superman, and represents my stamp of self-approval. Go figure. Though, I have researched that the ‘S’ is also the Kryptonian symbol for hope, which is an added bonus for a bright, promising outlook.

Let’s face it. Life is full of challenges and obstacles. Those are the things that makes us stronger, better, faster. That’s what our characters face every time we writers drag them through the muds of hell. Then, like us, our characters evolve and grow. Writing is a tough gig, but so rewarding when you write those final two words ‘The End’. It’s a badge of honor, and feels wonderful and uplifting, like you’ve reached the pinnacle of super hero status.

I’ve found that the hardest part of being a writer is the stick-to-itiveness. Going through the basic training that every super hero has to go through. You learn. You fail. You pick yourself up, maybe fail again, and again. But you get back up until you’ve mastered one level, and then move on to the next one. You excel, you celebrate every word you jot down in your magnum opus. Giving up is not an option when you have something to say. The trick is to make your readers feel what you feel. 

Almost done! Whew!
Have you ever gotten a tattoo to celebrate a milestone or mark a rite of passage? If so, what did you decide on? Would love to read your comments! Cheers and thank you for reading this post!

10 comments:

  1. Great post, Sharon and I'm impressed! I don't think I could get a tattoo. I don't think I could sit there and be in pain while they draw it on my skin. You are brave! And you're an awesome author!

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    1. Thanks, Lisa! It wasn't that bad, and the tattoo artist had a TV in the room so I could watch it, instead of him. Bringing a friend along helps too! Cheers!

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  2. Sharon,

    Thank you for posting this. I really needed this. It comes at a time when I have been sitting on the fence about writing middle grade. It is my passion, what comes easiest and what I find tremendous fun. But, because MG is such a hard sell, I've been struggling with the thought on whether or not I made the right decision, as I see many "write to market". I've put absolutely everything into my current series. I've never worked on anything harder in my life and it's taken 30+ years for me call myself a writer, let alone sit down and write. Thank you for your post.

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    1. You're more than welcome, Kathy! It's comments like these that not only uplift me, but keep me going to help other authors, and of course connect with readers. Never write to market, write what you love. Readers can see the difference. Hugs and cheers!

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  3. You are a super writer and a super friend to all Sharon...so your tattoo fits you.

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    1. Awe, thanks so much, Rita! And you're a super big sis! Hugs!

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  4. It is a perfect tattoo for you, Sharon!
    When I saw the photo, my reaction was "ouch, ouch!" Then I read your caption and laughed out loud.

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    1. Actually there wasn't that much pain, Chris. Just little pin pricks, but nothing a super girl like myself couldn't handle! LOL! Cheers and thanks!

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  5. The perfect tattoo for you. Bravo!! I haven't got a tattoo (yet) It does take superhuman strength to be a writer.

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    1. Thanks, Darlene! What's taking you so long to get a tat? LOL! And you're right, we writers need to have super powers these days! Cheers!

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