So many years spent procrastinating, funnelling my energy into distractions and other forms of expression, all because I was too scared to admit the truth: that I want to be a writer and I'm scared of failing. But now I'm admitting it to myself and I want to do this.
I need some help with developing my skills and getting started. I don't even know what form I want to write in. I wrote some plays and won a regional competition for one of them, and I really enjoyed putting the plays on (local pub theatres). At the same time, I have 3 or 4 half-baked novel ideas, a quarter of a novel written, some children's book ideas. Basically, I'm a hot mess.
I don't know what I want to write, just that I want to.
How do I get focussed and better? I haven't done anything in two years.
Here are some ideas I've had:
- Taking one day a week to focus solely on writing
- Entering competitions as a way to spark new ideas/habit (good idea?)
- Join a local writing group for motivation
- Take some form of course/workshop - I could do with your help here. I don't want to go down the MA route, but what do you think about short courses, workshops, retreats, those kinds of things? Anyone have any thoughts or ideas? Are they a waste of money?
I'm excited to get started and I know the only way to write is to start writing. But after so long in a rut I feel like an imposter, I'm blocked and nervous. Any ideas appreciated!