S.A. Borders-Shoemaker's Blog, page 6

Lies at the Bottom

When you think about writing, or any passion project for that matter, what’s your story?

During my bikeride this morning, I couldn’t help but think about the stories we tell ourselves: about who we are, what we’re capable of, and where we’re going.

Courtesy of Stephanie Michelle Photography

I have to tell you: one of my biggest struggles in writing is myself.

I’ll confess that it’s been a long process in helping to address the negative feelings that creep into my mind from time to time. They can be gripping, convincing even.

Even when we feel good about ourselves while we’re awake, what do you hear in the quiet moments within your own mind? I’m certain doubt creeps in. How often that happens depends on the person; yet happen, it absolutely will.

And bringing these lies at the bottom of our selves to the light can be a daunting prospect. But don’t be afraid. Doubt is a regular part of the creative process. When that doubt becomes the guide to your journey, things tend to fall apart. Be wise and judicious. Do not let old narratives created from negative experiences be the signposts you follow in life.

When these feelings cloud your thoughts, my challenge to you is to simply think of 5 good things you’ve accomplished at any given point in time. Things you’re proud of. And they can be simple.

Washed the car last weekend? Won an award in highschool? Paid all your bills on time? All good things!

Any passion project takes time and is mostly made of small but important moments. They feel ordinary and without much glamor. I promise you, what’s done well day-to-day makes the bigger things better and easier to do.

You are capable. And I’m cheering you on, friend!

In Courage & Care,

Samantha

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You did what?!

Ever had someone doubt your work? Question whether or not you were actually capable- not out of malice, but sheer surprise? That’s the story of how I came to start writing. 

My first published book!

I’ll never forget the look on my mother’s face when I told her I’d filled up three floppy disks’ worth of word files for my “book.” She hadn’t believed I was composing something book-length up to this point, but now that I stood before her staring intently while holding three multi-colored squares in hand, I feel her hand was forced.

“You did what?!” she asked me.

“I filled these up with my book, like I told you,” I replied. “You know I write two hours a day.” 

We went to the computer store that afternoon to buy a whole box of floppy disks just for me. And I filled them all. 

I spent the next 7 years learning the writing and publishing process from a local literary editor. I even got the chance to hear from the author, T.A. Barron, who handwrote two copies of the same letter that encouraged me to continue my pursuit. I remember being hardly able to breathe as I read how he believed in my talent. Further encouraged by my writing community to take steps to seriously hone my craft, the dream of being an established author didn’t seem so unrealistic anymore. 

Writer’s conferences are interesting when you’re an aspiring author in your early teens. When I think of them, the first image that comes to mind are wide-eyed stares and awkward silences. It’s not unheard of that a young person could write a book- it’s just not run-of-the-mill. One speaker even apologized for swearing during his speech after he saw me in the back of the room. But oh, how I learned in spite of the mutual uncertainty! 

The experiences gained from this time underpin all of my work, and continue to guide my steps. I give flame to those hopeful sparks, now that I find myself back in this world of storytelling.

Friends, if there’s one thing I’d like to say, it’s this: 

When your heart is connected to the written word, you will never stop being a writer. It’s more than a love, it’s practically part of our DNA code! 

Be bold enough to keep trying, to keep learning. And in the meantime, I will be cheering you on. Keep filling those journals and flashdrives with your beautiful, heroic words.

In Courage & Care,

S.A. Borders-Shoemaker

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