My father was a writer… He was famous – in an obscure way – although better known for other things. His are not the best or greatest works I’ve ever read, although some of his books are considered classics. But as I said, he was famous for other things…
Writing stuff down – thoughts, emotions, lists and dreams - has been part of my life ever since I learned to write, which was later than most kids. But growing as a writer involves plenty of practice to accomplish. Sounds pretty basic; I never realized how crucial this step is to developing a “voice” until I began writing regularly. Getting started was difficult – I had writers block before I wrote the first word – but there’s a lot to be said for pushing through. With practice, the gap between the topics and the passions begins closing and most of the time words come readily.
I think developing as a person isn’t very different… Assuming you want to change some aspect of your character; let’s say, become more assertive, then practicing that behavior until it’s comfortable, seemed a good way to start. So I did.
My bugbear was always a lack of confidence… Guilty of all the standard over-compensation dodges, often aloof and arrogant; I must have been a real pain in the a*s for others! Growing older (or is it just growing up?) has taken away that fearful insecurity and a realistic self-image does a lot to help nurture confidence. After all, “why be a second rate version of somebody else, when you can be a first rate version of yourself”, can’t apply when you don’t know what version you are!
And the moral of the story is?
If you are holding down a job, pursuing a degree, or perfecting a craft, you are already somewhat disciplined! So? The world’s your clam (oysters to clams? – that’s inflation for you). Just divert some of that seemingly, small stash of discipline toward your problem, over and over and over again; and then one day *poof* the problem’s gone! And that includes the mess inside the kitchen junk drawer!
And… Never underestimate the power of a good editor!
