I thought that being on this side of a book contract would be different. Don’t get me wrong.  I’m thrilled to be here.  There have been moments of pure joy I will hold inside me forever.

Yet somehow, I thought that having the validation of a book offer would make writing easier.  Ideas would surge.  Words would flow.  The constant tapping of my keyboard would be so loud and persistent, it would force my dog to seek refuge in the farthest corners of our home.  And all my writing insecurities would go away.

It hasn’t happened.  I still fight with words, search for a voice and wonder if I can do it.  And our German Shepherd-sized dog still finds a way to sleep as close to my deskchair as is physically possible.

There’s a plus side to my writing anxieties.  I can empathize with any quirk or idiosyncrasy my characters might choose to have.  And when they go through their angst, I understand their struggles.

Sure there are days when I wish my worries would take a long vacation, but what if they disappeared forever?  Would I still create the same type of stories I now feel compelled to write?

Maybe our insecurities are as essential to our writers’ spirits as our positive traits.  By creating obstacles, they challenge us to grow and force us to move forward.  They help mold and shape our stories.

Today, I’m going to embrace my doubts, make friends with my insecurities and celebrate my writer’s spirit.  I’ll also try not to trip over the dog.

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