Before you read what I write today, go find a mirror. Stand in front of the mirror and took at yourself. After you look at yourself come back and sit down.
Please listen to me.
I want to read the stories of the person you just saw in the mirror. I want to know what you think and how you feel. I want to read your stories. I want to see your paintings. I want to hear your voice.
Write the story you want to say. Paint the painting you want to see. Sing the song you want to hear. Create you, even if someone says, “That’s stupid. You are not very good. I don’t like it.”
Write to please. Please yourself. If you try to be someone else, you will forget what you were doing. If you write like yourself, you never have to worry what you just said.
Two weeks ago I had a writing deadline. By midnight on Friday, May 3rd, I submitted three essay’s to be considered for Andy Traub’s, The Early to Rise Experience for Mom’s.
I really want one of my essay’s to be in his book. Fifty-one woman submitted up to three essays. If Andy chooses something I wrote, I want it to be something that sounds like me.
If Andy doesn’t pick one of my stories I will survive. Maybe he wanted a blond story and my mine was more of a brunette story. Or maybe the other mom’s story fit better with the theme of his book.
It is better to be hated for what you are than to be loved for what you are not.
― André Gide, Autumn Leaves
Don’t worry about trying to please your audience. Please yourself.
Do you try to guess what your audience wants?
P.S. I don’t know if I my writing will be included in The Early To Rise Experience for Mom’s. However, I do know the book will be worth reading. You can sign up here to get a free copy of the book when it comes out.
