My neighbors sent their house away on a barge. Theres a metaphor for risk in here somewhere.

My neighbors sent their house away on a barge. There's a metaphor for risk in here somewhere.

What would you risk in order to get the one thing you truly desire? Seriously, what would you risk? When I was an emerging writer in my 20s, trying to sell my first book, I risked a lot. I had a great life–wonderful teaching career, adorable baby, loving husband, cute dogs, nice house in the ‘burbs, good family and friends. Why would I take on the stress and struggle and uncertainty of a career as a novelist? It was a massive risk on lots of levels.

The emotional risk is huge in writing–even in fiction you’re showing people your hidden self. I was also subjecting my family to financial risk, because writing is about as stable as betting on horses. I gave up social time with friends. I had to forego my book-a-day reading habit, entire series on TV (okay, not a huge sacrifice there) and forget sleep. There was at least one night when I stayed up all night working on my novel. I looked out to see the sun coming up, so I combed my hair, put on my lipstick, and staggered off to work that day. (You can do stuff like this when you’re in your 20s.)

The workshop ended with a challenge to writers. FILL IN THIS STATEMENT FOR YOURSELF:

“I’ll do whatever it takes to be a successful writer;

just don’t ask me to ___________________,

because that’s just not me.”  

Common responses to “…just don’t ask me to…” might be:

 

  • -quit my day job
  • -refuse a bad deal from a publisher
  • -tell my family to give me space
  • -follow somebody’s writing formula
  • -take a writing class
  • -reveal my innermost thoughts on paper
  • -write about deeply personal matters
  • -write about people who might recognize themselves in my book
  • -subject myself to criticism and rejection
  • -learn to type

(Are we having fun yet?)

Your answer here will reveal what you’re avoiding in order to protect yourself.

Michael’s end-of-the-day pep talk: 

Don’t look for ways to avoid the fear. Be willing to be afraid.

Make yourself the hero of your own story.

Make your goal specific and visible.

Bring reflection characters into your life; surround yourself with people who will encourage you.

Get rid or your nemesis, whatever or whoever that may be.

We got so much good feedback on the workshop–”Fantastic” “life-changing” “aimed at people who really want to write.” You totally owe it to yourself to meet Michael one day. Take a seminar with him! Call him for a consultation. He’s Mr. Inspiration!

[NOTE: Here are the Hauge posts in order, if you want to read them in sequence:

http://susanwiggs.wordpress.com/2008/10/15/mr-inspiration/

http://susanwiggs.wordpress.com/2008/10/16/visible-desire/

http://susanwiggs.wordpress.com/2008/10/17/the-outer-journey/

http://susanwiggs.wordpress.com/2008/10/19/the-hole-in-her-soul/

http://susanwiggs.wordpress.com/2008/10/21/emotional-safety-emotional-risk/

http://susanwiggs.wordpress.com/2008/10/22/donkey-hote/

http://susanwiggs.wordpress.com/2008/10/25/what-would-you-risk/ ]