Starlight Saturday

Spirit Awareness

Since this topic hasn't gotten it's due the past two months, I thought I'd start November off with it. It's National Writing Month. Many of us compete in contests such as NaNoWriMo to help encourage the muses, while others write so often that competing isn't necessary and there are some of us who don't compete for various reasons.

Yes, we compete, but what happens when the competitions are over and, due to the subjective (or how many friends to you have to vote for you) nature of these online contests, many non-winners are left with feelings of frustration, self-doubt and a nagging sense of "what can I do better?"

You must eliminate these self-doubting and frustrated feelings or they will eat you alive and be a constant obstacle in your life.

To help you get yourself through those difficult times, here are some
mantras,
poems and
words of wisdom.

Hang these mantras where you'll see them everyday!
Mantra 1 - If it's to be, it's up to me!
Mantra 2 - Don't Quit!
Mantra 3 - When life throws the book at you, write about it!
Mantra 4 - Inspiration is everywhere, all you have to do is stop and look around!

Not convinced yet? Well, here are some words of wisdom that have impacted writers and talented artists of all kinds for many years:

“Don’t ask me about being a writer. If when you wake up in the morning, you can think of nothing but writing, then you’re a writer.” - Rainer Maria Rilke (translated in one form or another, also heard in Sister Act 2)

These words are so true! So what if you're frustrated! So you've had a bad review or two!

Sounds cold, but we've all been there before, and it doesn't mean you should quit writing. If you really want to write, you will do what it takes to make your writing better - take classes, attend conferences, and read books on how to write.

However, it isn't just about learning how to write, it's appreciating that creative writing requires an understanding of poetry and prose to make the perfect piece.

Okay, perfection isn't always possible, but I can guarantee that if you learn how to use imagery the way poets do - not copying or mimicking them, but truly understand how to use your own imagery in your writing - you'll create a much more powerful romance, suspense, mystery or whatever.

Be sure to check back on Monday as I will begin talking about some of the most influential poets of our time, and I'm not talking about Shakespeare!

Until then, here's a wonderful poem to keep with you and give to a loved one needing this reminder. In fact, you can probably find this on a journal or bookmark in almost any bookstore:

Don't Quit - by Jill Wolf

Don't quit when the tide is lowest,

For it's just about to turn;

Don't quit over doubts and questions,

For there's something you may learn.

Don't quit when the night is darkest,

For it's just a while 'til dawn;

Don't quit when you've run the farthest,

For the race is almost won.

Don't quit when the hill is steepest,

For your goal is almost nigh;

Don't quit for you're not a failure

Until you fail try.

Simple yet elegant, powerful and inspiring. This is what I'm talking about. Poets take a few words and make them powerful!

Enjoy the rest of your day!