Finding Value in Your Writing

One of the most disheartening issues I often encounter when working with writers is way too many are overwhelmed with doubt that "their" story is not valuable enough to be told. I hear writers utter "no one wants to read about my life," or "what I've been through ain't interesting enough." There are billions of people on this planet and believe it or not, no experience is void of the evolutions of life... we are not alone. If you've ever heard the phrase "walk in my shoes" my belief is that someone, somewhere already has... and in fact, you may be walking in their shoes. 

Therefore, sharing what you may believe lacks value may be the most valuable thing to that person who opens your book, your play, your article... it may change their life and their perspective forever. Your experience belongs to the world, don't be afraid to give it back. That said, when I sit to write from an organic place I practice removing all intellectual judgment of the work on my part. It's not about how valuable I think it may be. The fact that I was moved with enough intrigue and enough passion to begin to write it makes it valuable. My job then is to present it in the most productive way. 

How many times have you denied your own story? 

FEARS: WRITING BEYOND ROADBLOCKS

"So in my case, what were some 

of the fears I faced when 

beginning 

my trek as a writer? 

First and foremost, it took 

me years, about 

3 full-length plays and 

about 3 national awards 

before I even gave myself 

permission to even call myself a writer. 

Having never taken an official writing course, 

and pursuing my BA/Masters as a performer, 

I questioned my abilities and even my 

intellectual capacity to even pen anything 

to the extend of a script that could 

possibly warrant itself as worthy. 

However, it was my belief that we are all 

destined for brilliance if we're brave enough 

to take the journey. That's what I did. 

I went along for the ride, not knowing much 

about it or what would become of it. 

Eventually, the fear took a backseat and the 

"craft" began to grow. Stories and 

characters, perhaps who have been inside me 

for a long time, finally shot out screaming 

and proud. I hear them all 

clearly now and am 

fearless about getting to 

know those to come.

 1) What fears do you face 

when writing? 

Papa's Blues: A Play in Two Acts