Writers and Courage

Yesterday's post featured reasons why writers put projects on hold. A lack of self-confidence was one. Self-confidence and courage seem to go hand in hand. Maybe starting that new project takes courage along with that confident feeling.

As our poster says, Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I'll try again tomorrow. Those feelings we need to push us forward are not always going to come in great gusts like the wind. Instead, you might feel that needed courage more like the soft whisper of a gentle breeze.

That I'll try again tomorrow could be your final thought before you drift off to sleep. It would be a good time for it as those few words could sink into your subconscious while you sleep. Or those words could come when you have been at your computer for too long trying to work out a problem in a story. Walking away from a problem while writing is alright as long as you go back to work on it in a day or two or three.

It doesn't matter when you say or think the phrase. More important is that you do think or say it. Then you know you are not giving up. Telling yourself that you'll go on in this writing journey you started does sometimes take a bit of courage, but it also means that you have some determination, as well.

When you hear a little voice in your head telling you that you'll try again tomorrow (or anything else), pay attention. Maybe it's the inner you pushing the outer one. It might be your muse trying to help you. Some might even say that it's an angel whispering to give you that bit of courage you need. Wherever it comes from, heed it.

Frank Sinatra sang a song called Little things mean a lot. I agree, and I also agree that a little courage is every bit as good as a huge dose of it. When things don't go right, whether in your writing life or your other life, repeat this bit of courage: I'll try again tomorrow. It's there, but it's up to you to find it.