Writers Have Dreams

Walt Disney was an architect of dreams and a wise man. No doubt that people thought he was mad when he envisioned Disneyland, his first theme park in California. He followed his dream and look what happened. Disneyworld was next, then their counterparts in Paris, Shanghai, and Beijing. Wow! 

What about you and me, writers who also have dreams? What are some of your dreams in your writing world? Check the list below to see which ones you relate to:

• writing a novel
• getting your novel published
• editing an anthology
• being published in a major magazine
• being published in a top newspaper
• having a book signing
• finishing your first short story
• having a poem published
• writing a novel for YA or Middle-Grade kids
• writing poetic prose
• having a following of readers
• writing a regular blog
• going to a national writing conference
• joining a good critique group
• writing a memoir
• teaching a writing workshop
• having name recognition in the writing world
• as much time as you want to write
• never running out of story ideas
• going on a book tour for your published novel
• writing lyrics for a song
• putting together a book of your poetry
• winning an award for your writing
• being interviewed on tv about your writing

How many have you accomplished? How many more would you like to realize? What others would you add to this list? Let us know in the Comments section.

I dreamed of being a writer for many years before it finally happened. It took a lot for me to begin in my 50s, but I had the courage to do it and the great desire. And yes, it does take some courage to get started, maybe even courage to keep going when you have received multiple rejections. Down, but not out! 

Think about Walt Disney and others like him who pursued their dreams, even when they seemed impossible. You must follow your dreams as you move along your writing journey.

Writers Need A Dose of Courage

Remember the Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz? He journeyed with Dorothy and others to visit the magical, mystical Wizard to obtain courage. Instead of a confident lion, he was a scaredy-cat.

Have you ever waded into waters that became so deep you were soon in over your head? You need courage to tread water and/or swim to shore. Sometimes we feel like we're in way too deep in our writing world, and you need some confidence in yourself to come out on top. You're not alone if you feel this way.

1. It takes courage to make that first submission to a print or online publication.
2. It takes courage to open the envelope that you know holds a rejection.
3. It takes courage to write a novel after you've spent years composing short stories.
4. It takes courage to venture into non-fiction if you've always written fiction.
5. It takes courage to write poetry for the first time
6. It takes courage to accept a speaking engagement related to your writing.
7. It takes courage to actually say I am a writer.
8. It takes courage to promote your writing to others.
9. It takes courage to commit to a major writing project or weekly column.
10. It takes courage to continue writing when you receive myriad rejections

Some synonyms for courage are: bravery, fearlessness, spirit, pluck, mettle, self-reliance, grit, backbone, guts, intestinal fortitude. Take your pick of any one of them to keep your writing world strong. You'll reap the rewards and have a feeling of satisfaction.