Base Runners
Photo credit: www.Woofam.net/fearful
After completing my first novel during NaNoWriMo in the month of November, I've returned to some of my writing fears. It's weird, but they were right where I left them, waiting for me like an old friend, ready to crush me. It seems they are never going to go away. So, I will have to chose daily, to not be in that relationship anymore.
I've been afraid that the ideas won't come, the "right" audience won't be interested and that my efforts will result in, well, a whole lot of nothing.
Yet, I really want to be in the game. This past weekend I remembered that you've got to swing the bat if you want to play. I've been yelling "Put me in Coach!" from a couple miles south of the field.
As I sat this weekend in front of a full view of the Las Vegas strip, the words and ideas began to pour forth. I stepped up to the plate and created my book proposal. Chapter outlines and everything.
It's good to realize, I don't have to hit it out of the park.
Our world simply needs more base runners. And I'm just the woman for the job.
Audra Krell 
You are definitely the woman for the job Audra!! Go out and swing away! I love this metaphor – just like baseball – sometimes we’ll strike out, sometimes we’ll hit a single, and sometimes we’ll hit it out of the park. To do any of it, though, we’ve got to step up to the plate and start swinging! You’re reminding me that I need to do that too.
I can’t wait to see what is to come for you!!
Lance,
Your support and encouragement is very much appreciated. Keep me in the loop regarding your batting average, I too, just want to know that you’re swinging!
Hey Audra,
I can relate to this so well. I took last week off to reflect on what I really want to do for myself. Photography, along with the story behind it, is where my heart lies. I joined a online photography group and I have been so excited about it. Sometimes it is the first step that is the hardest.
Go for it!
Hi Cricket,
Love that you took last week off to reflect. Sounds like great things came from it! Follow your heart, you have every reason in the world to be excited, because YOU are just the woman for the job!
Audra,
I tried to comment last night but had some trouble. I wanted to let you know that I love this analogy as it applies to writing and just being a mom in general. You are an amazing lady and I wait eagerly to read what you’ve written. Thanks for your very sweet comment on my blog. It made my day.
Yes, it is easy to freeze when thinking about all of the factors. In the end, you just need to do what you did, relax, step up to the plate, trust in yourself and swing and allow to be what will be.
Good JOB! You’re taking ACTION! I’ve got too many ideas right now, so I’m just developing them all and I’ll see which one comes out ahead. Baby steps.
I tagged you for a music/mom meme if you have time – and an mp3 player.
Sweetie, I have fifteen published novels to my name and I still feel like this all the time. The market has just changed so much in the past 20 years. I keep having to remind myself to write because I enjoy it, and I don’t want the fear of rejection to take away that joy. I really do need to just sit and write for the fun of it, not for the idea that maybe I’ll sell another book. (It’s been almost 5 years, alas!)
I’ll tell you something funny…most people have ideas but can’t get them written down. I’m exactly the opposite. I have few ideas but when they hit, I have no trouble recording them. I’ve been working on a mystery novel forever because it takes that long for something to pop into my head that ‘works.’
You go girl! I have confidence in you. I know the right publisher will come. It’s so easy to give in to fear. However, I believe you are a fighter as evidenced by you getting that proposal done. Cheering for you!