Vulnerability

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A while back I wrote about, well, why I didn’t write for a very long time. Even after picking up the pen again and writing on a more regular basis, I haven’t shaken that feeling that I’m not a good enough writer–whatever that means. I have found that this holds me back from taking risks as a writer, for fear that it’s too cliché, too boring. Reading others’ writing can be inspirational, but oftentimes it makes my anxiety even worse.

I can be vulnerable and tell you all about my fears, my embarrassments, my joys, but more often than not, I keep those retellings in a conversational voice. I’m like that student in class who just writes like they speak, but maybe with better punctuation.

I’ve tried this strategy before–finding a craft move from Roy Clark’s Writing Tools: 55 Essential Strategies for Every Writer and then applying it to my own writing. But for this March Slice of Life Challenge, I’m going to lean into even more and do it regularly. Every day? No, that might be too much. What about every Sunday in honor of the Sunday Scaries? Confront the scariest part of writing!

Okay, but not this Sunday.

16 responses to “Vulnerability”

  1. Trish Avatar
    Trish

    The ironic, “..but not this Sunday,” speaks to us all! Thanks for your candor.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. vivian chen Avatar

      Candor is my strength. LOL. Thanks for this ongoing conversation, Trish!

      Like

  2. rissa Avatar
    rissa

    I enjoy a conversational voice. I know what you mean about reading others’ writing causing anxiety but I remind myself that each writer is different and so are our voices. Go for it! I look forward to hearing yours.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. vivian chen Avatar

      Good reminder!

      Like

  3. Leigh Anne Eck Avatar
    Leigh Anne Eck

    I went back and read your post about not writing, and my heart broke. So many children are “traumatized” in school by teachers and comparisions. It is so unfair. Every child…even you…is a writer. Writing and hitting the publish button exposes those vulnerabilities, but I hope you do find confidence to share your words. I am making it my personal goal to return here and cheer you on! I hope you write tomorrow! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. vivian chen Avatar

      Thanks Leigh Anne! This means a lot.

      Like

  4. crbrunelle Avatar
    crbrunelle

    Oof. I went to your previous post. As a teacher I am often worried that something I did or didn’t do will cause harm. I hope that you continue to write and gain confidence in your writing and sharing your stories. Your writing connects with people and moves readers. I wish you many positive experiences within this community. Also, I had to chuckle at your last line. Maybe next Sunday. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. vivian chen Avatar

      Thank you for the encouragement!

      Like

  5. Amy Avatar

    I love this idea! Trying a scary writing thing/technique on Sundays! But yeah… how ’bout next Sunday?? 😉

    Liked by 1 person

    1. vivian chen Avatar

      LOL.

      Like

  6. arjeha Avatar

    Oh my. I could have written this. I do not consider myself a writer. I rarely give much thought to anything I write. I see many interesting styles of writing as I read posts and say I want to try that, but usually don’t follow through for fear on not doing it well.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. vivian chen Avatar

      Well, now you’re making me think about my own writing again. I love reading your posts because there’s a warmth to your writing, like to talking to a neighbor!

      Liked by 1 person

  7. franmcveigh Avatar

    Even one scary is a starting point. Writing and publishing is scary. I aim for medium to low scary and only go for the big, bad ones when I am totally at my wit’s end.

    Your writing is so fluid and entertaining! Fun to read!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. vivian chen Avatar

      Thanks Fran! Your comments always nudge me to keep going. =)

      Like

  8. cvarsalona Avatar

    Vivian, it is wonderful that we are chatting again. Putting your thoughts together to open your soul is the mark of a writer. Sometimes, I want to leave the miseries to myself. Other times, I need to share. Lately, I lean on faith and hope to get me through the medical issues that have caused distress in my family. May you hang in there with all of us who are struggling to find our persistence to write openly.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. vivian chen Avatar

      Thank you Carol! Glad to be in community with you.

      Liked by 1 person

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