Saturday, March 5, 2011

"“If you hear a voice within you say, ‘You cannot paint,’ then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.” — Vincent van Gogh

Van Gogh's "A Starry Night"

A few months ago, when I first started my writing career I was very apprehensive about letting people see and read my work.What if people didn't like it? What if I made a mistake and people would point and laugh? What if someone left me a nasty comment criticizing my work? etc. Sometimes the greatest enemy is yourself. I had to get to the point where I just said "Who cares what people think!?" I've wanted this for a long time, I'm not perfect, I will make mistakes, but I want this so I'm willing to put myself out there taking the good with the bad.

I love this quote by my favorite painter because it challenges you to push forward and overcome that internal voice of hindrance that keeps us from accomplishing our dreams. I'm going to stretch it and even say to ignore the external voices. The people that make you feel like you or your work isn't "good enough". There's always going to be people that would rather tear you down then build you up. Today and everyday you are worth it, your work is worth it, continue to put forth effort and challenge yourself to learn from your mistakes!

Here are two of my articles. One is an example of my "best work" and the other is my least favorite. Both allowed me to learn and grow as a writer.
Game of Thrones
Fun Activities to do with your kids

1 comment:

  1. I actually really like both articles, Beth.

    The Game of Thrones one was of course fantastic. Covered all the points fans care about.

    And the "Fun Activities to do with your kids" one made me wish i had a little girl to have unbirthday tea parties with.

    The quote, and your advice to ignore not only the internal doubting voice, but the external negative voices, are very good mottos that everyone - not just writers - should try to live by.

    Yes, of course, accept well meant criticism. that's how we grown and learn as people.

    But mean spirited people who are only trying to bring you down don't deserve you time, effort or response.

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