Take a Leap of Faith

"If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is not for you." ~~Arthur McAuliff

Ah yes, the thrill of beginning a new venture. Whether we're struggling with the beginning throes of an idea, approaching the second draft of our WIP with trepidation, or taking a deep breath and sending out those queries, there's nothing quite like the heart-pounding leap-of-faith every writer experiences.

We take chances. We take risks. We're pushing forward without a map or even a navigation system! We're off to discover new lands hoping we have the wit to dislodge our ship if we hit dry land. We push despite our sometimes overwhelming desire to set down anchor and avoid the uncertain seas.

"A ship is safe in harbor, but that's not what ships are for." --William Shedd

We take chances. We take risks. As writers, we need to face those fears, not only for ourselves but also for our readers. Which is why we can't play it safe. Not with our selves, not even with our characters. We throw them in jail, threaten them with exposure, heartache, death, frame-ups, poverty, imprisonment, even… *gasp* Meddling In-laws!!

So why do we do it? Why do we push ourselves past all reason, past the fear, and past the obstacles?

"It is never too late to be what you might have been." --George Eliot

Destiny.

That one little word reverberates within our souls. It is our Destiny… We know it. We feel it. We Are WRITERS. This is what we are Meant to do. To create worlds. To populate them with people. To preside over their lives with a twisted kind of ruthless compassion forcing them into perilous circumstances designed to not only challenge their strength but to awaken within them a greater understanding. And through that process, within our own hearts, a seed of understanding blossoms as we grow and evolve with our characters.

"Eighty percent of success is showing up." --Woody Allen

One word at a time. One sentence. One draft. One book. One query at a time… There's only one way to succeed, and that is to show up and do the work.

One draft:

"If at first you don't succeed, you're running about average. " ~~M.H. Alderson

One query:

Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm. ~~Winston Churchill

As we approach yet another week, let's acknowledge the strength it takes to make that "Leap of Faith" with every word we type. It's easy to scold and chide ourselves for freaking out over the endless edits, the yet-to-be created plot-line, the wavering POV, not to mention the fear over facing rejection. Replace that chagrin with pride! We're facing a fear that few will manage to overcome. We're pushing past obstacles that many will embrace as an excuse to give up. Not us!

Why? We take chances. We take risks. We Are WRITERS...

Speaking of risks, agent Jessica Faust mentioned how summer is the perfect time to catch up on queries. Hmm... Maybe now's a good time to
hit 'Send'. *grin*

So tell me, what do you consider the biggest 'Leap of Faith'? Writing the first draft? The second draft? Sending it out to your crit partners? Sending the query? Or all of the above?

Here's to another wonderful week bursting with opportunity!

Smiles,
Chiron O'Keefe

Also featured at Pop Culture Divas and Between The Lines.