By Linda R. Shoaf
Whenever
I hear friends exclaim their love for writing, I think I’m in the wrong crowd.
Yet, am I? I’ve written throughout my career because it was part of my job
responsibilities. When others plagiarized my work, I considered it as affirmation
and would say, “I’m glad they liked it.”
From a career perspective, it was to my
advantage to publish in recognized journals and trade magazines in my field.
Many encouraged my efforts. I regarded the numerous newsletters and materials I
initiated for my employer or volunteer groups as creative ventures instead of
writing.
A
busy work and volunteer schedule kept me from pursuing personal writing. I once
overheard a professional in my field and prolific writer say, “You don’t find
time to write, you make time.” Maybe that’s the problem. Other responsibilities
made me reluctant to put aside time to write, so I procrastinated as I tried to
finish everything else.
For
those like me who consider themselves a reluctant writer, for whatever reason, here
are a few pointers to change your view.
Give
yourself credit. While I didn’t consider all those programs, workbooks, and
other projects as writing, a writer-friend convinced me that writing is
writing.
Be
confident. I felt secure in the style of work I did for others, but somehow,
writing for myself dampened self-confidence. Perhaps it was fear of failure.
Regardless, if it wasn’t written or sent somewhere, great ideas were to naught.
Be
persistent. I admire those who write and seem to get it correct the first time.
A well-known editor of a professional journal once commented, “It takes most
people at least seven rewrites to get articles ready to publish.” And I might
add, it takes some of us more.
Be
consistent. While I’m generally goal-oriented and reasonably organized, all
that seems to vanish when I write. It’s difficult for me to establish a
specific plan. I make notes on scraps of paper as ideas come to me.
Find
the best time and place to write. That’s old news, but it has merit. Many find
a quiet spot or have a favorite area to do their work. I laugh and say I often
accomplish more sitting in a waiting room because I tune out everything else.
At home, it’s always the ding of a washer or dryer, the ring of a cell phone or
other electronic device, or hundreds of other distractions.
Keep
your own style. I don’t write fiction, but I can analyze and interpret data. It
finally occurred to me that it wasn’t a good use of my time to write in a
manner uncomfortable to me. Each of us has a unique style.
Whatever
your writing aspirations, you can overcome the label of reluctant writer.
Adjust your mind-set and get started.
You ARE a WRITER.
_________________________________________________________________
Linda Ross Shoaf is a registered/licensed
dietitian-nutritionist with a doctoral degree in adult education. After one
year of teaching junior high school, she moved into teaching nutrition and
related subjects in colleges, universities, and post-secondary schools. Following
several moves with her husband and teaching in five states, they founded
Cindryn Group, Ltd. in the late 1980s. Within a few years, Linda integrated her
independent work in nutrition and Christian living into their company. Her
motto, “To nourish body and spirit” reflects her goal to encourage people in
healthy physical and spiritual living. Linda has spoken at local, regional, and
national venues and leads nutrition workshops, Bible studies, and national
webinars. She serves in leadership roles on community and educational boards. As
a registered dietitian-nutritionists, Linda is a national peer-reviewer for
many articles, books, position papers and professional materials in her field. Her
publications include numerous journal, trade, and consumer articles and
devotionals. You can find her blog www.cindryn.com at www.foodfromthegarden.wordpress.com
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