Insecure Writer's Support Group for September 2013

The Insecure Writer's Support Group (IWSG) is the brilliant idea of Alex J. Cavanaugh. The purpose of the group is to share doubts and insecurities and to encourage one another. Please visit the other participants and share your support. A kind word goes a long way.

Also, a big congratulations to IWSG on it's second birthday! Two years. Wow. This is an awesome group. Make sure to check with Alex to see what news he has for us.

Yes, that is a purple elephant dancing on the clouds above a yellow and orange jungle. Maybe you're a bit confused right now, but I bet you're smiling.

A few weeks ago, my son and I were being artsy. We painted, and I took out all the art supplies. Puff balls, glitter glue, stickers, beads, etc. He went on to turn his orange and yellow painting into a grand jungle with animals, flowers, and trees. Once he had some clouds in the sky, he put the elephant on top of one.

Me: What's the elephant doing on the cloud?
Boy: Dancing.
Me: That's so silly. Why is he dancing up there?
Boy: 'Cause he always wanted to dance on the clouds. It's silly and fun and he loves it. It makes him happy. Happy is good. You gotta do what you love and be happy.

Sometimes when you tell people you're a writer, they'll snicker and give you that you're-silly look. Sometimes people will tell you your writing is ridiculous or over the top. Sometimes people won't believe you can write a book, and if you do, that it won't be successful.

It doesn't matter what they think. You write because it makes you happy. Be a little silly, a little out there, and write what you want to write. Write because it's fun. Write because you love it. Sometimes wisdom does come from the mouths of babes.

Be that purple elephant dancing on the clouds.