Getting Gutsy

I love to tell stories.

I love to write.

I love painting pictures with words.

But, lately...

I've been stuck.

About a year ago, I started writing my story.  I was excited to get the words on paper, to have the thoughts out of my mind and into my hands.  I worked on it continually.  When I wasn't writing, I was working out plot points in my head.

And, then I received a harsh, albeit helpful, review.  And now, I'm stuck.

As a writer, as an artist of any kind, really, you leave a portion of yourself in your work.  Even if you try to distance yourself from your characters or the story line, it inevitably still carries your DNA.  So, any sort of critique, as well-meaning as they often are, can feel personal and painful.  An exercise intended to grow and develop you as an artist can wind up stalling the artistic process as you lick your wounds.

And, so I've started this blog.  This is an exercise in bravery for me.  This is an exercise in learning to seperate myself from my characters and story lines, to take a step back.  It may not seem "gutsy" to write all of this without signing my name, but everyone must crawl before they walk, right?

So, I'm getting gutsy.  I am using this blog to spill my heart, my very guts, onto the page.  Maybe by simply writing, I will find the will to finish what I've started.

Here's hoping.