Recently, I read this post on Daily Writing Tips about how often the word ‘deserve’ is misused. It stresses that the word should be as used in relation to someone earning something, being worthy of something or being entitled to something. And I agree with that being the correct usage of the word. Today, though, I’m not going to follow their advice, while I think of and write about all the good you deserve as a writer!
The Good You Deserve As A Writer
Dedicate yourself to the good you deserve and desire for yourself.
– Mark Victor Hansen
You might not think you’ve earned this or are entitled to it, but as a writer you absolutely deserve:
- To be able to express yourself just the way you want to. Don’t worry about form, grammar, coherence – just write. This is why I find the Morning Pages such a freeing exercise. I just write and feel ‘heard’ by my #1 reader – me!
- To have time to write every day. Stephen King says if you write only 300 words a day – a page – at the end of the year, you’ll have enough material for a novel! Surely you can get at least 15 minutes of time to write every day.
- To have quiet time to write and reflect. This is something you owe yourself. Get up just half hour before you do now and it will work out.
- To have your family or the people you live with give you the space to write. Now this is a tough one. . Tell the significant others in your life that you will be writing at a particular time every day and they’re not to disturb you. I know there will be emergencies and times this won’t work. But it’s something you have to be firm about. When people realize that you are committed to your writing, they’ll find a way to give you the space you need.
- To have access to resources and material. What do you need for your writing? Stationery. It needn’t be expensive. A working internet connection. Again that’s affordable. Thankfully there are plenty of free resources for writers out there. But if you can afford it, then sign up for courses and programmes that help you improve your writing. You deserve it.
- To have a space to write. Not always easy to have your own space, but you can get creative with this, just like my friend, Tulika did. Read her post The Write Space to find out more.
- To have a community of readers and other writers. This again is a difficult one. But it’s something you owe yourself. You need a community to read your writing, to motivate you, to critique what you write. If you can’t find one that fits, create one.
These are just some of the things that occurred to me in the 5 minutes. Do you have anything more to add to the list?
Linking in to Kate Motaung’s Five Minute Friday prompt : Listen
Corinne, I’m reading this post for the fourth time now and the responses /comments too. You said we could add to the list of what we deserve, so here’s what I’m adding for my own sake. We (I) deserve inspiring words to continue what we started, to be consistent, to not give up for the sake of other commitments, no matter how important they are… writing is as important indeed. I feel, one (someone like me) deserves a reminder of what one deserves. It could be an article, a quote, or a picture on one’s desk or next to the bed or even in the kitchen that says we deserve ‘quiet time’ and time to write. This article of yours serves as a reminder to me; it persuades me to write. Thank you!
Love this list.
Thanks for sharing.
Glad you do, Sandra.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted…Rising Strong
It’s No 4 that’s my undoing. But I have to admit when I made the effort to take my writing seriously, so did everyone else. So ultimately it’s we who have to convince ourselves that we deserve our peace and our space.
Tulika recently posted…The Write Space
I understand. I’ve found that when we take things seriously, people around us will give us the space and respect.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted…Rising Strong
Ah, Morning Pages … it’s been a while. I loved doing them. Thanks for the reminder. Yes, the Stephen King book really helped me see that how/when/why/what I was writing was OKAY. Such a great book! — When I decided I wanted to write for publication my husband built me a desk by the bedroom window and helped me carve out free time in the evening (seven children) where I could write completely by myself. It was wonderful and totally worth it. Don’t give it up! Blessings on your writing today! FMF#13
Rachel recently posted…Happy Anniversary
What a wonderful gesture from your husband. Thankfully, mine too is very supportive of my writing.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted…Rising Strong
So often we don’t see ourselves as deserving. Thanks for this post. It makes me feel good about being a writer.
Yes, we don’t give ourselves enough of credit.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted…Rising Strong
These are great reminders for all of us writers! Thanks for sharing today. (Karen, FMF #11)
Glad you found them useful, Karen.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted…Rising Strong
I appreciate #6 to have space to write. I enjoyed Tulika’s article you recommended, so thanks for sharing it, Corinne..
~Lisa, FMF #21
Ah, yes, a space is so important. Thanks, Lisa.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted…Rising Strong
Great thoughts. I especially agree with the first one.
Amie, FMF #18
True.. i had been worrying about editing my posts . May be it’s okay to just form a writing habit.. editing can come later..
I have quiet time in the morning when people in the house are still asleep.. so in that hour or so .. i read and write.. and contemplate…
Pratikshya Mishra recently posted…Books I Grew Up Reading
Yes, you can write – I do that on paper and pen now and then type and edit. This might work for you too.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted…Rising Strong
Grace! We deserve to give ourselves grace on our journey. What we write when we first start out won’t be as elegant as what we write later. Writing is a craft, and it takes time to learn how to shape words and thoughts.
Yes, so important. Thanks for that, Anita.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted…A Rising Tide Lifts All Boats
#4 IS hard!! We are learning… Thanks for the reminder that it is possible to make dreams come true. 😉
Yes, this one is the most difficult, but it can be done!
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted…Taking Time To Be Quiet
The good you deserve as a writer is a commitment. It takes time to seek and find, time to sit still, time to find a writing friend, time to create a space to write, and time to dedicate yourself as a writer.
Yes, commitment is a gift we can give ourselves as writers. Thank you, Rhonda.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted…No More Excuses Etc