“If there’s a book you really want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.” ~Toni Morrison
“And by the way, everything in life is writable about if you have the outgoing guts to do it, and the imagination to improvise. The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt.” ~Sylvia Plath
I have a book in me. I just know it. I can feel it. I feel its energy, its message, and its powerful urge to be birthed into the world.
Or maybe what I’m really feeling is just my own desire to…read it.
I want the wisdom contained within its pages. I want to learn how to “rightsize” my life. I want to experience the freedom and creativity and authenticity it offers.
And I know other people want these things, too.
So what am I waiting for?
Perhaps a visit from the muse. Or maybe a “power surge” of motivation. How about “when Mercury goes direct” or the “perfect day” according to the Mayan calendar?
I have a fantasy that writing should be easy and natural and fun. Also in my fantasy, *real* writers sit down at their keyboards and the words just magically come to them. And although—admittedly—it is a fantasy, I really do wish to become a real writer, writing real books, helping real people.
My dad, Garth, and my father-in-law, Jack, (both genuine Oklahoma Okies) had a very—ahem—”colorful” expression about the significance of wishes: “Wish in one hand and spit in the other, and see which one fills up first.” Actually, it was another 4-letter word for a different bodily function that rhymes with “spit,” but the point is the same: Wishing, in and of itself, accomplishes nothing. Only honest-to-goodness, real-world productivity will ever yield tangible results.
I desperately want to produce tangible results: Books, videos and groovy programs that make a difference and change peoples’ lives.
The problem is—as Sylvia Plath so aptly put it—I constantly suffer from self-doubt.
And I do mean suffer. It’s excruciating to have a calling, a message to get out to the world, yet having to fight the demon of doubt every single time I set out to find and put down the *right* words. The thought of letting my readers down, failing to help or inspire them—you—is agonizing. And it kills me that, unless I can successfully free the writer within, I will also be failing both myself and my late mother, too.
My mom, DeAlma, was an awesome writer. She could type like a house on fire (90 words per minute with no errors on a clunky, old manual typewriter) and was the editor of both her college newspaper and yearbook. She went on to become executive secretary to the Base Commander of Norton Air Force Base and took great pride in the knowledge that the letters she drafted ultimately ended up in the hands of high-ranking military officers and government officials.
Mom’s love of the written word lasted literally to the very end. As she approached death, in a coma, I sensed she was actively listening and waiting for something specific she wanted to hear. So, I thanked her for giving me the gift of writing and promised I would use it to do good in the world. It was then she relaxed as if to say “my work here is done,” and took her last breaths, quietly passing away.
Now I’m left with the legacy of writing combined with my solemn promise to do so.
I also have a moral imperative to share “lifestyle rightsizing” as far and wide as I can. I know in my bones it’s the key we so desperately need to free ourselves up to really live. Freedom to change our homes, our “stuff,” our health, our bodies, relationships, careers, finances, activities and uses of our precious time and energy that aren’t the right “fit” for our present or our future. I know I’m the right person to deliver the essence and power of that message…if I can just get the *right* words out of my head and onto the page.
I wish (there’s that word again!) more than anything, that I could learn how to make the words flow easily. If there were a way, a process, to open the flood gates and let those words—the *right* words—flow, I would give it my all to master that method.
I have heard that such a method does exist. James Chartrand of Men With Pens has announced a brand-new breakthrough online writing course called Damn Fine Words. DFW is described as “a cross between a writing course and business course,” and promises to teach skills that would make me a better, more effective writer, such as:
- Writing techniques that cut down content-creation time
- Tactics to find my writing voice and get more results from my readers
- Strategies to boost self-confidence so I could write for my business with ease
Pretty spiffy, right? Sounds like a dream come true. Just what the doctor ordered. An answer to a prayer sent from heaven above.
There’s just one problem, though…and it’s a BIG one: Moolah.
Until Jeff and I can move into our new home, we’re caught between a rock and a hard place. We’re paying two separate rents plus a student loan, scrimping and saving and watching every penny we have until the loan on the house comes through.
Well, crap. Maybe I should just resign myself to temporary poverty and gracefully give up my wish to be in the course?
Two words: HELL. NO.
I am not a person to just roll over and give up, only to lament later that “I coulda been a contendah.” No way, José. I am a warrior. I get in the game and fight the good fight. I compete.
Which is exactly what I’m doing with this post: This is my official entry into the Damn Fine Words Contest to possibly (hopefully!) win full scholarship in the course. It would mean the world to me if I won, and I will absolutely, positively give it everything I’ve got if I do, indeed, win. I promise to use what I learn to prolifically create new, meaningful content here on the Lifestyle Resize blog, as well as write the book and launch the upcoming “Rightsize Revolution Telesummit.” (Yes, you heard it here first: There is a revolution in the making!)
My post will be judged by James Chartrand along with two other fine judges: Taylor Lindstrom of Too Good to Fail and Peter Shallard, The Shrink For Entrepreneurs. What they’re looking for is—purely and simply—someone who reeeeeeally wants to be in the Damn Fine Words writing course. (That, of course, would be me.) 
And just to be 1,000% sure I’ve done everything humanly possible to win a spot in the DFW course, I am hereby shamelessly begging for your endorsement as a sincere and deserving recipient of the scholarship. I would really, really, REEEEALLY appreciate it if you’d be so kind as to put in a good word for me in the comment section below…. 
Rena,
You are a naturally gifted writer who can and will write your book. As your coach for over a year, I can assure the judges that you will work hard, give it your all and be honest and open in all your writiing and work. As a fellow writer, rest assure that writing is not easy but when you create the time and make a commitment it is truly fulfilling. Here’s to your success!
Kathleen Burns Kingsbury
Author, forthcoming book, Women and Wealth (McGraw-Hill, 2012)
And here’s to your success, too, my dear friend and coach!
I personally can’t wait to read your book. The above blog post alone has me seriously motivated already this morning!
Thank you SO much, Sandra! I’m delighted to have seriously motivated you because you’re doing some AWESOME work over there at The Reasonable Diet Institute!
I have known you for almost 20 years and know that when you set your mind to something it happens and the results are amazing. I truly believe this course could give you the tools you need to get your book written. The world needs to see your fresh ideas written in your wonderful flowing style that has an element of humor imposed. I know the end result will be a masterpiece. Wishing you luck on the scholarship which is richly deserved!
Thank you SO much, my beloved Lynnster! :-*
(That was supposed to be a KISS, but it didn’t make an emoticon!) :-O
Rena,
Once again you have impressed me with your writing ability. As you know, you have always been my “go to person” when I have been stuck with problems putting my thoughts on paper. You have so much to say and a wonderful way of saying it. I can think of no one more ready and more deserving of this course than you. I look forward to reading everything you put on paper. And I look forward to seeing your books at my local bookstore. The best of luck to you!
When it hits the stands, we’ll celebrate with coffees at Barnes & Noble in La Mesa while we camp out and watch the local *characters*!
(Maybe they think WE are the local characters? And maybe we ARE???) LOL!!!
It goes both ways!
I know there is no one who will benefit more than you Rena from Damn Fine Words. James Chartrand will give you your voice and open up the door for your talent. Just from your blog post, it is obvious that all the passion you have in you needs to be released and land on paper for the world to enjoy and benefit. I’m waiting for the awesomeness of Rena to explode and create the most beautiful fireworks!!
My lovely and talented Annie, thank you SO much for your enthusiastic support!!! May we both succeed abundantly in getting our creations out into the world!
Rena,
I pray that you get this scholarship. I know of no one who would put their all into getting every last drop of benefit from winning the opportunity. You inspire so many people and touch lives just by being yourself. Best of luck to you!
Thank you SO much, Jen! I’m gonna read your words again and again whenever the self-doubt lands on my head.
Hugs!
Rena -
I know that your daily posts inspire me. I love your passion and gift for words. I believe you should win Damn Fine Words contest – from what I’ve read so far I know there is much and more you have to give. Win : )
Thank you for your kind support, Mary! I’m so glad we met on DC!
Great post & entry! I think the best thing about this contest is that it gave us all a deadline, where we HAD to produce something and share it with the world, ready or not. For me, I hope the experience will teach me to trust in myself, and not wait for a stamp of approval from James or to take a class or anything else. You too – you’re already a writer! You did it here and you can write your book too!
Arrgghh, deadlines! But, I’m definitely grateful for the time limit. I put it off until yesterday, but I’m sooooo glad I didn’t put it off until today or I would have been s-c-r-e-w-e-d!!!!! Cheers to us for getting it done and here’s to granting our OWN stamps of approval!
Rena, this post is a delight to read.
My ma also had that saying about wishes, it took me years to work out what she meant.
I know your mom will be proud to see her legacy, her love of writing live on through you. Good luck.
Thank you SO much, Sarah, and I wish you the very best of luck, too. (The good kind of “wish,” that is!)
LOL
Great post, you have a great way with words
It’s a great contest, and although i hope i win, i feel your post is far too worthy to turn down
Good luck
Matt (Turndog Millionaire)
Oh, my goodness, Matt! That means SO much coming from you ‘cuz you’re an AMAZING writer!!! Best of luck in the contest, and in all the things that you do!
Cheers!
Rena, I don’t know you well now that we are adults (plus some), but I know that as a teenager, you were a force to be reckoned with, and I’m sure that hasn’t changed. I have no doubt you would put your heart and soul into the course, and it is clear you have the “right” start. Beautifully written.
Phyllis, thank you!!! You’re an awesome blogger and writer yourself, and it really means a lot to me that you think my writing is worthy. I hope we can get to know each other better now that we’re all grown up. (Well, mostly, anyway. I still have my moments….)
LOL
Rena ~
From one aspiring writer to another, I always look forward to reading what you write on your Daily Challenge posts every day. Now that I know where your blog is as well, you can bet I’ll enjoy reading it!
My wish for you is that your angels whisper in the ears of those who will be making the decision as to who earns the scholarship. May they whisper the beauty of your name and inspire them to help mold and shape you into the best writer you can become!
I have gladly posted the link to this page on both my personal and professional facebook accounts as well as the corresponding twitter accounts. May your wishes come true on wings of angels Rena!
In Gratitude & Love,
Chrissi
Creative Words Productions
Chrissi, thank you SO much for your kind words and wishes! I just went to your DC profile and found your blog…OMG, we have so much in common!!!!! Please let me know how I can support you in fulfilling creative dreams and aspirations, too!
Rena,
Wonderful post!
I have always heard that the best writers, write from their life’s experiences. (Write what you know). Even when I met you about 30 years ago, you already had many exciting and adventurous stories to tell. In the years we have been apart I’m sure the adventures have continued in your life.
What I’m getting at, not being a writer, is I think you would be awesome as a author. You certainly have back ground to draw on. I’m wishing the best for you old friend. I hope you get your scholarship.
Good Luck.
~ Pam
PAM!!! It’s SO great to hear from you! Thank you for being such an awesome cheerleader…I need that! And now that we’ve found each other again, let’s be sure to stay in touch. 30 years is too long to drift. (Actually, I think it’s more like 20, but that’s still WAY too long!) Hugs!!!
Well, I’ve enjoyed reading your blog about this! And normally, if I enjoy one thing an author’s written, it’s a fair bet I’ll enjoy their other works! (I read ALOT!)
Also, I love that you’re fighting for your dream, and that you take your promise to your mom seriously.
So you have my vote! Here’s to chasing your dream!! *cheers!
Jacque
Jacque, thank you SO much for the vote of confidence! And you are one TALENTED gal! I just saw the post of your current project and I LOVE it!!! I’m really looking forward to seeing more of your designs.
And please let me know about any cool blogs you come across because I love reading, too!
Rena, I find your words inspiring now. If your inner writer feels she needs this course to boost her self-confidence than I hope you win this scholarship. As a matter of fact I have so much faith in your inner writer that if you do not get this scholarship, then put me down for $100 toward the tuition of the class.
Joan, thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!!! I’m so moved, I’m crying!
hmmm
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Congrats on your win. Very very jealous of you right now.
Thank you, Paul! I can’t stop grinning and my face is starting to hurt!!!
Rena…..your post is fabulous. I will be taking the course with you and look forward to reading many more of your magical work combination’s. Being an artist and not a writer I admire those who can put together words in such a beautiful. This course should prove to be a total delight for all.
Gwen, thank you! I’m pinching myself to make sure I’m not dreaming!!! I’m ECSTATIC to be able to participate in the course, and I look forward to sharing the journey with you. (I have a sneaking suspicion you have gorgeous words inside just waiting to get out.)
Rena! Yayyyy! Congratulations to you, and I am SO looking forward to sharing the class with you and seeing you on the forum!
I bet your mom is smiling pretty big right now
Here’s to giving it all we’ve got!
Congratulations to you, too, Lynn!!!
It’s going to be an AMAZING learning experience and one wild, awesome ride. I bet we won’t hardly even recognize ourselves afterward!
(I could swear I heard my mom say, “Good job, girls! Now get busy and make me proud!”)
Hi Rena,
Just wanted to congratulate you on winning. You went for it like a warrior – good job. I look forward to reading more awesome stuff in the future.
Best wishes,
Jackie
Thank you so much, Jackie!
I’m gonna give it all I’ve got, and I’m keeping my eye on you, too, ‘cuz your work is SO incredibly important. You can be SURE I’ll be turning everyone I can on to Auburn Meadow Farm.
OMG, my face is stuck in a permanent grin!!! I feel like I won the Pulitzer!
THANK YOU to my wonderful old friends for supporting my dream and giving me your votes of confidence. Your love and friendship mean the world to me, and every day I count YOU as one of the blessings in my life.
THANK YOU to my wonderful new friends who have been so encouraging inside our friendly competition. I look forward to getting to know all of you better and supporting you in whatever ways I can.
THANK YOU to James Chartrand, Taylor Lindstrom and Peter Shallard. Participating in the contest has already changed my life, and I’m gonna use Damn Fine Words to change the world!!!
THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!
Congrats on your win; I think it’s wonderful that you will now be in the best hands to be able to fulfil your promise, You must be so excited!
Thank you SO much, Rae! I’m *beside myself* with excitement over winning!!! Being trained by James…WOW!!!
Congratulations on your win, Rena! I’ve finally gotten the time to actually read your post – I really identify with what you’ve written, especially about feeling like there’s a book inside you . . . I feel my own struggling to get out, but every day I have to pack myself into a tiny little box to get through my day job, and that book gets stuffed down too.
And that turned rather depressing rather quickly! :p
I just wanted to say congratulations, and I’m really happy for you
Jacqui, thank you SO much for this comment. It really means a lot to me. I’m gonna give DFW my all and get that book out. If I succeed in my quest, I’ll be able to help you free yourself from that day job and little box so you’ll be able to get your book out, too.
Congrats! i’m sure I don’t need to tell you this – but put everything you’ve got into the class. For those of us who won’t get the chance (this time), we want to see you come out of this shiny, spiffy, and spectacular.
Nate, thank you! I promise to put everything I’ve got into DFW because I MUST get my book up & out…plus I *really* want to be shiny, spiffy and spectacular!!!
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