By Marcus Hades
Sometimes, in order to live your dreams, you may have to first live through your nightmares.
When I was in school, I lacked even a tiny bit of the much hyped IQ when it came to language, especially English. I was a (much) below average student with (very) low grasping powers. I read a paragraph and forgot ninety percent of it in (fewer than) ten minutes. Most of all, I didn’t understand meanings of words and my spelling was worse than a first grader’s. Most of all, I dreaded reading; and climbing a mountain would seem easier than writing an essay or a paragraph out of my own brain.
To cut a long story short, I had to undergo a lot of self-initiated training into different methods of learning (pneumonics, mind maps, meditation – and also reading books on psychology dealing with slow learning). It was tough and I never thought I could ever complete a sentence.
This blog’s title – fear or writing – is apt for me. In fact, I had many other fears (and still do). But with each passing year, I have resolved within myself to eliminate at least one fear. With regards to writing, my fear “was” that my writing would not be read by anyone. But then I encountered one quote that changed my life.
Better to write for yourself and have no public, than to write for the public and have no self.
~Cyril Connolly
We as writers may have many fears, but realizing the fear is just the beginning. What is important is going above that to risk expressing our creativity, because any price paid is less if it is for our dreams.
I write because I dream to be a person who affects people’s lives for the good. Through my writing I wish for people to understand that nothing in life comes easy for some people; it comes down to counting your blessings, keeping your feet firmly on the ground but keeping your goals and visions high. And I am willing to pay the price to achieve what I want.
What is your purpose? Are you willing to pay the price?
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ABOUT MARCUS HADES I write not to please anyone but only to explore myself and pen my thoughts down for the ones who wish to read them. I write stories to amuse myself and others. I write poetry because I believe it is one of the most beautiful forms of expression and to keep the world of literature alive. Human emotions may be fleeting, but words are immortal. http://www.marcushades.com
Twitter: fearofwriting
“. . . any price paid is less if it is for our dreams.”
I totally agree. The price I’ve paid for going above my fears to express my creativity is what got me to where I am now. I would MUCH rather work my way through crushing self-doubt, take some risks and make some – or many – mistakes than be back where I started (paralyzed inside the nightmare of my fear of writing).
My purpose is to explore and express my creativity as a writer, and to send my own unique ripples out into the world. And I’m willing to pay the price.
Thank you for this wonderful opportunity for me to reach out and express my thoughts to your readers. Yes, I believe that the price, though it may seem very high at that moment, is a blur and sweet when your dreams are achieved. I wish you all the best for all your goals and dreams, and with the kind person you are, you will surely achieve them very soon.
Beautiful article. 🙂 I wasn’t so good at English in high school either, so I completely understand. Some subject come easy, some don’t. My strong suit was art.
I love your idea of overcoming (or at least facing) a fear every day. A lot of people never tackle any fears and remain in a prison of their own making because of it.
Lois
Wow, Marcus. So glad to have caught this blog. Although I did not struggle with English in school, I have struggled with the fear of not being good enough, of someone else besting me at what I’ve always wanted to do. I know writing’s not a competition, but when you put yourself out there, you discover so many who are so good – it can be intimidating. I LOVE the quotation you included about writing for yourself and will keep it in my thoughts while I continue to work on my next book.
Thanks and best wishes to you!
Twitter: patrickrwrites
Marcus, thank you for writing such an inspiring post, and sharing both your emotions and your words. I phrase it that way because I love this line from your bio at the bottom of the post: “Human emotions may be fleeting, but words are immortal.”
I’ve never heard that quote before. It’s very empowering and wonderful, as is your entire post. Thank you for sharing it. You remind me why I do this every day.
Thank you for your beautiful comment. Yes, you’re right. We must all overcome a fear everyday! All the best for all your endeavors.
Dear Julie,
I completely empathize with your words and I am glad I was able to give you something which helps you move forward – and only forward. 🙂
Godspeed.
Dear Patrick,
Thank you for your kind words. I am happy that I was able to create some inspiration for you. Keep going. So shall I. 🙂
Godspeed.
Hello J,
I am honored that I was able to leave some thoughts which resulted in that kind comment from you. All the best for all good you’re trying to achieve.
Godspeed.
Dear Lois,
Apologies for not addressing your name earlier. 🙂
Also, if art is in your heart, follow it.
Godspeed.
Great honest post!
Fear is one issue but regret is…ermm more regrettable in the long term. If you don’t write then something will be left unsaid