Today is my turn to be the featured author and I’m giving away my entire collection of books and e-books—as well as a Writer Mama bumper sticker—to one lucky winner.
Introducing Christina Katz
Christina Katz, AKA The Writer Mama and The Prosperous Writer, is the author of three books from Writer’s Digest: The Writer’s Workout, Get Known Before the Book Deal, and Writer Mama. Her writing career tips and parenting advice appear regularly in national, regional, and online publications.
A “gentle taskmaster” over the past decade to over a thousand writers, Christina’s students go from unpublished to published, build professional writing career skills, and increase their creative confidence over time. She holds an MFA in creative writing from Columbia College Chicago and a BA in English from Dartmouth College.
Known as a champion of mom writers, Christina is a popular speaker on creative career growth and writer prosperity. She keynotes for writing conferences, literary events, MFA writing programs, and libraries. She lives near Wilsonville, Oregon with her husband, her daughter, and far too many pets.
Learn about The Art Of Making Time For Yourself, Inspiration For Moms
This e-book makes a great gift for a mom-to-be or a new mom, for a mom who is choosing to stay home with her kids, or for a mom who is trying to juggle work and home life, for a WAHM, and even for a veteran mom with kids in school or leaving the nest.
Moms who read this book will gain:
- Inspired ideas for creating more you-time
- Multiple approaches to finding time no matter much time you have
- Enduring, encouraging advice about the benefits of taking better care of yourself
- A clear understanding of the meanings of self-love and deservingness
- Less admiration for self-martyrdom and more admiration for self-care
- A complete list of resources to inspire self-care
- A questionnaire to encourage you to take more time for you
Written expressly for moms, this e-book collection is written in short, inspirational selections.
Learn about Write For Regional Parenting Publications For Fun & Profit!
Writers who read this book will gain:
- An overview of how the process of writing for and earning from regional parenting publications works
- Complete how-to instructions for writing for and mass-submitting to regional parenting publications
- Insights into what sets successful RPP writers apart from those who don’t succeed
- A clear understanding of what it takes to create and maintain a writing business
- A better understanding of what professional writing looks like in day-to-day terms
- A whole new respect for hardworking parent writers
Written expressly for busy parents, this e-book guide is written in short, instructional chapters like a mini-workbook. Readers who follow the advice in this e-book will find themselves successfully writing and submitting articles to regional parenting publication editors in a professional manner.
Learn about The Writer’s Workout, 366 Tips, Tasks and Techniques From Your Writing Career Coach
The Writer’s Workout is like having a personal trainer for your brain every day of the year.
In the age of information overload, writers need the ability to focus and feel satisfied at the keyboard on a daily basis. The Writer’s Workout greets you each day of the year with fresh advice that helps writers coach themselves to produce an impressive body of published work, whether in print or online.
You’ll learn manageable, no-nonsense techniques for every aspect of your writing career from getting organized to connecting with your audience to relationship building.
The Writer’s Workout contains 366 tips for writers in every genre on how to:
- Make your writing as strong and powerful as possible.
- Pitch and sell your work at every opportunity.
- Overcome rejection to come back better than ever.
- Promote your work and build an audience.
- Learn how to balance your creative life with your daily life.
Veteran writing coach Christina Katz draws on her knowledge from more than a decade in the business.
With her no-more-excuses wisdom, you’ll find your stride and motivate yourself to career-long publishing success.
The Writer’s Workout gives you substantial suggestions every day to help you build a robust, unique writing career.
Learn about Discover Your Platform Potential, A Self-study Author Platform Workbook
An eight-chapter companion workbook for Get Known Before The Book Deal, Use Your Personal Strengths To Grow An Author Platform also by Christina Katz.
Learn the keys to:
- Uncovering your strengths
- Making you and your work visible
- Promoting your work authentically
- Connecting with readers
- Creating a lasting, profitable platform
- Finding your niche
- Understanding your unique platform dynamic
This workbook contains:
- Lessons that summarize key platform strategies
- Field trips to explore what others are doing
- Brainstorming exercises to help you consider your options
- Key considerations that will save you time and money
- Reading assignments
- Writing assignments
Finish the workbook in eight weeks, eight days, or eight hours! It’s up to you.
Learn about Author Mama, How I Became A Published Author & How You Can Too!
Have you ever considered writing a nonfiction book?
Have you ever wondered if you have what it takes to become a published author?
What would the process be like?
What are the steps?
What do publishers do for authors?
How long would it take from start to finish?
Can you make any decent money?
Should you self-publish or traditionally publish?
Now you can find out the answers to these questions and more when you order my e-book, Author Mama, right here.
In Author Mama, I share my personal experience walking through the traditional book-deal process and book-writing experience and offer tips along the way, addressing common myths and challenging writers to get ready for the marathon that is writing a book.
Learn about Get Known Before The Book Deal, Use Your Personal Strengths To Grow An Author Platform
Before you can land a book deal—before you can even attract the interest of agents and editors—you need to be visible. How do you become visible? You develop a platform, or a way of reaching your readers. Everybody can develop a platform, and this book shows you how to do it while you’re still writing.
This book offers:
- A step-by-step approach to creating, growing, and nurturing a platform
- An economical approach to self-promotion (no need to spend thousands)
- A clear way to uncover your strengths and weaknesses as an author
- The strategies that are essential (or not) to online promotion
- A philosophy of authorship that leaves you confident, empowered, and equally partnered with agents, editors, and publishers (instead of waiting to be discovered)
- A diverse set of tools and methods for getting known (not just web-based tools or ideas for extroverts)
After you read this book, you’ll be able to answer the inevitable question: What’s your platform?” You’ll learn the hows and whys of becoming visible and how to cultivate visibility from scratch. Best of all, you won’t need any previous knowledge or experience to get started.
Growing a writing career isn’t just about landing one book deal and then scrambling like crazy. There is a more strategic and steady way to lay the groundwork so you can avoid scrambling altogether—and Get Known Before the Book Deal is the only comprehensive book that shows you how.
Learn about Writer Mama, How To Raise A Writing Career Alongside Your Kids
As a mom, you want to spend as much time with your children as possible. But you’d also like to make some money doing something you enjoy. How do you get the best of both worlds? Writer Mama by experienced freelancer Christina Katz tells you how. You can start a stay-at-home freelance writing career tailored to fit your family and lifestyle.
Writer Mama will answer all your questions about how to get started, in realistic, easy-to-follow steps. While conversational and easy-to-read, this book also does a lot of hard work for you. It gives you practical advice and exercises that help you get started in a matter of weeks. You’ll get tips on how to:
- begin with the easiest routes to publication for moms
- network with other writer mamas, editors, and agents
- write cover letters and queries
- choose your own writing specialty
- create a web presence
- set up a home office
- make time for yourself, your kids, and your writing
You’ll love the short chapters, sidebars, and exercises that let you get the information you need in small doses that fit into your busy schedule. Plus this book was written to grow with you. Once you master the skills of being an article writer, it teaches you how to pitch a nonfiction book idea and explore other areas of writing.
I asked myself three questions about our giveaway’s theme topic, self-expression:
1. Is self-expression an important part of your life today, why or why not?
Since I am the one who came up with these questions, I am sure it will surprise no one that self-expression IS important to me. I feel like self-expression is the central force in my life and my family’s life and my work life, although I can’t say that it has always come naturally or easily. Maybe this is why I feel like I never tire of the topic and maybe this is also why I chose self-expression as the theme topic of this month-long giveaway. Self-expression is where the joy is, for me.
2. What does self-expression mean to you and how do you do it in the world?
I believe that each person on this planet is brimming with wisdom for the collective, but our biggest challenge is getting that wisdom out and sharing it with each other. I feel like the best way to serve the whole is for each individual to find productive methods communicating. My primary form of self-expression is writing. I also enjoy teaching, pitching, coaching, blogging, publishing, and encouraging others.
Obviously there are many ways to express yourself. I find that restocking the creative pond is an important part of self-expression for me. So a lot of what you will find me doing when it doesn’t seem like I am doing anything in particular relates to connecting with my deepest instincts, unlearning whatever it is time to unlearn, and heading for the nearest hot-spring spa for a soak and a massage. For pleasure, I enjoy reading, singing, acting, decorating, antiquing, gardening, collaging, flower arranging, and hanging out with my family. I also like watching funny sitcoms and romantic comedies.
3. How does your self-expression impact the world—your family, your friends, your readers, and everyone else?
I have learned to stop caring so much about how others respond to me and to instead pay more attention to what wants to happen next. When I listen to myself, and trust my instincts, I feel like I can’t go wrong. I try to encourage others to follow their inner lead, as well, not just to follow my lead.
After all of these years teaching, I feel like I have some pretty good techniques up my sleeves, and when I do my best work, I feel like it works for all of us, and that includes me, too.
Like everyone, my story is constantly evolving and unfolding and I’m always making adjustments as I go along. I find that when I focus on making good things happen, they do. If I can free myself a little more each day, then I can help others do the same. And that’s good enough for me.
And Now, Your Turn…
You remember how this works right?
Please read the complete rules at least once!
I ask you a question.
You answer in the comments for your chance to win a book each day.
Please just respond once, even if you make a typo. 
Answer in the comments in 50-200 words (no less and no more to qualify to win one of today’s books).
Are you confidently creative? Why or why not? What would you create if you had no fear? What do you dare to do with your creativity? And who do you serve?
Ready, set, comment! I will hold the drawing tomorrow and post the results here in my blog.
Thanks for participating in the Writer Mama Every-Day-In-May Book Giveaway!
And thanks for spreading the word. We will be giving away great books by wonderful women authors all month.
View the complete list of authors and books.
View the giveaway Pinterest board
Comments on this entry are closed.
Am I confidently creative? I so want to answer a resounding “YES” to that question, but doubt creeps in as it always does and makes my fingers hesitate, even as the reasons (excuses) form in my mind.
Yes, I finished my first book (a tween novel dealing with domestic abuse and girls finding their voice) and received the approval copy on December 20th – while watching our house burn down. Surprisingly, haven’t done much writing or marketing (including approve that first copy) since then.
I lost my notebooks filled with future writing goals – but have started a new one. I’ve journaled a few times, but haven’t really written anything. Instead, I’ve been living on Pinterest and Angie’s List and hiring contractors and fighting with county offices and researching everything from toilets to shingles.
And yet, I feel more creative at this moment then I did before the fire. I, who once left walls unpainted for YEARS because I could NOT decide on a paint color, am creating a home for my family – from the dirt up.
I’ll return to writing and speaking – but right now – I’m creating an entirely different reality. And it is good.
Christina, if my previous comment appears, please delete this one. If not, please know I celebrate this post today and I love how clear you are on your mission.
I am confidently creative in all I do. I don’t always feel confident, but I know that when I engage with my daily life with a sense of gratitude and reverence, amazing things occur.
If I was daring, I would post “What Was I Thinking” about why I made An Anthology of Babes: 36 Women Give Motherhood a Voice”. If I had no fear, I would coordinate the Amazon launch of the anthology with the authors, artists and bloggers I know so that there would be a steady humming buzz about the book throughout June.
If I can sell books via Amazon, via live readings of the book throughout the next 6 months and collect a bunch of reader responses, I am sure that the mission of the book- to elevate the stories of creative women and increase the value of women’s innate creativity will be accomplished and somewhere a reader sitting at her kitchen table feeling she is the only one unable to move beyond the dishes and daily life with a family, work and all the rest, will know she is not alone. And that she has infinite potential.
Thank you for asking this question. And for your generosity this whole month! xoxox S
I’m more confident than I was creatively. As an adult, I took a drawing class because I wanted to break out of the only doing things that I’m good at rut. I don’t sit and sketch all the time, but I gained confidence in trying something new (and realizing I’m not as terrible as I thought). In writing, I’m sharing more and submitting, which I’ve always hesitated to do. So I’m more confident and still building.
I am confident on different projects. Sometimes an idea will strike and I feel good about the piece I’m creating. Other times, the only thing my brain says is, “This sucks, no one will like it, you’re a hack.”
I wish there was a more definitive reason for why I am this way when writing, but apparently there is no rhyme or reason. I have had pieces published that I struggled to submit because I lacked confidence. And, I’ve had pieces that I was fully confident in published.
No fear, huh? If I could pull the parent inside me away, I
would write a spine-chilling, gut-wrenching, edge-of-your-seat, suspense novel. But my parent side has to zip it, first.
There is not much I won’t try with writing. I have dipped my
toes in different genres and I tried different styles. I used to think I didn’t like literary works. I checked out the Push Cart Prize Book from my library and was pleasantly surprised at how many stories I liked.
I guess I serve myself. I write what peaks my curiosity and
hope it brings someone else entertainment or insight.
I have always had a burning desire to be creative in my writing, but only recently am I growing more confident. After dabbling in fiction writing for the past few years, I am slowly gaining the confidence to show my work to people outside of my friends and family and request honest feedback. It is benefitting me greatly and my writing is flourishing because of it! While I would have never considered self-publishing before, I am mulling it over more and more these days and getting more excited about the possibilities of what I can micro-publish. I am currently creating a YA that has some dark themes, including sexual abuse and suicide, and this has definitely taken me out of my comfort zone. I honestly feel like I serve any writers who are figuring out how to succeed as freelance writers and editors and anyone who just enjoys reading a good story!
I am confident I am creative…..but the outward expression of that creativity takes some courage. Sometimes the actual taking of the thought or idea and putting it to pen and paper takes a big step of faith. I have a deep desire to put my life’s stories on paper and am “in the process” of doing so, but at times my “fear” gets the better of me and distracts. That “fear” of “what if no one finds what I write interesting” can be a stumbling block. Friends’ encouragement and resources such as the various books you have advertised are a big source of inspiration, training and practical advice. I have a deep desire to serve those who want to learn from my life and those who have already lived the experiences…to pass on to the next generation…through my love of writing. It is an adventure and one I hope to experience more fully in the months to come.
Walt Disney said, “if you can dream it, you can do it.” Thank you for helping us go from dream to do. 🙂
I guess I’ve been MISSING IN MAY. I am not confidently creative. I constantly doubt my creative ability. And I’m not even sure what I could/would create if I had no fear. I think I need to take time to contemplate that. Who do I serve? With my time, mostly my family. With my writing, it’s usually myself, although I think things I write often help others as well.
I have never felt confident about my creativity. I hate
scrapbooking; many of my creations in the kitchen come out mediocre (my husband begs me to buy cakes rather than make and decorate my own); and I struggle with simple paper, glue, and scissors projects. When it comes to writing, I am terrible at fiction, which I believe requires a creative, imaginative spirit. When
I do put finger to keyboard and someone reads what comes out they say, “Wow, you’re a good writer!” Does that mean I’m creative? Creativity expresses itself in many more ways than I’ve mentioned here, and I do have moments of creative ingenious, although I can’t think of them at the moment. Maybe I’m creative with words. If I could create something it would be a well-read blog or a series of articles that would inspire people to think deeper about faith, God, and life. So far my creativity has served my family, church, or workplace in little ways, but if that’s all I’ve got than that’s all I’ve got. Maybe someday I will bravely jump into a bigger project that will prove I am a creative person.
I feel like I am confidently creative. Writing is my creative outlet for sure. What I do with it now? I blog! I write essays and bits about my life with my family and three kids (that’s who I serve). If I had no fear, and more time, I would definitely write a book….or three. Maybe it’s an excuse or a crutch, but I seriously cannot find the time. Blogging is getting me by for now. I’ve just crossed a major confidence hurdle by auditioning (and soon to perfom) in our local Listen to Your Mother show in Northwest Arkansas. I’m terrified, excited and PROUD!
Sadly…no I’m not confident. I was starting to feel that way for a little while. It felt like I’d finally found my niche and I was selling things and letting people see my work. But then I freaked out. It’s hard being judged and I guess I couldn’t handle it. I’m trying to peek my head out again but it’s even harder the second time out. I want to help people with my words, inspire them to do more–to be more than they are. Guess I’d better write to myself first then, huh? This is why I read your blog and others. Because you inspire and give us a hand when us writers need lifting up! Thanks!
I guess I’m not too creatively confident. I worry about whether my work will sell, and that squashes my creativity. I’ve tried to creatively address issues of racism in my novels (that I haven’t sold). It’s something that’s important to me. As for who I serve, I serve God. I want my work to honor and glorify Him. I also serve my family.
Thanks for doing this!
Am I confidently creative? I am now. I had an awakening a month ago that rocked my world. I had been writing a very boring and academic book on the psychology of eating. That all changed when I had my rude awakening. I am now writing book to help women who feel trapped in their own lives and using goddess myths to illustrate how women can transform their lives for the better. Am building a website community to go along with that. I am really putting myself out there in a way that feels naked and vulnerable. Do I know what I’m doing? I don’t know. I feel more like this book is writing me than the other way around, but if I can help just one woman transform her life, then I will have succeeded.
Sadly, I feel more trepidatiously creative and not so much confidently creative. So often, I find that I criticize myself out of an idea before I give it a chance to take off! Without fear, I feel I’d create so much – books and stories and photos and images and the list goes on and on! When I do dare, I create stories for my children to read some day about their baby days and small pieces of artwork for their rooms that make me so happy. Right now, with my creativity, I serve my family and the lovely people who read my writing and are inspired by it.
I own a number Christina’s book and they never fail to inspire me to move out of my comfort zone. Alas, If I could create fearlessly I would write and skip the day job. I help other writers write and publish easier than I market myself as an author and I donate a 25% of my royalties from all my books to various causes and charities.
I would say that I’m confidently creative. I love to brainstorm and to dream big, to envision the big picture and then break it down into manageable steps. That doesn’t mean that I always ACT on my dreams and creativity. If fear were not a factor, I’d write a memoir about being a single missionary in Togo or I’d organize a conference or write a book for moms.
Yes, I am confidently creative–but only after many years of introspection combined with encouragement from supportive voices such as yours. I will ignore any fears and negative voices around me as I dare to provide a guide for personal achievement. Whom do I serve? Anyone who wants to remove the internal and external restraints placed on them. Thanks for your help.
I am creative, and sometimes I am confident and when the two coincide, bam! I feel unstoppable and unflappable in my trust in myself. A bumper sticker I’ve seen around, “I am 15% kick-ass and 85% crippling self-doubt” sums up Sarah’s state-of-confidence. The key is practice. When I practice I feel able and sure of my abilities in everything I do creatively. When life intervenes and I don’t practice, self-doubt creeps in and too often takes over. I want that kick-ass at a much higher percentage.
As for who I serve? I’m not religious, but I don’t just serve myself and my family. I have a deep desire to make meaningful, positive, impact in the world and am constantly (and often restlessly) searching for ways to do just that.
I am confidently creative only in some areas of my life (e.g., spinning, knitting, and interacting with kids). Each is a fun, carefree experience, that I wish I could also enjoy when I write. If I had no fear, I would write with reckless abandon all the things that are plugging up my brain, and if I dared I would write as effortlessly throughout the year as I do during NaNoWriMo. Perhaps I am selfish, but I serve myself … and perhaps others who share my hopes, dreams, and interests.
I am finishing up a YA novel and I need help getting ready to send it out to agents and publishers so your books would be really helpful to me. Thanks!
No. I am working on it though! Lol. Perhaps getting more settled and more published will help. Also, when I look back on my writing history I think that the more I write the more confident and creative I am becoming. It’s a journey I suppose, and it’s one I’m loving being on. 🙂
I am confident, but not always creative. Fear of revealing too much of myself, and a life of over-protecting myself have held my creativity back. Perfectionism is a huge drain on my creativity. If I had no fear I would write the rest of a middle-grade adventure novel that is only at 5,000 words so far. I would do more with each day. I would honor my own ideas and experiences more. I started writing to serve my children, but I have ended up serving myself by learning, growing and challenging myself.
I can confidently say I am not confidently creative. I put on a good show of it, but inside, I’m biting my nails wondering what others think. If I could create anything without fear, I’m write a masterpiece on the internal strife of faking confident behavior. I have all the details, but I’d never put it out there and let everyone in on the real me…
Confidently creative? Some days, yes. Some days no. On occasions my ideas flow and what I want to say comes through on the page. Other times I feel like deleting everything I’ve ever written. But I still love to create! It fulfills a deep need in my soul.
What would I dare create if I had no fear? Perhaps without self-doubt and fear I would try a fiction book–one that told of the inner struggles and triumphs of an ordinary woman.
Right now, I write Christian non-fiction and serve women who want to grow in their faith.
AM I confidently creative? Yes. Now I am. But I didn’t always used to be.
Have you seen the movie “Safe Haven”? At the end of the movie, Jo tells Katie: “Promise me you will take lots of pictures. You’ll only regret the pictures you did not take.”
That describes perfectly the confidence I have.
Only not necessarily in taking pictures.
I have always blogged. Always kept a journal. And have journalism bylines that span over the last decade…plus.
I can write. But I have not always written for personal reasons. The last year has changed that for me.
Last fall, my son visited the ER for what we thought was a football related concussion.
He was admitted to the hospital, and later that day, transferred to the university hospital for symptoms that looked like leukemia.
Today, my son is fine. We found out that leukemia was not what was going on, but a weird virus that mimicked leukemia.
It was this experience of a pending diagnosis….a diagnosis for a part of my heart that exists outside of my body…that I began writing for the pure reason of sharing my own thoughts, dreams, fears and “snapshots” of my kids.
I dug out the old journals the I kept for my kids. I have one for each of them and would write in them on their birthdays. After this experience with my oldest, I started writing in them whenever I had a thought, praise, joy or concern.
It wasn’t until earlier this month that these journal entries became “snapshots” of even random things that I would want to share with them….if not now, then down the road.
Early this month, I received a knock on the door from a police officer. My son was in a car accident, they think, but they had not found him yet.
Those words were worse than leukemia.
My son is alright. I want to sat that right off the bat.
But the experience for me….the whole picture that the world cannot see….has been an inspiration for WHAT I WOULd CREATE if I HAD NO FEAR.
It’s called “snapshots.”
“Snapshots” are the stories …..the true stories….behind the picture that the world sees. On every level. From the story of a rare virus that looked like leukemia….to the story of a picture-perfect-family that hid behind walls of abuse.
I am no longer afraid to share these stories. Because I know that they are helpful to others.
WHO do I serve and WHAT do I dare?: at the risk of sounding self-serving, I will say that I am serving myself. Not because every story is my story. But because I can and have captured the heart and emotion of other people’s stories in words. They have allowed me to publish these stories. And it makes me want to live out my own story….only better.
I write in journals for my four children. I started this when they were babies and mostly on their birthdays.
It took the
Starting my blog was a very creative endeavor, requiring daily thought on what might be of interest for people to read about my log cabin life. I really want to turn my blog into a business, and that means taking a very brave step. I’m all in though, and taking the steps I need to make it happen…putting one step in front of the other!
I am not confidently creative. I am an Earth scientist who loves to write, and I tend to fight stereotypes in myself and others that scientists are stodgy and not creative, or that there is some imaginary divide between the arts and sciences. If I had no fear I would create a YA book series that combines the incredible geology of where I live (the Black Hills/Badlands) with traditional Lakota stories. My 3 kids would be the models for the kid-adventurers in the series, they are creative and inspire me every day. I would say I serve myself right now, I am a writing hobbyist who would eventually like to go to the next level.
No doubt I’m creative, but I have trouble showing it. I’m a mother of two tween girls and I live a blessed yet standard life in the Midwest. It’s been so easy to make myself available to my family at all times, at whatever cost to me. But it’s past time to break out and mix it up. To welcome my creativity, air-kiss it, then tell it to dance. Now.
I call myself a closet Leo. I have the confidence, but it’s my little secret. Does that make me happy? The best mother I can be? Nope. I get frustrated, and I’m not good at keeping that to myself.
It’s time to write, to mess around with pastels and charcoals. My girls are ready for me to let go a little. I’m playing piano more and more—it’s a start. I see how they respond to Mom playing Norwegian Wood. They need it, I need it. Thanks for the nudge, Christina.
Yes, I am confidently creative but I haven’t always been that way. When I was younger, I equated creativity with being able to paint and draw. Thankfully I discovered that I can be creative in many different ways in spite of my inability to draw. I think I would settle down and write a children’s novel if I had no fear. I have written many nonfiction children’s books but can’t quite get there with fiction. I dare to create a beautiful garden in spite of the back-breaking work involved. I serve God first and foremost with my creativity. I want to find more ways to connect that serving with my creative projects.
I am confidently creative when I get my personal ego out of the way! When I stop wondering what others will think, worrying about what may or may not happen in the future, and fearing lack of any kind – then I am confidently creative! I serve the Universe, and I dare to place my creativity in its capable hands. When I have no fear left, I will create something beyond my wildest dreams! I see a place where people relax and learn, where they become so relaxed that they don’t realize they’re learning – they’re feeling so much joy and peace. When they leave, the learning is already integrated, and they can live their best lives.
I wish I were confidently creative but I am actually “timidly creative.” Until recently, I never thought of myself as creative–I thought I was “analytical”. However, I’ve decided it is possible to be both creative and analytical. If I had no fear, I would be writing a book and submitting more magazine articles on the topic of “Women Making Strides.” A woman who makes strides appreciates being alive and takes active steps to care for her body, mind, and spirit. She accepts challenges along her path and uses her God-given talents to better the world. I do, however, use my creativity to write about this topic at my blog and Facebook page. I serve women (like myself) who want to be leaders in their own lives, rather than see themselves as victims.
I am growing in my ability to be confidently creative. I think my confidence grows each time I take fear head on and move in spite of it. This month alone I’ve grown in my confidence by adopting a new mindset: that it doesn’t matter so much who doesn’t care for my work as it does for my work to reach those for whom it resonates strongly. And with those people in mind I find myself eager to get back at my desk and be creatively productive. I’m daring to write e-books for parents, particularly those who want to live full out for what matters most to them personally, not for what the broader culture calls important.
I am confident in my creativity, but it took me a long time to get there. I feel like I serve the art students I volunteer teach, my children in modeling creativity and other moms who are struggling. I have received mail from moms who said that they identified with my own struggles with colic, trying to keep a clean house, etc.
Are you confidently creative? Sometimes. I have many creative outlets and with some I am more confident than with others.
Why or why not? I guess I feel more confident with the things I do most often. It is the fresh ones that make me nervous and sometimes that stifles my creativity. It’s hard to get over one’s self.
What would you create
if you had no fear? I would finish my novel, probably.
What do you dare to do with your creativity? I dare to keep trying.
And who
do you serve? I don’t understand this question. I do not serve anyone. I work by my own agenda.
It’s a quiet confidence, put it that way. Two words come to mind to be creatively confident: reverence and visceral. Creativity requires one brings forth their most honest and authentic self. Some of what I write will resonate and some it won’t, and that’s okay, because there are a lot of great writers for readers to draw from. Creativity really doesn’t have a lot to do with me. I’m merely it’s representative. That means I getting out of the way and call out my ego for what it is (annoying) and surrendering to a process that promises to go deep down, get deep-seated and deep-rooted. Surely that will call up a great deal of fear. I hope to never lose that. Because the day I become a fearless writer is the day I should stop writing. I write to be truly helpful. As I write, I am healed and made whole as I allow creativity to teach me to heal. I hope that’s enough to serve.
I am a dichotomy of confidence/despair. Writing is part of who I am, but I also knowingly, non-subtly try to sabotage myself. I
rise above my childish attempts to sabotage when I am connected to a community or am helping others: a writing group or sharing my writing in my daughter’sfirst grade class during poetry week. I know I do have self-confidence at my very core because of a conversation I had with my 6 year old daughter the other day. “Mom, do you know what plot is?” sheasked. I replied, “Yes…” and gave a brief definition using the movie “Barbie and the Pink Shoes” to illustrate. “Mooommm…You don’t even know what plot is!” she said. “Oh, honey.” I responded, trying not to be defensive, though I still listed out my publishing credentials, college major and age. “Yes, but I write every day!” my daughter said. Touché. I told her that there was plenty of room for two brilliant writers in this world. Of course she insisted that she would be the only one and I replied with “Maybe so, but I’ll still be there, writing by your side.”
I have always been creative from a young age but as for confidence…no. Christina has been the catalyst for me to finally take those steps but I am feeling very “lost” at the moment about finding my niche when there are so many other writers who have long ago hit their stride. How can I keep up with the Mommy Bloggers who are kind of celebrities in the writing world? How can I find my way when so many magazine markets are closing shop to freelancers, especially ones just starting out? I don’t have a lot of mentors to encourage me with my writing but I’m starting to set some goals and get a clearer vision about the creative process and how creativity isn’t for artists but for EVERYONE and daily life in general thrives on it, from small children in their early school years to elderly people. I even had a vision of eventually going to grad school and learning to be a “creative consultant” that works with students and teachers in the education system, in learning how to be creative and harness their potential and also understand how they learn best. It’s a daring vision and I’m not sure what direction that will take. I also know I dearly want to write and I’m not giving up on myself before I have a chance to get started. I’m no sure how the pieces will all fit together down the road. But after years of suppressing my creativity, I feel more than ever to follow opportunities as they present themselves to me. Ultimately, after years of listening to other people telling me that I’m not good enough, I want to feel confident to answer only to myself.
Although I really don’t feel like I’m confidently creative at this point in my life – I can say I feel like I’m working on it day to day – it is a constant process. But I believe I’ve made progress in some ways, maybe not so much in other ways. I’m not sure why I’m not – fear possibly. Putting a lid on my ideas and self expression as a habit I’ve developed over the years is another. Although I’ve really enjoyed getting some interesting self expression out there through short stories. I’m not sure what I dare to do with my creativity other than releasing the brakes and going full throttle with my writing. I would hope I serve others with my creativity, those who might enjoy something I’ve created.
I would say I am working towards being confidently creative. I still find myself writing in a manner that appeals to whichever critique group I am in. If it’s one that responds more to humor, than I go that way, and if it’s one that prefers a more serious tone, I tend to do that. I want to break from what the group wants to what is best for the project at hand. So it’s a work in progress for me.
I am confidently creative, but easily distracted and not
well-disciplined when it comes to sitting down every day to write. Is it a lack of confidence that holds me back from making the long trip from “good idea” to finished product? Is it fear of failure? If I were fearless, I would paint large, bright, pictures. The most daring thing I do is to sing where people can hear me. My audience members, other than my long-suffering family, are middle-aged romantics. Thank you for doing this give-away.
I was confidently creative until publishing was on the horizon, my courage faltered. My book, drawn from my own experiences might hurt someone. Eventually I had to put away my fears. I attacked my demons by running a naming contest, giving my readers a chance to participate in the book by voting from a list of era appropriate names.
They had fun, each time a name was chosen one of them won a signed copy of the book when it comes out. I was happy because not only did I enjoy their enthusiasm but it allowed me to move forward.
My goal is that my story will demonstrate the difficulties that millions of adopted adults experience when they are not treated as others who lived with birth parents. By being denied access to their original birth certificates they are denied their civil rights, treated like second class citizens.
Now the proud author of a novel, with both the innocent and the guilty protected, and I am able to confidently spread the word that adult children need to be treated as adults, like any other US citizen. And to top it off, it’s an OMG book at each turn.
I forgot to mention it was our Book a day in May leader, Christina who told me to stop fooling around, make it a novel, change the names. Thanks Christina
Debby, I understand that fear, see my comments above. But I feel much better having over come them. Perhaps you might consider what I did and still inspire others by changing the names and calling it a novel.
I would be happy to share if you are interested.
Libby if you believe in what you write then it will be creative and have enough passion in it to reach others, perhaps not the whole world but those who can identify with you. Don’t give up. Good luck. ML
I like this CK. And there are others who answered this question the same way. I felt this way in the beginning.
There are lots of great story opportunities above,perhaps some of the women writing here might like to set up an unofficila support group. Good luck. ML
I never thought of myself as confidently creative until I told someone that I had an article published and they told me that I am a risk taker. Another said she admired me because I submit my writings. So I guess I am a lot more confidently creative than I ever imagined myself to be.
I’d say that I dare to creatively write about topics that are nearest and dearest to my heart or ones that I want to learn more about. I have written anything from a simple journal entry to piecing together my grandmother’s WWII history into the form of a story. In each I try to incorporate something that sets me apart from the rest and will keep the reader coming back for more.
If I had no fear, I’d write something completely off the wall. Something that I wouldn’t fear would chew me up and spit me out in the process.
My writings are best served to an audience hungry for knowledge. I’m always happy to share what I know, yet I am always willing to learn more. I guess that is just the ongoing process of a writer.
I am confidently creative. I am not, however, confidently skillful. I can picture all kinds of works of art in my head, but getting it to a medium is another story. But I do try. I use my creativity as a writer, a
homemaker, a gardener, and a mom. But I don’t just use it to create art. I use my creativity to create a peaceful and orderly existence.
I am confidently creative but it depends on what my medium is. My most confident platform is writing; specifically about my life. Give me a pen and paper and I can write forever about my childhood. If I had no fear – I would dare to publish a memoir while my parents were still alive. I would dare to some day write a book about raising a child with Sensory Processing Disorder. My son was recently diagnosed with this and while I am still learning a lot about this disorder – I feel like any and all information that I could some day pass on to another family, would be a benefit to everyone. I would love to turn this difficult situation in to a positive experience and find the silver lining. Right now – at this point in my life’s writing career – I serve my family. I serve them by being a stay-at-home mom and freelancing from home in between naps and bedtimes. I serve them by waiting to send out my weekly RPPs until after I’ve finished getting dinner ready. I serve my family by earning a little extra income from my published articles and I serve myself by doing something that I absolutely love – writing 😉
I’d like to say yes, and this is often the case. However there are also occasions when doubt leads. I try to move through the doubt, put the work away and come back to it later, often pleasantly surprised by what I was creating. Currently I’m at a “decisions crossroads” regarding where my creativity will go next. I do know that I’m not fulfilled by some of what I do, and that I need to streamline in order to be more creative and successful. I’m working hard on confidence, and addressing my expectations—of myself and others.
Are you confidently creative? Probably not.
Why or why not? Because I don’t put time into it.
What would you create
if you had no fear? A book about a controversial topic.
What do you dare to do with your creativity? I dare to practice my creativity. And practice gets results.
And who
do you serve? Me and everyone around me.