Misfit writers

I happened upon this post by accident after talking with a friend about my gravitation toward misfits of all kinds and then specifically Googling the words “misfit writers.”

Then, because I am a writer, I did the thing that a writer would do: I looked up the dictionary definition of “misfit.”

I didn’t like it.

I didn’t like it because the dictionary definition assigns blame to the person known as a misfit.

The blame, if there even is any, should not be on the person, but rather on the situation or environment.

Isn’t it interesting that we blame/label/tag/accuse the person instead of the circumstance?

Stick with me through my seemingly random thoughts as I bring this post full circle …

My contention is this: If you are an unconventional writer, meaning that you don’t do things “like everybody else,” stop blaming/labeling/tagging/accusing yourself.

Let your habits, style, voice and processes be inspired by things outside yourself, but let your habits, style, voice and processes be uniquely you.

So what if you don’t do A or B or Z. Those things don’t define your success and they certainly don’t define you as a writer.

It was only when I trusted my writer’s gut about such things as making a living as a diversified writer and turning down work that isn’t right for me, that I truly settled into a profitable and fulfilling writing life.

Your turn:

• Spend a few minutes being honest with yourself. Is your freelance life what you want it to be? If not, consider mentoring with me or another experienced freelancer like Linda Formichelli or Carol Tice. Or find an accountability buddy or mastermind group to help you.
• Choose one small thing you CAN change and make the commitment to change it. Find a buddy to hold you accountable to the change.
• Watch the negative self-talk. Monitor yourself for a few days. Do you compare yourself to others? Scold yourself for not being where you want to be? Don’t laugh, but simple daily affirmations really help in this area.

By JanO on 5/10/11, In freelance business, Tags accountability, Carol Tice, freelance, freelancer, Googling, Linda Formichelli, mastermind, mastermind group, writer, writers, writing