The Boogeyman of Writing - Shirley S. Tye

There he lurks; under the bed; peeking through the window at night; peering over my shoulder during the day. At the computer, the boogeyman of writing whispers nasty little comments; “Who would be interested in reading that mumbo-jumbo?” Then he laughs wickedly as he rolls on the floor clutching his side; “You don’t have talent or any worthwhile ideas!”

Ouch! I’m practically in tears. Who am I kidding? Just myself in thinking I have even a smidgen of talent with the pen. I’m dreaming. As always, I’m dreaming. I’m a long-time sufferer of the head-in-the-clouds syndrome. You’re right, Mr. Boogeyman. I’ll put the pen down and back away from the computer. Oh, rats! The pen won’t stay on the desk and the clicking of the keyboard beckons me. I have to write. I want to write. I love writing!

Writing is an art. A rejection from one reader or editor doesn’t necessarily mean the writing is poor or the plot and characters are weak. They simply didn’t care for it; for any number of reasons. But like an oil painting or a sketch, it can be changed. As one painter learns from another or is encouraged by a fellow artist, a writer learns from other writers and receives encouragement and advice. Many times I’ve put my work out in fear and braced myself for the rejections and criticisms I’m certain would follow. Then to my surprise, most rejections were soft; it just wasn’t what they were looking for at that time. The criticisms were not hurtful attacks but creative critiques of how to improve the work. Oh, sure, I was disappointed but not for long. I examined my work and discovered ways to enhance it just as I do with my paintings and sketches.

Writing groups and writing work-shops are marvelous places to improve one’s writing, get helpful feed-back, encouragement, and direction. Write what is on your heart, with great passion and then toss it out. Maybe you’ll hit the bull’s eye. If not, try, try again. Never let the boogeyman of writing hold you back from what you love to do. Write!