A is for Audacious, by Lorrie Orr

 

An audacious amaryllis

audacious: adjective

     intrepidly daring: adventurous

     recklessly bold: brash

     marked by originality and verve

"Writing makes a person very vulnerable. It opens you to public criticism, to ridicule, to rejection. But it also opens conversation and thought. It stirs minds, and touches hearts. It brings us into contact with our souls. So how can it possibly be a waste of time, an idle act, a mistake, a betrayal of truth? Who can possibly tell us not to do it?"

Joan Chittister

Order of Saint Benedict

                         

Anyone who writes demonstrates a degree of audacity and boldness, for all the reasons Joan lists in her words above. It takes courage to think of oneself as a writer, and even more boldness to admit to writing if one is not a Louise Penny or Adam Gopnik. People ask questions we might not want to answer, or even know how to answer. 

Still, we write because it's what we do. Writing is part of our DNA, much more important than publishing. To become a better writer, here are some ideas for adding a little audacity to your writing life:

1. Get out of your own way. It's easy to become self-conscious about writing, always second-guessing, wondering if someone we know won't approve. If God has given you words, use them to his honour with your best ability. Ask for release from what holds you back.

2. Failure is more interesting than success. In telling stories, being they memoir, fiction, or anecdotes in an essay, having characters who struggle and strive for what they want helps readers relate more closely, for we all struggle in some way. 

3. Set audacious goals for yourself. Canadian comedian Jim Carrey grew up in a working class environment in Ontario where there was no money for education. He worked on his routines little by little. In 1985 Jim Carrey wrote himself a $10-million cheque and placed it in his wallet as a goal to work towards. Ten years later, in 1995, he signed a contract for Dumb and Dumber in the amount of $10-million. Coincidence? No. He set an audacious goal and worked towards it. 

Lorrie Orr writes from Vancouver Island where she enjoys boating and hiking with her husband. Gardening, sewing, reading, and spending time with her five grandchildren fill her days with happiness and contentment. She is newly retired from teaching high school Spanish.