by Cathy Fyock @Cathy Fyock
I have a love-hate relationship with writing. I’m sure that might seem odd coming from someone who has written eight books and works as a book coach.
But it’s true. I hate to write. Yet, I love what writing does for me and my readers.
I hate the agonizing time searching for the right model, the correct analogy or metaphor, or the perfect framing for my topic. Yet, I love the clarity and focus that the process gives me. By laboring over each framing, I become clearer and therefore more helpful to my readers.
I hate that writing is an incredibly vulnerable proposition. By writing my thoughts and ideas, I open the kimono and show others my weaknesses and flaws. Yet, by becoming more vulnerable, I become more human and approachable for my readers, and I’m better able to connect in a deep and meaningful way.
I hate the time involved in crafting my ideas and in wordsmithing and fine-tuning until the product is just right. Yet, it is so rewarding in writing a post, article, or book that can be truly transformative for my readers.
I hate the time that writing takes from my speaking and coaching—the work I truly love. But, in writing blogs, articles, and books, I am better able to connect with my clients and do the work I love.
So, yes, I have a love-hate relationship with writing. And as long as writing produces such amazing results such as clarity, connection, and transformation, I guess I will continue to write.
As I’ve said, I hate writing. But I love what writing does for my readers and my business.
TWEETABLES
Writing: Love You, Love You Not - @CathyFyock on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Some of us have a love-hate relationship with #writing - @CathyFyock on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
So true! Especially the part about being vulnerable. I am passionate about what I write and want it to effect others, yet it feels awkward when someone compliments me or intimidates me when they disagree or challenge it, causing me to second-guess the value of continuing to write. Good to know that it's not just me who feels this way, and even seasoned professionals have to overcome the same challenges. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteGreat writing is vulnerable writing! Even when writing nonfiction. But the payoff is totally worth it.
DeleteNever thought of my writing quite like this Ms. Cathy. Perhaps because I don't think of it as a business, but a passion. I write for a living, yes, but I believe my best writing comes from putting my heart on paper. Perhaps because I am not widely published, or known as an author for that matter, I am still naive enough to believe I can write simply for the joy it brings me, and hopefully others. Thanks for sharing a different perspective. God's blessings ma'am...
ReplyDeleteI would rather speak or coach than write, and most of my clients agree. But we understand the power of the written and published word! How blessed you are to love writing!
DeleteIt is a love/hate relationship. Although, I'd rather write than do the dishes for instance, and I'd rather write than do the marketing as well. I have a very hard time balancing all of these items. However, I've not gotten old and cranky without learning there is always a battle raging somewhere.
ReplyDeleteYes! I find that when I have a super-clean desk I've been participating in productive procrastination. It is a balancing act.
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