Confidence: A Key Element of Writing

I am back from the Sydney Writers’ Festival. It was a truly fantastic experience and I met so many wonderful people. I attended workshops, listened to discussion panels, volunteered as a helper and soaked in the amazing atmosphere.

The one piece of advice that stood out above the rest during the festival was that as writers we must have confidence.

How can we sell our work if we don’t believe in it?
How can we negotiate contracts if we don’t think we are worth it?
How can we find our unique voice, if we aren’t brave enough to write from that hidden place within us?
How will we ever succeed in publication if we think it’s not possible?
How can we brave the criticisms of editors, book reviewers and the general public if we listen to our doubts?
How can we even finish a book if we think it will go nowhere?

This is why we need confidence -- so that nothing can hold us back.

After you've been shaken, what are the things that make you feel confident again as a writer? 

--
I’ll write in more detail about the festival in posts to come. Right now, I'm still recovering (lol) plus I haven't written for a week and I'm eager to get back to my manuscript. I'm inspired!

Also forgot to mention this blog turned one year old during the festival! YAY!

The Power of Our Words

‘We live in a world that is ultimately understood only through language. It is the writer who has the power to name, create and shape our world – to give us the words we live by.’
Chip Rolley, artistic director of the Sydney Writers’ Festival.

The Sydney Writers’ Festival is coming up (16th-22nd May). I’m super excited. The theme this year is power. The writer has the power to create, shape and change the world. When we write a story it’s not just a story. It can shape the way people think. While writing is often a mere reflection of society, it can also shape society.

We can touch people’s soul with our words. We can make people think about issues they wouldn’t normally think about. And it’s subtle. Have you ever read a scene or watched a show that moved you to tears? You know it’s fiction and yet the story or characters have left a mark on you. Our words can influence readers without them even realising. I don’t mean to freak you, but think about that the next time you put pen to paper.

I’ll be busy at the Sydney Writers’ Festival next week. I plan to attend a few workshops, check out the many events and I’ll even be doing some volunteer work for the festival as well. I’ll be back here on Monday 23rd May.

Have a great week.

#swf2011

Pic: a shot of the Opera House from under the Sydney Harbour Bridge.