So, I'm reading DASH AND LILY'S BOOK OF DARES by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan.
It's adorable (with the exception of a few F-bombs, which I admittedly dislike).
It got me thinking about dares. And truths. In the story, they share honest truths with each other and they also hand over some dares. I wouldn't dare do something like kiss a frog or stick my hand down a badger hole (my own dares--not those from the book--if you want to know what their dares are you'll have to read the book). Danger is not my middle name. But, would I dare to be honest with myself about what I would dare to do. With my writing, that is.
Would I dare to treat my writing seriously enough to write regularly?
Would I dare to give my characters the flaws they need so they can grow?
Would I dare to rewrite one of my manuscripts to make it stronger?
Would I dare to finish this blasted query?
Maybe. It's something I'm having to work on, that's for sure. And I don't use the term work lightly here.
How about you? Truth or dare?
Dares have never been my problem. I dared myself to spend every free moment (when my brain was functioning on all cylinders) writing. I dared myself to announce my goals and aspirations to be a published author publicly online. I dared myself to take this so seriously I would do it full time for at least 1 yr. Truth is the area I'm working on. Truth about lingering insecurites, the ability to sustain momentum, the capability to make authentic connections online.
ReplyDeleteDares might work, except I'm just reckless enough to try them.
ReplyDeleteYou totally are brave enough! GO for it! :)
ReplyDeleteInsightful post. I agree with Sara. Just do it!! You can.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a fun book. And I'm with Salarsen, you can do it!
ReplyDeleteI think if you want to get real about being a writer, you do have to dare to be bold and push yourself :)
ReplyDeleteI like truths and dares. They force me to step up. To put my money where my mouth is, so to speak. If it weren't for dares, I think I wouldn't go anywhere.
ReplyDeleteGood luck to you! I think you can do it!
Doing dares takes courage and, as Ali says, they do force us to step up. In the case of writing, it's worth finding the courage. The rewards are HUGE. Good luck on your query.
ReplyDeleteI think you can do it!
ReplyDeleteHi Shari,
ReplyDeleteI'm a fellow campaigner. I hate trying to query agents. It all feels like a game that I don't have the patience for. Kind of unavoidable though, isn;t it?
Oooo, great connection, Shari! I'm trying really hard to complete a few of those dares right now. NOT easy. :-)
ReplyDeleteIt's time for me to take some dears. Thanks for the inspiration.
ReplyDeleteIn my experience, when someone starts asking themselves these types of self-aware questions, they're ready to embrace change.
ReplyDeleteQuery letter? I have to write a query letter? Dang it! I've actually played around with one before, but I wasn't ready to send the MS, so it wasn't nearly as intimidating as the thought is now--since I really need to buckle down and do something about that soon.
ReplyDeleteYeah, daring to make your character flawed enough to drive the story, but knowing when to stop so the character is still likeable (or at least someone we can empathize with) can be a struggle.
Doing some of those dares now. So scary, but worth it! Good luck!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great premise for a book! I'll have to check it out. And I love your dares. I hope you do them all!
ReplyDeleteHi Shari - I'm in your campaign group for contemporary fiction. That's a great first dare - treating your writing seriously to do it regularly. I need to dare myself to do that. And this is most definitely WORK.
ReplyDeleteYou DO dare, and you CAN! Get in there, girl! *rah rah rah*
ReplyDeleteDaring to be honest with yourself...now that is bravery.
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