Courage, Conviction, and Certainty

There’s a lot of angst in the author community.

You know it’s true.

We’re nervous about if we’ll get an agent. Or if our book will sell. We’re nervous about critical reviews, and sales numbers, and what our mom will think. We spend a lot of time freaking out about if we’re ever going to really “make it” as authors, and why our friends got a better book deal than us, and who’s got more “followers” on Instagram.

I know I have. And I’d bet my-hair-is-hot-pink you have too.

Only, this attitude was driving me crazy. I was stressed out all the time. I was trying to be strategic. Trying to build my author platform. Trying to write a great novel. I suppose on some level, I was simply trying to prove to myself I was good enough. That I have worth. (Man that writer-shame is a bitch!).

But I’m over it.

I’ve decided to stop. I took some time to sit back and ask myself what it really means to be successful. What would it look like to value myself and my work and live the writing life I want. I’m not really into woo-woo hippy energy stuff, but that was the exact moment when the universe decided to have Sue Bryce walk into my life.

Sue Bryce

Sue Bryce is a Los Angeles portrait photographer, and I’ve had the oh-my-fucking-god life-changing experience of seeing her speak twice. This woman is a force of nature. In addition to being a photographer, her passion is educating other photographers on how to VALUE THEIR WORK! And among the brilliant mind-blowing things she spoke about, was this one phrase:

“You cannot stop someone with courage, conviction, and certainty.”

This phrase has stuck with me for over a year. It’s haunted me. I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I still can’t stop thinking about it. What would it mean to be a writer with courage, conviction, and certainty? Who would I be? What kind of unstoppable force would I become?

So, I started to journal about this concept. To define it for myself. To give it meaning and action in my own writing life — and it has completely transformed me. I’m more productive than I’ve ever been. I’m more vulnerable in my work. I’m more confident and excited and in love with the whole writing process.

In the next month, I’ll be launching my new Ingrid’s Notes Website, and I’ve made courage, conviction, and certainty the bedrock of my creative writing philosophy.

So, what exactly is it about these words that is so transformative? And how can you apply it to your writing life? I made three videos outlining what courage, conviction, and certainty really mean – to me. Of course, you have to define them for yourself, and then take action. But start here with these videos. See what triggers you, and excites you, and starts to resonate.

I truly believe any writer who applies these concepts can be an unstoppable creative force. I’m certain of it.

Clear eyes. Full hearts. Can’t loose.

Happy writing everyone.

5 responses to “Courage, Conviction, and Certainty”

  1. Melanie Fishbane says:

    Thank you for this! A good reminder for all of us in the process of creation.

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