I sit amongst ghosts, and they are getting slightly annoyed. Because I’ve become comfortable in appeasing others, instead of acknowledging that I own the rights of my life story.
“For who will testify, who will accurately describe our lives if we do not do it ourselves?” ~ Faye Moskowits
I hear a shout as I sit at the graveyard, “Old keys won’t open new doors.” No, it’s not the ghosts speaking but the key keeper; my usual inner critic. For a change, she is on my side and is nudging me to believe in my own abilities and judgement.
Illustration from adult colouring book, Enchanted Forest by Johanna Basford. Coloured by yours truly.
So, this is how I came out with my word for this year as self-belief. I’m going to embrace the fear of abandonment and try to publish some of my stories. These stories might even come in other forms of storytelling besides poetry, I’ll keep you posted.
All this means, there will be gradual additions on the blog and changes in blogging schedule to accommodate growth. So, I won’t be posting weekly as before but fortnightly. And of course, I’ll continue with the Midweek Motif at Poets United and blog parties, for instance, hosted by the wicked Ms Magaly.
Now, over to you. What writing or creative projects are you pursuing this year?
note: I call my story drafts and unpublished manuscripts ghosts because they haunt me for a chance to let them live or else bury them once and for all.
Restarted. Reopened and Revamped my writing blog after a short hiatus. The return was December 30th. The focus has returned to poetry and Snippet Stories.
A wonderful way to start the year with revamped creative space, Deborah! Where POETRY is mentioned, I don’t need convincing. 🙂 I’m heading over to read and be inspired.
I look forward to reading your ghosts 🙂 A happy and blessed New year to you Khaya
Looks like you are holding all the keys to the best possible future! Blog parties sound like an interesting concept ?
Thank you Raili. All the best for the New Year to you too.
The Key Keeper has been dangling them for a while now, I have to do something. 🙂 And yes, blog parties are fun, motivating and a brilliant way to engage with other creatives. If you want to join the party, you are always welcome. 🙂
This is so beautiful. Looking forward to reading your daring! ❤
No pressure: I expect complete success in your project!
Myself, I intend to rummage through my stories and select at least ten that can survive revision and polishing to be transformed into a publishable collection. We shall see what 2018 brings…
Thank you, Esther!♥
Complete success! I’m sweating, under pressure already…
All the best with putting together a collection for publication. I, too, expect complete success in your project. 😀
Khaya, I celebrate your word of ‘self-belief’ for the year! Good for you and I look forward to reading your stories and writing and hope many of these ghosts see wider acceptance and publication. Wishing you a wonderfully creative 2018! xx
Congratulations to you Khaya on taking a leap of faith by writing your story and facing your ghosts. It’s been a while since I’ve last come here and I love the setup-very nice!!
Go for it Khaya, you can do it! Hug that fear of abandonment, with lots of love and fly!!! I can’t wait to read your stories! Big Hugs!
I hope so too, Annika. Thank you for celebrating my word. 🙂
Lovely to see you around here, Steph. Many thanks, and yes it’s about take that leap of faith.
Oh Stacy, you made laugh with your suggesting I hug the fear of abandonment.? Big Hugs!
Self-belief sounds like a wonderful word, Khaya, especially if it awakens the creative urge. I wish you a happy new year full of abundance in every sense of that word, too. Myself? I will be writing away… as usual. 🙂
There’s nothing like doubt to suppress the creative urge, and so I’ll fully embrace self-belief this year. 🙂 Thank you always, Diana. I wish you all the best with your writing, as well.
Happy to make you laugh! 🙂
Congrats! Also, I just wrote something about trying to use old habits with a new paradigm, so this quote, “Old keys won’t open new doors” is appropriate. Wishing you well this year.
Yes indeed, a new paradigm is needed. Thanks so much for well wishes, Kathy. Much appreciated!
Happy New Year, Khaya. A wonderful way to start the year. 🙂
Happy New Year, my dear friend! Hope you started the year well…
This makes me sooo happy! The words, the drawing, the intent, the promise… I am right with you (thanks goodness for the ghosts that remind us of what matters).
Thanks Maga! Now I have to live up to the promise. 🙂
I like your words.