Traps that Hold Us Back #1

QUESTIONS!

Children are notorious for asking questions. They are busybodies and inquisitive, and they will keep asking until you answer them. People do not intimidate them like they might do as we mature.

“What’s that?”

“Why can’t I play in the street?”

“Where does milk come from?”

“How did you get bigger than me?”

These are simple questions, but we must answer them so they will learn.

The same goes for adults.

The first writer’s conference I attended over fourteen years ago blew my mind. I knew writing had become my calling, but I was clueless about how to get started. As I walked around the hotel, I overheard people talking about turning in a proposal or writing a synopsis, even a query letter. My insides churned as stress overwhelmed me. I was out of my element, or so I thought.

I’m an introvert by nature, so stepping into an unfamiliar crowd had already made me feel vulnerable and less than. I searched for individuals who looked as frightened as me and befriended them. Whew! Now, I wasn’t alone and could quietly ask them questions without feeling ignorant. The funny thing was, they didn’t know the answers either.

We can fall into many traps when we embark on a new endeavor. Besides being extremely nervous and not wanting to sound uneducated, we withhold all those thoughts buzzing around in our heads and hope no one asks us a question we cannot answer correctly.

Have you ever whispered questions to someone close by, hoping no one would hear or judge you for not knowing? I’ll be the first to raise my hand. None of us want to come across as unprepared.

We are our own worst judges.

The fact is, there are no dumb questions when bettering yourself and learning a new craft. This is how we learn, just like children do.

After forcing myself to step out of that introverted shell, I found strength in knowing others needed insight into writing terms and writing lingo, too. I purposely swallowed my fears, stepped forward, and began asking questions. Guess what? No one condemned me or made fun of me. Many of them became some of my closest writing friends. My insight grew by leaps and bounds. I learned how to write and communicate on a sophisticated level. Well, maybe not sophisticated. Let’s say I learned.

Just remember, regardless of your status as a newbie in any field. Don’t let low self-esteem, shyness, or being an introvert stop you from seeking the wisdom and knowledge you need to pursue your dreams.

Blessings,

Loretta

Award-winning author Loretta Eidson loves writing romantic suspense. She believes in the power of prayer and enjoys putting her characters in realistic situations where they must trust God to pull them through. Loretta is an AWSA-certified coach and has a heart for aspiring writers. Tamela Hancock Murray is her agent, and Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense publishes her.

Loretta has four grown children, thirteen grands, and four great-grands. She loves chocolate, caramel, iced tea, and coffee. She lives in North Mississippi, close to her family.

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