I love to learn.  Well – if I’m being candid, then I’d say I love to learn in certain areas.  Relationships, marriage, encouragement, writing, history, and other sundries.  (math, economics and finance are not one of these topics – I’m being candid here, after all.)

So, I’m constantly and consistently drawn to places that cause my brain to stretch.

When it comes to the topic of writing, one of my favorite spots to “stretch” is found at a blog called Goinswriter.com.  It’s written by Jeff Goins, and he is a writer.

He shares his insights, tips, and resources for those who want to write.  (Here I am writing, so I guess that’s me!)  Since I’ve discovered Jeff – he signs his emails with “Jeff” so I think I can refer to him with his first name, and not a stuffy and stodgy “Mr. Goins” – I’ve worked through a few of his resources, read his Manifesto, and a few other books he’s recommended.  I’ll just sum it up.  He’s one of my trusted resources.

Today I’ve completed reading his newest eBook:  You Are a Writer:  So Start Acting Like One

The premise?  The last sentence is key:  “Remember: You are a writer. You just need to write.”  Of course that’s simplistic, but aren’t all truths simple?

He begins the ebook with words of encouragement, a bit about his story, and more affirmation.  I love feeling encouraged, don’t you?  He set me up to be ready to hear the practical stuff.

He says things like:

Passion is contagious. If you treat people like human beings and write from a place that is deep and true, you will find your audience.

My favorite practical stuff  included:  Building a Platform, Establishing a Brand, and Channels of Connection.  In these three chapters, Jeff Goins spells out how these three areas could be covered.  I found myself nodding in agreement – a lot!  (and realizing where I need to improve)

Throughout the book, Jeff is very clear about one thing:  writing is hard work.  You must persevere.  And a writer – writes.  Perhaps not well at the beginning, but as time passes and the person learns, the writing develops a unique ‘voice’.

Toward the end of the book there was a statement that made an impact on me:

Every milestone affords a new vantage point. You realize how much there is left to explore.  The trick here is to learn to be content with the journey, because you never fully arrive. However, the true masters of the craft are those who never grow complacent. They’re never fully satisfied; they’re always pushing themselves a little further.

Hmmm. Push  myself.  Be content with the journey.  I think I can do that…

Do you write?  You are a writer!

If you’d like some encouragement on how to view yourself as a writer, along with the practical, solid strategy, take the time to read Jeff Goins’ book, You Are a Writer:  So Start Acting Like One.

It’s easy to read.  It’s easy to understand.  But like all good things, writing is never easy to do.  I’ll finish with another encouraging word from Jeff,

You don’t need to take a giant leap. You just need to take the next step.