For today’s Tuesday 12 x 12, meet Cheryl Velasquez, a writer who is getting used to sharing her work and her life – this post is a big step in that direction! I’m sure she’ll inspire you with what she has already done to achieve her goals this year. Take it away, Cheryl!
Hello from the sunny state of Florida. I’m a 2nd grade teacher working at an inner city elementary school. I love to travel. I am your go to girl if you want to take a trip. I have been to 7 countries and 3 continents. This summer I hope to check off Italy, and Greece. My family is important to me. I have been happily married for 28 years and have three great kids…well they are grown now, but I still call them my kids. I love to write in rhyme and read historical fiction.
Why did I join 12x12x12?
Having a hard time getting inspired? Or maybe what is rolling around in your head can’t find its way to paper? And when you FINALLY get it down, you think to yourself,”this story sucks!” Well maybe you have what I had… WDS. You ask, what is WDS…Writer’s Doubt Syndrome. (That’s my own diagnosis) 2011 was not a good year for me. I was stuck in a writing rut. You know the one I’m talking about! I needed a new focus.
So now I know what it is, how do I get rid of it?
WDS can steal your passion. It creeps in between rejection letters and revision-raises it ugly head…sometime to the point of frustration and tears, resulting in “maybe I should stop trying.” People who doubt themselves take fewer chances, and do not reach their full potential. So here is my advice one writer to another.
1) Celebrate the little things.
2) Take risks, even if you have to force yourself.
3) Embrace the 12x12x12 support.
4) Relax and enjoy the ride.
Celebrate with me my little successes. Since joining the 12x12x12 team, I have a blog, a facebook writer’s page, written 2 picture book drafts, and submitted an entry in the Highlights Fiction Contest. What more could a girl want except 10 more drafts and a contract!
I am taking my own advice…stepping out of my comfort zone to do this interview. Normally I would NEVER volunteer to do anything like this. Public writing makes me nervous. I do not enjoy being in the spotlight. But every time I push myself, I find a little more of myself. As a writer I have challenged myself to write at least one nonfiction draft this year. At the end of your comfort zone is where magic begins. So what will you do in 2012 to bring the magic? Put yourself out there. You will be surprised where it can take you. Look at me!
My family and critique buddies (thank you Jennifer Young) have supported me every step of my journey. But now, I have the support of 278 new friends.This does wonders for the self confidence! I’m very exciting to part of an incredible group of talented writers and illustrators. As a newbie, I find there is so much I have to learn. But I don’t have to look far, because here, right beside me, are all of you. I am inspired by all of the 12x12x12 participants-your blogs, willingness to share your knowledge and especially your encouragement.
So let’s relax, enjoy the ride and see what magic comes in 2012!
Visit Cheryl at her blog, Book Nook, where she writes about the writing life, the path to publication, and shares picture book reviews written by her second graders.
Great job Cheryl! I admire you for stepping out of your comfort zone. I like your tip on celebrating the little things! I will try to practice that more. Thank you!
Well done Cheryl, great post! Putting yourself out there, it’s scary in any context. I’m also glad I signed up for 12×12 and so far, so good – 2 drafts down and 10 to go! I, myself would never take something on like this normally, it’s a marathon and I often struggle just to get out of bed! lol. The last few months though have really been about growth and stretching myself, as you say the more you do the more your realise you CAN do. 😀
Well done, Cheryl. I thought you were talking about me with the WDS. 🙂 I recently went through the same experience and I know it won’t be the last either. It really helps to have the support during these moments, to help break through those boxes at times. Thank you.
Great post. I love 12 X 12. It really does battle WDS (I’m glad your diagnosis…I wasn’t sure what to call it 🙂
The support of this group is unbelievable. A real blessing for writers.
Thanks for your words.
Thanks for the great advice, Cheryl. Now I just need figure out how to relax and enjoy the ride, LOL. Celebrating the little things does help to keep my WDS at bay.
Great post, Cheryl! Good luck with your journey, every step of the way.