News from Make-Believe Press: # Out of the Comfort Zone

This past week I had the opportunity to do something that I’ve been afraid of. I won’t go into detail, but I will say that I fulfilled a creative mission, but instead of creating for creation’s sake and keeping it to myself, I set my creation free into the realm of the internet.

I had a story that I’d written, rewritten & then promptly set on a digital shelf to collect digital dust. I moved on with my creative endeavors, but the further I got from this one story, the more weighted down I began to feel. That extra weight became a nagging fear and soon my creativity was blocked up.

As a creative, I’m sure you’re familiar with imposter syndrome and the fear of not being good enough. This story in particular triggered this fear in me big-time. It was not my typical genre of work, and writing it felt like I was trespassing on ground that far better writers had claim to.

My friend reminded me that those same writers who had “claim to the ground” I was trespassing on also once started by taking their first steps on a path they had never tried before. Stepping past my fear and putting that story out into the wild was scary, but once it was done the weight that had been building on me lifted and my creativity began to flow again.

What paths are you avoiding because of the fear of being a trespasser? What project is weighing you down because of fear of setting it free? How can you walk with aplomb down paths you’re just starting on?

I know it’s a video by kids, for kids, but sometimes the kid in us needs to hear a pep talk. Personally, the place in me that holds onto this thought of “not being good enough” was made in my childhood and I hope to replace it with Vivian’s “Confidence Boost” steps instead. I promise it’s 5 quick steps to get you heading in the right direction.

Your CREATIVE MISSION, if you choose to accept, is to write or sketch a short piece that is inspired by this image:

Approach it like a child approaches play. No one has to see it. Create with freedom. I believe in you, adventurer!

I hope that in the coming month that any fear, weight, or creative block that’s been hampering you lifts, and you find yourself renewed and overflowing with ideas!

If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions you can reach me at victoria@make-believepress.com. I look forward to hearing from you.

Stay safe, Adventurer!

-Victoria

P.S. Umbrella with yellow background photo was by Edu Lauton & Feet over running water photo was by Matthew Ansley Both photos were found on Unsplash. The YouTube screen shot and word of month image were by me.

If you haven't done so already, you can get a look at “The World Is Full Of A**holes” by going to the secret page “Cellar Door” on Make-Believe Press' website and using the password “Magicword” to gain access

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